Kailh Box White V2 vs. PH Studio Yoel
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box White V2 and the PH Studio Yoel switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, choosing the right type can significantly impact your typing experience. The Kailh Box White V2 is a clicky switch renowned for its crisp tactile feedback and pronounced audible click, making it an ideal choice for typists and gamers who enjoy a more tactile and auditory typing experience, allowing them to feel each keystroke. In contrast, the PH Studio Yoel is a linear switch that offers a delectably chewy typing sensation, enveloping your fingertips with every press while characterized by a bright and clacky sound. This switch is perfect for those who prefer a smooth and uninterrupted keystroke without the distraction of a click, creating a unique resonance that adds to the overall tactile joy. While the Box White V2 excels in delivering clear auditory cues, the Yoel provides a delightful tactile experience, making them both appealing for different reasons. 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
45g
Actuation force
53g
Bottom-out force
50g
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
Stainless steel
Spring
Single stage lengthened 20mm spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Kailh Box White V2 and the PH Studio Yoel, the top housing of both switches is made from polycarbonate. This commonality results in a crisper, higher-pitched, and more resonant sound profile for both switches. The polycarbonate's relatively stiff composition contributes to these acoustic qualities, making it a favored choice for enthusiasts seeking clarity in sound. Additionally, the translucent nature of the polycarbonate top housing allows for vibrant RGB lighting effects, enhancing the visual appeal of both switches. Consequently, users can expect a similar auditory experience when the two switches are in use, particularly during key release, as the polycarbonate top significantly shapes the sound character.
In contrast, the bottom housing materials are different between the two switches, with the Kailh Box White V2 utilizing nylon and the PH Studio Yoel featuring POM (Polyoxymethylene). Nylon, known for its softer characteristics, results in a deeper and fuller sound profile, absorbing more sound to create a more rounded auditory experience. In comparison, POM offers a distinct sound that leans towards a more muted quality, but retains a deeper tonality overall. This divergence means that while both switches may share similar top housing sound profiles, their bottom housing materials lead to different perceptions when bottoming out, with the Kailh utilizing nylon providing a fuller sensation, while the Yoel's POM will deliver a smoother but less pronounced sound.
Ultimately, the combined effects of the polycarbonate top and varied bottom housings create a unique sound experience for each switch. For users seeking deeper auditory nuances, the Kailh Box White V2 may offer a fuller and richer sound due to its nylon bottom. Meanwhile, the PH Studio Yoel aims for uniqueness with its POM bottom housing, favoring a more muted yet pleasing tone. When evaluating typing feel, the top housing’s polycarbonate will provide consistency across both switches, with the bottom housing significantly influencing the overall sound and feedback during keypress interactions. Consequently, while the top housings ensure a shared sound clarity, the differences in bottom materials result in distinctly enjoyable experiences that cater to varying preferences among keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
The Kailh Box White V2 clicky switch and the PH Studio Yoel linear switch exhibit contrasting characteristics in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. The Box White V2 features a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it a suitable option for those who prefer less resistance for extended typing sessions, such as at work or during prolonged gaming. In contrast, the Yoel switch has a heavier actuation force of 53 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, appealing to users who favor a more substantial typing experience. This difference in weight means that the Yoel switch may induce more fatigue over long periods but can also provide a satisfying tactile feedback for those who enjoy a firmer push. Overall, if you're seeking lighter, less fatiguing keystrokes, the Kailh Box White V2 is the clear choice, while the Yoel switch is ideal for those who appreciate a more robust typing feel.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box White V2 clicky switch features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the PH Studio Yoel linear switch has a shorter travel distance of 3.2 mm. This means that the Box White V2 provides a deeper and potentially more satisfying feedback for those who prefer a pronounced key press, while the Yoel offers a quicker, more responsive feel suitable for rapid gaming scenarios. Given the trend of shorter travel distances being favored by gamers for their swifter response times, the Yoel would be the ideal choice for those seeking efficiency. Conversely, if one values a more tactile experience, the Kailh Box White V2 would likely be more appealing. Overall, users can choose based on their preference for either a brisk key press or a more substantial depth in their keystrokes.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Kailh Box White V2 has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Box White V2 for $3.00.
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.
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 White V2 switch stands out for its distinct and sharp clickiness, which provides an auditory cue that many people find satisfying when they type. This crisp click sound not only indicates actuation but also adds to the character of each keystroke. In contrast, the PH Studio Yoel linear switch offers a bright and clacky sound profile that is equally engaging. With its pronounced resonance when hitting the bottom-out point, the Yoel produces a sound that is lively and dynamic, characterized by a bright, high-pitched tone that some may find more playful compared to the Box White V2. Ultimately, users of either switch can enjoy an engaging sound profile, though the specific auditory experience differs markedly between the two.
When it comes to feel, the Kailh Box White V2 typically provides a notable tactile bump that informs the typist of key actuation, working well for those who appreciate a more interactive and feedback-driven experience. However, the PH Studio Yoel excels in delivering a smoother, more luxurious typing sensation described as creamy, polished, and silky. This results in a typing experience that feels refined and effortless, allowing fingers to glide across the surface without the interruption of tactile feedback. While the Box White V2 is geared toward enthusiasts who favor tactile responses, the Yoel more closely resembles a luxurious, effortless experience that can cater to those seeking smoothness over tactile feedback.
Overall, both the Kailh Box White V2 and the PH Studio Yoel switches offer unique sound and feel characteristics that cater to different typing preferences. The Box White V2 appeals to those who enjoy tactile feedback with a satisfying click sound, while the Yoel is ideal for those who prefer a smooth, creamy experience with a bright auditory signature. Depending on your preference for tactile versus linear, and clicky versus clacky sounds, either switch can provide a satisfying typing experience, albeit in distinctly different ways.
Conclusion
To wrap up, choosing between the Kailh Box White V2 and the PH Studio Yoel switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you enjoy a light touch and appreciate auditory feedback, the Box White V2 will likely be your top pick. Its 50-gram bottom-out force caters to those who prefer a light and clicky switch, providing satisfying tactile feedback and an audible click that enhances your typing experience. This switch is particularly well-suited for typists or gamers who thrive on feedback and enjoy the cheerful sound of each keystroke. On the other hand, if you favor a more robust feel and desire a smoother typing experience, the Yoel switch might be your best bet. With its 60-gram bottom-out force and creamy, polished texture, it provides a substantial yet smooth feedback that leads to an enjoyable and immersive typing experience. Its bright and clacky sound profile ensures that your typing is both satisfying and distinctive without overwhelming you with noise. Therefore, consider experimenting with both switches to determine which aligns best with your gaming or typing needs, as each offers unique attributes that can greatly influence your overall keyboard experience.
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