Outemu Crystal vs. PH Studio Yoel
An in-depth look at the Outemu Crystal and the PH Studio Yoel switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Outemu Crystal and the PH Studio Yoel. The Outemu Crystal is a linear switch known for its unique, elastic feel and medium-light weight, providing a smooth typing experience with a neutral sound profile. On the other hand, the PH Studio Yoel, another linear switch, offers a chewy typing experience that is both satisfying and pronounced, with a bright and clacky sound profile. While the Crystal is categorized as 'Chirpy' and 'High-pitched', the Yoel is categorized as 'Clacky', 'Creamy', 'High-pitched', 'Marbly', 'Polished', 'Silky', and 'Resonant'. Each switch offers its own set of characteristics that may appeal to different preferences. 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
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Polycarbonate
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
The Outemu Crystal and the PH Studio Yoel share similarities in their use of polycarbonate for the top housing, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Both switches benefit from the stiffness of polycarbonate, which results in a more clear and resonant sound overall. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that incorporate RGB lighting, enhancing the visual appeal of the keyboard. In this aspect, users can expect similar results in terms of sound and aesthetics when comparing the housing materials of these two switches.
However, where the Crystal and Yoel differ is in their choice of materials for the bottom housing. The Crystal features a polycarbonate bottom housing, which complements the top housing to provide a consistent sound profile when typing. On the other hand, the Yoel utilizes a POM bottom housing, which contributes to a unique and pleasing sound that tends to be on the deeper and more muted side. This difference in bottom housing material can significantly impact the overall typing experience, as the bottom housing plays a key role in the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch.
Ultimately, the housing materials of the Outemu Crystal and the PH Studio Yoel showcase how the combination of top and bottom housings can influence the sound and feel of a mechanical switch. While both switches utilize polycarbonate for the top housing to achieve a similar sound profile, the choice of bottom housing material sets them apart in terms of the overall typing experience. Whether it's the sharp and crisp sound of the Crystal with polycarbonate throughout or the deeper, more muted sound of the Yoel with a POM bottom housing, each switch offers a unique sound profile that caters to different preferences.
Weight
The Outemu Crystal linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the PH Studio Yoel linear switch which has a slightly heavier actuation force of 53 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Crystal has a bottom out force of 55 grams, which is lighter than the Yoel's bottom out force of 60 grams. In terms of actuation force, the Crystal provides a lighter touch for those who prefer a more effortless typing experience, while the Yoel offers a slightly heavier actuation force for those who prefer a bit more feedback. When it comes to bottom out force, the Crystal still remains on the lighter side compared to the Yoel, which might appeal to those who tend to type more gently. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches may come down to personal preference in terms of how much force one prefers when typing. Overall, while the actuation and bottom out forces of the two switches differ slightly, users can expect similar results in terms of typing experience.
Travel distance
The Outemu Crystal linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the PH Studio Yoel linear switch has a travel distance of 3.2 mm. The Crystal switch offers a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Yoel switch, making it a better option for those who prefer a more pronounced key press feel. On the other hand, the Yoel switch provides a shorter travel distance, which may appeal to gamers looking for faster response times. Both switches offer a different feel in terms of travel distance, allowing users to choose based on their personal preferences. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches would depend on whether one prefers a longer or shorter travel distance for a keyboard.
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 Outemu Crystal comes in at $3.40 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 Outemu Crystal linear switch has a neutral profile with a chirpy and high-pitched sound, providing a unique typing experience. On the other hand, the PH Studio Yoel linear switch offers a bright and clacky sound with a marbly and resonant quality that is satisfying and pronounced when bottoming out keys. Both switches have high-pitched sound profiles, but the Crystal leans towards a chirpy tone while the Yoel offers a more clacky and resonant sound.
When it comes to feel, the Outemu Crystal switch is described as polished, offering a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. In contrast, the PH Studio Yoel switch is described as creamy and polished, providing a buttery and silky typing sensation that allows fingers to effortlessly glide across the keys. Both switches prioritize smoothness in typing, but the Yoel emphasizes a creamy and silky feel while the Crystal focuses on a polished and refined touch.
Overall, the Outemu Crystal linear switch and the PH Studio Yoel linear switch offer different but equally attractive qualities in terms of sound and feel. If you prefer a unique chirpy sound and a polished typing experience, the Crystal switch would be a great choice. On the other hand, if you enjoy a bright and clacky sound profile with a creamy and silky feel, the Yoel switch would be more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, both switches provide a satisfying typing experience, and you can expect similar results in terms of smoothness and responsiveness despite their subjective differences in sound and feel.
Conclusion
In closing, when it comes to choosing between the Outemu Crystal linear switch and the PH Studio Yoel linear switch, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for typing experience. If you prefer a medium-light bottom out force and a neutral sound profile, the Crystal may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a slightly higher bottom out force and a brighter, clackier sound profile, the Yoel might be more to your liking. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences, so consider what factors are most important to you when making your decision.
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