Kailh Box Royal vs. PH Studio Yoel
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Royal 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 Royal and the PH Studio Yoel offer distinct features that cater to different preferences. The Box Royal is renowned for its incredibly tactile feedback, providing a sharp and binary tactility that is almost aggressively satisfying. On the other hand, the Yoel linear switch offers a more luxurious typing experience, with a chewy feel that envelops your fingertips with each press. The sound profiles of these switches also differ, with the Box Royal being characterized by a higher-pitched tone, while the Yoel produces a bright and clacky sound that resonates upon bottoming-out. Both switches have their unique qualities that appeal to different users, but diving deeper into their specifics will help you make the best choice for your typing needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
53g
Bottom-out force
70g
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
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Single stage lengthened 20mm spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Kailh Box Royal and the PH Studio Yoel, there are notable differences in the sound profiles they produce. The Box Royal's nylon housing creates a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, the Yoel's polycarbonate housing produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound thanks to its stiffer plastic composition. The polycarbonate housing is also translucent, making it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. While both materials have their own unique sound characteristics, they offer users distinct auditory experiences based on personal preferences.
In terms of the bottom housing materials, the Box Royal uses nylon while the Yoel utilizes POM. Both materials contribute to the overall sound profile of the switch, with nylon providing a deeper and fuller sound compared to the more muted and deeper sound produced by POM. The varying qualities of the bottom housing materials impact the tactile feedback felt when pressing down on the switch, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel experienced by the user. Despite the differences in material, both housing types offer a unique typing experience with their individual sound profiles.
The division of housing materials between the top and bottom of the switch allows for a diverse typing experience that combines the characteristics of each material. The bottom housing has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key. This split feature offers users a dynamic typing experience that incorporates the distinct properties of nylon, polycarbonate, and POM. Whether one prefers a deeper and fuller sound or a sharper and crisper sound, both the Kailh Box Royal and PH Studio Yoel switches deliver unique sound profiles based on their housing materials.
Weight
The Kailh Box Royal tactile switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the PH Studio Yoel linear switch, which has a higher actuation force of 53 grams. However, when it comes to the bottom out force, the Box Royal is heavier at 70 grams, while the Yoel is slightly lighter at 60 grams. This means that the Box Royal provides a more substantial typing experience due to its higher bottom out force, while the Yoel offers a smoother typing feel with its lower actuation force. Both switches fall into the medium-heavy category, but the Box Royal leans towards the heavier side while the Yoel is more towards the lighter side, providing users with different options based on their preferences.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box Royal tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the PH Studio Yoel linear switch has a travel distance of 3.2 mm. In this case, the Yoel switch has a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Box Royal switch. The difference may not be significant, but it could be noticeable for individuals who are sensitive to variations in travel distance. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are becoming increasingly popular especially among gamers seeking quicker response times. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for either a slightly shorter or longer travel distance when typing or gaming.
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 Royal comes in at $6.25 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
In terms of sound, the Kailh Box Royal switch is characterized by a high-pitched profile, producing a sharp and crisp sound when pressed. On the other hand, the PH Studio Yoel linear switch offers a bright and clacky sound, with a satisfying and pronounced resonance when keys reach their bottom-out point. Both switches offer unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences - the Box Royal for those who enjoy a sharper sound, and the Yoel for those who prefer a brighter and clacky profile. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal sound preferences and the overall setup of your keyboard.
When it comes to feel, the Kailh Box Royal switch is well-known for its sharp tactile feedback, providing a high feedback intensity with a distinctive and prominent tactile bump. On the other hand, the PH Studio Yoel linear switch offers a creamy and polished typing experience, with a smooth and refined finish that results in reduced friction and effortless key travel. Both switches offer different tactile experiences, with the Box Royal delivering a more intense tactile feedback and the Yoel providing a smoother and buttery typing sensation. The choice between the two will depend on whether you prefer a sharp and distinct tactile bump or a smooth and polished typing experience.
Overall, the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch and the PH Studio Yoel linear switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Box Royal provides a high-pitched sound profile and sharp tactile feedback, appealing to those who enjoy aggressive tactility and a crisp sound. On the other hand, the Yoel switch offers a bright and clacky sound with a creamy and polished typing experience, catering to individuals who prefer a smoother and more resonant typing sensation. Whether you prioritize sound or feel in your mechanical keyboard switch selection, both the Box Royal and Yoel switches provide unique characteristics that can enhance your overall typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on your personal preferences and desired typing feel.
Conclusion
In closing, if you value sharp, binary tactility and a higher-pitched sound profile in your mechanical keyboard switches, the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch is the perfect choice for you. These switches pack a punch with their intense tactile bump and distinct feedback. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth and buttery typing experience with a bright and clacky sound profile, the PH Studio Yoel linear switch might be more to your liking. These switches offer a more subtle tactile feel but make up for it with their satisfying keypress sound and silky key travel. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches comes down to personal preference in terms of tactility and sound. So, whether you go for the sharp and intense sensation of the Box Royal or the smooth and resonant feel of the Yoel, both switches have something unique to offer for your typing pleasure.
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