Bsun Pine vs. PH Studio Yoel
An in-depth look at the Bsun Pine and the PH Studio Yoel switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the BSUN Pine and the PH Studio Yoel. The BSUN Pine switch is a tactile switch known for its sharp tactile bump and quick bottom-out, providing a direct and no-nonsense typing experience. On the other hand, the PH Studio Yoel is a linear switch that offers a chewy typing sensation and a bright, clacky sound profile that is both satisfying and pronounced. The Pine is best for those seeking invigorating tactility, while the Yoel is ideal for individuals who prefer a creamy, resonant typing experience. 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
65g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.20 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
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
The Bsun Pine and PH Studio Yoel both utilize polycarbonate for their top housings, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which leads to a more resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is ideal for switches that plan to incorporate RGB lighting. However, while both switches share this top housing material, the Pine uses a nylon bottom housing, which creates a deeper and fuller sound profile. In contrast, the Yoel features a POM bottom housing, which produces a pleasing and unique sound that is deeper and more muted.
Despite both switches utilizing polycarbonate for their top housings, their differences lie in the material used for the bottom housing. The Pine's nylon bottom housing creates a duller and rounder sound due to its softer nature, while the Yoel's POM bottom housing results in a deeper and more muted sound profile. When pressing down on a switch, the qualities of the bottom housing will have more of an impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing will affect the sound when releasing a key. This demonstrates how the choice of housing material can significantly impact the overall sound and feel of a switch.
In conclusion, while the Bsun Pine and PH Studio Yoel share a similar top housing material in polycarbonate, their choice of bottom housing material sets them apart in terms of sound profile. The Pine's nylon bottom housing creates a deeper and fuller sound, while the Yoel's POM bottom housing produces a more muted and unique sound. Ultimately, the combination of top and bottom housing materials plays a crucial role in determining the overall typing experience of a switch, as they each contribute their own distinct qualities to the sound and feel of the switch.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Bsun Pine tactile switch and the PH Studio Yoel linear switch, we can see that the Pine has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Yoel's 53 grams, making the Pine more suitable for those who prefer a lighter touch. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Pine requires 65 grams of force while the Yoel only needs 60 grams, making the Yoel slightly heavier in this aspect. Both switches fall within the medium range in terms of overall force required, providing a good balance between typing comfort and tactile feedback. Overall, the Pine offers a slightly lighter actuation force while the Yoel has a slightly lighter bottom out force, so choosing between them would depend on individual preferences for typing feel.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Bsun Pine tactile switch is slightly longer at 3.4mm compared to the PH Studio Yoel linear switch which has a travel distance of 3.2mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are becoming more popular, especially among gamers looking for faster response times. The Pine switch may provide a slightly deeper feel when pressed compared to the Yoel switch, but the difference in travel distance is minimal. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on personal preference for the amount of depth and responsiveness desired during use.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Bsun Pine has an MSRP of $4.70 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Pine for $3.70.
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 BSUN Pine tactile switch is known for producing a sharp and distinct click when pressed, thanks to its crisp tactile bump and quick bottom-out. On the other hand, the PH Studio Yoel linear switch offers a bright and clacky sound profile that resonates satisfyingly upon bottoming out. Both switches provide a unique auditory experience that can be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Pine switch is characterized by its sharp and invigorating tactile feedback, offering a pronounced tactile bump and a snappy typing sensation. In contrast, the Yoel switch provides a creamy and polished feel, delivering a smooth and buttery typing experience that is akin to gliding your fingers across the keys effortlessly. Both switches offer distinct tactile experiences that cater to different preferences in typing feel.
Overall, the BSUN Pine tactile switch and the PH Studio Yoel linear switch offer unique qualities in both sound and feel, catering to different preferences among mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. While the Pine switch excels in sharp tactility and quick feedback, the Yoel switch provides a smooth and satisfying typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for sound and feel, with both switches delivering a high-quality typing experience in their own right.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when considering whether to choose the Bsun Pine tactile switch or the PH Studio Yoel linear switch, it ultimately comes down to personal preference. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force with sharp tactile feedback and a distinct typing experience, then the Pine switch would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a medium bottom out force with a chewy typing experience, bright and clacky sound profile, and a smooth and buttery feel, then the Yoel switch would be more suited to your liking. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences, so it is important to consider what factors are most important to you when selecting a mechanical keyboard switch. Ultimately, the decision should be based on what type of typing experience you enjoy the most.
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