Kailh Box Navy vs. PH Studio Yoel
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Navy and the PH Studio Yoel switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Kailh Box Navy and PH Studio Yoel offer unique typing experiences that cater to different preferences. The Box Navy is perfect for those who enjoy a heavy typing experience and the satisfying sound of a clicky switch, reminiscent of vintage buckling keyboards from the 80s. On the other hand, the PH Studio Yoel linear switch provides a smooth and chewy typing experience, with a bright and clacky sound profile that is both satisfying and pronounced. Both switches have their own set of characteristics and appeal, offering users the choice between a crunchy and stiff typing experience with the Box Navy or a creamy and polished feel with the Yoel. 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
60g
Actuation force
53g
Bottom-out force
90g
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
No
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
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Kailh Box spring
Spring
Single stage lengthened 20mm spring
Housing materials
The main difference in housing materials between the Kailh Box Navy and the PH Studio Yoel switches lies in their bottom housings. The Box Navy utilizes a nylon bottom housing, known for providing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound. In contrast, the Yoel features a POM bottom housing, which produces a unique and pleasing sound on the deeper side, albeit relatively more muted than nylon. This results in a distinct typing experience for each switch, with the Box Navy offering a rounder sound while the Yoel delivers a deeper but quieter tone.
On the other hand, both switches share a commonality in their polycarbonate top housing. Polycarbonate is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its relatively stiff nature. This leads to a more clear and resonant sound, making it an ideal material for the top housing of switches when RGB lighting is involved. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate adds an aesthetic appeal to the switches, giving them a modern and stylish look. Despite the shared material, the specific design and layout of the top housing in each switch may still result in slight variations in sound and feel.
Ultimately, the choice between the Kailh Box Navy and the PH Studio Yoel switches may come down to personal preference in sound profile and typing experience. While the Box Navy offers a fuller and rounder sound with its nylon bottom housing, the Yoel provides a unique and deeper tonality with its POM bottom housing. Both switches feature the sharp and crisp sound of polycarbonate in their top housing, adding clarity and resonance to the typing experience. Whether you prefer a sharper sound profile or a deeper tone, both switches offer distinct qualities that cater to different preferences in mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch and the PH Studio Yoel linear switch, it is evident that the Box Navy is heavier while the Yoel is lighter. The Box Navy has an actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 90 grams, providing a substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. In contrast, the Yoel has an actuation force of 53 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, offering a lighter typing experience which may be more suitable for longer typing sessions. While both switches provide different levels of force, they are designed to cater to different preferences in typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on whether the user prefers a lighter or heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch is 3.6 mm, while the PH Studio Yoel linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.2 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are popular among users looking for faster response times, particularly gamers. The Box Navy offers a slightly longer travel distance, which may provide a more cushioned feel when typing compared to the Yoel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches may come down to personal preference in terms of desired responsiveness and typing experience.
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 Navy comes in at $5.50 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
The Kailh Box Navy switch is known for its resonant and crunchy sound profile, reminiscent of vintage buckling keyboards. On the other hand, the PH Studio Yoel linear switch offers a bright and clacky sound with a satisfying resonance when keys bottom out. While the Box Navy provides a sharp and invigorating tactile feel with a strong and crisp bump, the Yoel switch offers a creamy and silky typing experience, allowing fingers to effortlessly glide across the keys. When it comes to sound, the Box Navy is more resonant and crunchy, while the Yoel is clacky and high-pitched. In terms of feel, the Box Navy is sharp and stiff, while the Yoel is creamy and polished. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches depends on personal preference for sound and feel – if you prefer a heavier and more tactile typing experience with a resonant sound, go for the Box Navy; if you prefer a smoother and quieter typing experience with a clacky sound, the Yoel switch is the way to go. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, ensuring that you'll get similar results in terms of quality and performance regardless of which one you choose.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a heavy typing experience with a clicky sound profile reminiscent of vintage keyboards, the Kailh Box Navy switches would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother and lighter typing experience with a bright and clacky sound profile, the PH Studio Yoel linear switches would suit you better. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your preference for typing feel and sound, with the Box Navy offering a sharp and invigorating tactile feel, while the Yoel provides a creamy and polished typing sensation. Consider your typing style, preferences, and needs when choosing between these two switches to enhance your overall typing experience.
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