Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro vs. PH Studio Yoel
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the PH Studio Yoel switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the PH Studio Yoel are two distinct mechanical keyboard switches that cater to different preferences in the typing experience. The V3 Cream Blue Pro is a tactile switch known for its poppy and clacky sound profile, offering a smooth and bouncy feel that is accentuated by a creamy tactile sensation. This makes it a great choice for users who enjoy a balanced mix of audible feedback and tactile response. On the other hand, the Yoel by PH Studio is a linear switch that provides a chewy typing experience, with a bright and clacky sound profile that resonates satisfyingly upon bottoming out. It offers a silky smooth typing feel that is polished and marbly. While the Cream Blue Pro appeals to those who appreciate a lively typing experience, the Yoel is more suited for users who prefer a smooth and resonant feel. 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
55g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm spring
Spring
Single stage lengthened 20mm spring
Housing materials
The Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the PH Studio Yoel both feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, leading to a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is especially useful for switches that utilize RGB lighting. In terms of aesthetics and sound profile, both switches will offer a similar experience with their polycarbonate top housings.
However, where the switches differ is in their bottom housings. The V3 Cream Blue Pro utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon is known for its ability to absorb more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Yoel features a POM bottom housing, which creates a pleasing and unique deep sound that is more muted compared to nylon. This difference in bottom housing material will impact the overall sound and feel of each switch.
Ultimately, the choice between the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the PH Studio Yoel will come down to personal preference in terms of sound profile. The V3 Cream Blue Pro offers a deeper and fuller sound with its nylon bottom housing, while the Yoel provides a more unique and muted sound with its POM bottom housing. Both switches showcase the benefits of polycarbonate top housings, but it's the choice of bottom housing material that sets them apart in terms of sound experience.
Weight
When comparing the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch and the PH Studio Yoel linear switch, it is evident that the V3 Cream Blue Pro is lighter in terms of both actuation force and bottom out force. With an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, the V3 Cream Blue Pro provides a medium-light typing experience. In contrast, the Yoel switch has a higher actuation force of 53 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, making it slightly heavier than the V3 Cream Blue Pro. Despite the slight differences in force, both switches offer a satisfying typing experience for users who prefer a tactile or linear feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the desired typing experience, whether it be a lighter touch for extended use or a heavier push for a more substantial feel.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch and the PH Studio Yoel linear switch, we can see that the V3 Cream Blue Pro has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.3 mm compared to the Yoel's 3.2 mm. The V3 Cream Blue Pro offers a tad more depth when pressed, which may be preferred by those who like a more substantial key press. On the other hand, the Yoel's slightly shorter travel distance may appeal to gamers or those looking for a quicker response time. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are becoming more popular in the market today. Ultimately, the choice between the two will come down to personal preference in terms of key feel and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro has an MSRP of $2.88 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the V3 Cream Blue Pro for $2.00.
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 Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro switch is known for its distinct poppy and clacky sound profile, offering a lively and audible feedback that is harmoniously paired with a creamy, tactile sensation. On the other hand, the PH Studio Yoel linear switch delivers a bright and clacky sound profile, characterized by a satisfying resonance when keys reach their bottom-out point. Both switches offer a unique auditory experience, with the Cream Blue Pro providing a smoother and more tactile sound, while the Yoel offers a chewier typing experience with a pronounced resonance.
When it comes to feel, the Cream Blue Pro switch is described as accented, bouncy, snappy, and polished, providing a medium tactile feedback that is not overwhelming but still offers a prominent amount of tactility. The Yoel switch, on the other hand, is described as creamy, polished, and silky, offering a smooth and buttery typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Both switches excel in delivering a satisfying tactile sensation, with the Cream Blue Pro focusing more on a bouncy and snappy feedback, while the Yoel provides a silky and refined typing experience.
Overall, the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and PH Studio Yoel switches offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel that cater to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community. The Cream Blue Pro excels in providing a distinct poppy and clacky sound profile paired with a creamy, tactile sensation, while the Yoel offers a bright and clacky sound with a chewy typing experience. Depending on whether you prefer a smoother, medium tactile feedback or a buttery, silky typing experience, both switches provide excellent options within their respective categories. Ultimately, the choice between the Cream Blue Pro and Yoel switches will come down to personal preference and the type of typing experience you seek in a mechanical keyboard switch.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch or the PH Studio Yoel linear switch, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for sound and feel. If you are someone who values a lively and audible feedback paired with a creamy tactile sensation, then the V3 Cream Blue Pro would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a chewy typing experience with a bright and clacky sound profile, the Yoel switch may be more to your liking. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to whether you prioritize a poppy and clacky sound with smoothness or a delectably chewy typing experience enveloped in bright and clacky tones. Consider your preferences for sound and feel when making your choice between these two top-quality mechanical keyboard switches.
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