Kailh Box Mute Jade vs. PH Studio Yoel
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Mute Jade and the PH Studio Yoel switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Kailh Box Mute Jade and the PH Studio Yoel offer contrasting typing experiences. The Box Mute Jade is a clicky switch that provides a crunchy feel with a more subdued sound profile, perfect for those who enjoy tactile feedback without the loud noise. On the other hand, the Yoel linear switch offers a chewy typing experience with a bright and clacky sound profile, resulting in a satisfying and pronounced resonance. Choosing between these two switches ultimately depends on your preference for the typing feel and sound. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
75g
Actuation force
53g
Bottom-out force
82g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.20 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Ly
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Kailh Box spring
Spring
Single stage lengthened 20mm spring
Housing materials
Both the Kailh Box Mute Jade and the PH Studio Yoel switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, providing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The translucency of polycarbonate also makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting, enhancing the visual appeal of the keyboard. However, the Yoel switch differs in its bottom housing material, using POM which produces a deeper and more muted sound compared to the nylon bottom housing of the Box Mute Jade. This difference in bottom housing material impacts the overall sound output and typing experience of the switches.
Despite the differences in bottom housing material, both the Box Mute Jade and Yoel switches share the benefits of using polycarbonate in their top housing. The relatively stiffer nature of polycarbonate leads to a clear and resonant sound profile that enhances the typing experience. Additionally, the use of clear housing allows for the RGB lighting to shine through, adding a visually appealing element to the keyboard. While the materials used for the bottom housing may create differences in sound profile, the consistency in the top housing material ensures that users will still experience similar sound qualities with these switches.
In terms of typing feel, the choice of bottom housing material plays a significant role, impacting the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch. The softer nylon bottom housing of the Box Mute Jade creates a deeper and fuller sound profile, while the POM bottom housing of the Yoel provides a unique and more muted sound. This difference in bottom housing material allows for variation in the sound and feel of the switches, giving users the opportunity to choose based on their preference for typing experience. Ultimately, the combination of top and bottom housing materials in both switches contributes to their overall sound profile and typing feel, offering users a range of options to suit their needs.
Weight
The Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch and the PH Studio Yoel linear switch have significant differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Box Mute Jade has a heavier actuation force of 75 grams and a bottom out force of 82 grams, making it ideal for those who prefer a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Yoel has a lighter actuation force of 53 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, offering a smoother typing experience for those who prefer a lighter touch. The Box Mute Jade is heavier in both actuation and bottom out force compared to the Yoel, making it the better choice for those who prefer a more robust key press. However, for users who prefer a lighter touch, the Yoel would be the preferable option. Ultimately, the weight of the switch is crucial in determining the typing experience, with lighter switches being more suitable for extended typing sessions and heavier switches providing a more satisfying keystroke feel.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch and the PH Studio Yoel linear switch, it is evident that the Box Mute Jade has a longer travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Yoel has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.2 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are becoming more prevalent in the market. Gamers, in particular, may prefer the Yoel switch for its slightly faster response time due to its shorter travel distance. On the other hand, those who appreciate a more substantial key press may opt for the Box Mute Jade with its longer travel distance. Overall, the choice between these two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of typing experience and desired level of responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The PH Studio Yoel has an MSRP of $4.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Yoel for $4.10.
The Kailh Box Mute Jade comes in at $6.50 per 10 switches.
Here at Milktooth, we offer the best prices on switches (on average, 27% lower the competition). In addition, we offer free shipping on orders over $49.00. We also offer free returns and exchanges, so you can shop with guaranteed satisfaction.
That said, while price is an important piece of the puzzle, our opinion is that you should ultimately pick the option that most suits your unique preferences since you’ll be using these switches for years to come. In other words, finding something perfect for you is, in our view, the most important criteria.
Typing experience
When it comes to sound, the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch offers a unique crunchy sound profile, reminiscent of stepping on piles of autumn leaves. The sound is more subdued compared to traditional clicky switches, making it a great choice for those looking for a quieter typing experience. On the other hand, the PH Studio Yoel linear switch produces a bright and clacky sound that is satisfying and pronounced, with a noticeable resonance upon bottoming out. The high-pitched and resonant characteristics of the Yoel provide a different auditory experience compared to the Box Mute Jade, catering to those who appreciate a crisper sound profile.
In terms of feel, the Box Mute Jade is labeled as having an accented and stiff tactile feel, providing a noticeable bump without being overpowering. The switch is described as polished, resulting in a smooth and refined typing experience. On the other hand, the PH Studio Yoel linear switch is characterized as creamy and silky, offering a buttery and smooth typing sensation. Similar to the Box Mute Jade, the Yoel is also described as polished, indicating reduced friction and smooth key travel. Overall, the creamy and silky feel of the Yoel contrasts with the accented and stiff feel of the Box Mute Jade, catering to different preferences in tactile feedback.
In conclusion, the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch and the PH Studio Yoel linear switch offer distinct sound and feel profiles that cater to different preferences in mechanical keyboard switches. The Box Mute Jade provides a crunchy and subdued sound with an accented and stiff tactile feel, while the Yoel delivers a bright and clacky sound with a creamy and silky typing experience. By understanding the unique qualities of each switch, newcomers can make an informed decision based on their auditory and tactile preferences to enhance their typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you enjoy the satisfying tactile feedback and clicky sound of a mechanical keyboard switch but prefer a quieter profile, the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch would be an excellent choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth and buttery typing experience without the audible click, the PH Studio Yoel linear switch would be more up your alley. Consider your preferences for both sound and feel when choosing between these two switches to find the one that best suits your typing style and preferences.
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