TTC Brother vs. PH Studio Yoel
An in-depth look at the TTC Brother and the PH Studio Yoel switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Brother clicky switch and the PH Studio Yoel linear switch stand out as top contenders, each offering unique features to enhance your typing experience. The Brother excels in providing a light touch with its 37g actuation force, coupled with a satisfyingly crunchy sound that appeals to clicky switch enthusiasts. On the other hand, the Yoel offers a smooth and chewy typing sensation, accompanied by a bright and clacky sound upon bottoming out. While the Brother is lauded for its tactile bump and easy-to-press nature, the Yoel stands out for its creamy feel and resonant 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
37g
Actuation force
53g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.20 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial 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
17.5mm spring
Spring
Single stage lengthened 20mm spring
Housing materials
The TTC Brother and PH Studio Yoel both feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the stiffness of the material. The translucency of polycarbonate also makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. On the other hand, the Brother has a nylon bottom housing, providing a deeper and fuller sound profile thanks to its softer nature, while the Yoel features a POM bottom housing that produces a unique and pleasing sound, although more on the deeper and muted side.
While both switches share the same polycarbonate top housing, the differences lie in their bottom housings. The Brother's nylon bottom housing offers a deeper and fuller sound profile, absorbing more sound due to its softer nature. On the other hand, the Yoel's POM bottom housing creates a more unique and muted sound, which may appeal to those looking for a different typing experience. Despite these differences, both switches effectively split the qualities of their housing materials between the top and bottom of the switch, impacting the sound and feel when typing.
In terms of overall sound profile, the differences between the Brother and Yoel lie in the materials used for their bottom housings. The nylon bottom housing of the Brother creates a duller and rounder sound, while the POM bottom housing of the Yoel produces a more muted and deeper sound. These differences in sound can significantly impact the typing experience and the overall feel of the switches. However, both switches utilize polycarbonate top housings, which contribute to their sharp, clear, and resonant sound profiles, making them suitable choices for users who prefer a crisper sound when typing.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Brother clicky switch and the PH Studio Yoel linear switch, there is a noticeable difference in the actuation and bottom out forces. The TTC Brother has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams compared to the Yoel's 53 grams, making it easier to trigger keystrokes on the Brother switch. However, when it comes to bottoming out, the Yoel requires a heavier force of 60 grams, while the Brother's bottom out force is unknown. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Brother switch may be more suitable, allowing for longer typing sessions without fatigue. On the other hand, the Yoel switch provides a more substantial typing feel with its heavier bottom out force. Both switches offer unique benefits based on individual preferences, with the actuation force of the Brother being lighter and the bottom out force of the Yoel being heavier. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
The TTC Brother clicky switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the PH Studio Yoel linear switch has a travel distance of 3.2 mm, making the Yoel slightly shorter in distance compared to the Brother switch. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are becoming increasingly popular, especially among gamers who value faster response times. The shorter travel distance of the Yoel may appeal to those seeking quick and snappy key presses, while the slightly longer travel distance of the Brother switch may provide a more substantial feel to each key press. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for travel distance and key responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Brother has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Brother for $3.30.
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
When it comes to sound, the TTC Brother clicky switch offers a crunchy and precise auditory experience, reminiscent of stepping on crisp autumn leaves. The PH Studio Yoel linear switch, on the other hand, provides a bright and clacky sound profile, with a satisfying resonance upon bottoming out. While the Brother delivers a clear and crisp click with each keystroke, the Yoel produces a sharp and percussive sound that may appeal to those seeking a more pronounced auditory feedback. Both switches offer distinct sound profiles that cater to different preferences, ensuring a delightful typing experience regardless of the choice made.
In terms of feel, the TTC Brother clicky switch is characterized by its easy-to-press nature, requiring minimal force for activation and offering a gentle resistance during key presses. This light actuation force enhances typing comfort and reduces finger fatigue during extended use. In contrast, the PH Studio Yoel linear switch provides a creamy and polished typing experience, with a smooth and buttery sensation akin to gliding across the keys effortlessly. The silky feel of the Yoel switch ensures a refined and sleek typing experience, minimizing friction and providing smooth key travel. Both switches offer unique tactile feedback, catering to individuals with varying preferences in typing feel.
Overall, the TTC Brother clicky switch and PH Studio Yoel linear switch each excel in their subjective qualities of sound and feel. While the Brother offers a crunchy and precise sound with an easy-to-press feel, the Yoel provides a bright and clacky sound with a creamy and polished tactile experience. Whether one prefers a more pronounced auditory feedback or a silky smooth typing sensation, both switches offer a high-quality typing experience that can be tailored to individual preferences. Regardless of the choice made, users can expect a delightful typing experience with either switch option.
Conclusion
In summary, when selecting between the TTC Brother clicky switch and the PH Studio Yoel linear switch, you should consider your preference for typing experience. If you enjoy a lightweight and tactile typing experience with a satisfyingly crunchy sound, the TTC Brother clicky switch is an excellent choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium bottom-out force and a delectably chewy typing experience with a bright and clacky sound profile, the PH Studio Yoel linear switch would be the ideal option for you. Ultimately, the decision should be based on whether you prioritize a gentle, easy-to-press key feel with a crunchy sound or a smooth, creamy typing experience with a clacky sound. Choose wisely based on your personal preferences and enjoy a satisfying typing experience with either switch.
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