HMX Deep Navy vs. PH Studio Yoel
An in-depth look at the HMX Deep Navy and the PH Studio Yoel switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the HMX Deep Navy and the PH Studio Yoel offer unique experiences tailored to different preferences within the linear switch category. The Deep Navy switch is celebrated for its rich, sharp sound profile and silky smooth keystrokes, courtesy of its full nylon construction and Ly stem, which makes it a top choice for those seeking a luxurious and whisper-quiet typing experience. In contrast, the PH Studio Yoel, crafted by BSUN, delivers a delectably chewy typing experience that envelops your fingertips with each press. Its bright and clacky sound profile provides a gratifying auditory feedback, making it ideal for those who appreciate a more pronounced resonance during their typing sessions. While both switches are linear, their distinctive sound characteristics and tactile sensations can significantly influence your typing comfort and enjoyment. 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
40g
Actuation force
53g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.20 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Ly
Stem material
Ly
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Spring
Single stage lengthened 20mm spring
Housing materials
The HMX Deep Navy and the PH Studio Yoel keyboards utilize different materials for their switches' top and bottom housings, which results in distinct auditory experiences. The Deep Navy features a nylon top housing, a material known for its softer composition, allowing it to absorb sound more effectively. This characteristic elicits a deeper, fuller sound profile that can be described as duller and rounder in quality. Conversely, the Yoel employs polycarbonate for its top housing, a stiffer plastic that resonates sound more sharply and crisply. This distinction indicates that while both switches aim to deliver pleasant sound experiences, the auditory texture they produce differs significantly due to the inherent properties of the materials utilized for their respective top housings.
On the other hand, both keyboards feature nylon and POM materials for their bottom housings, but with different implications for sound profile. The Deep Navy's nylon bottom housing continues the theme of a deeper, fuller sound, aligning with the characteristics of its top housing. In contrast, the Yoel's POM bottom housing creates a unique and pleasing sound profile that tends to lean towards the muted side, albeit still resonating with depth. This blend of different materials per keyboard not only enhances the overall sound experience but also reflects the signature designs and auditory intentions behind each model. While both can deliver satisfying auditory results, the nuances between the nylon and POM have distinct impacts on how each keyboard may feel while typing.
In practical terms, the differences in top housing materials will have a more pronounced impact on the sound produced when releasing a key, while the bottom housing will influence the sound and feel when bottoming out. Therefore, despite the contrasting materials, the HMX Deep Navy and PH Studio Yoel could achieve similar outcomes in terms of auditory satisfaction, albeit through different pathways. Those who prioritize a softer impact may gravitate towards the Deep Navy with its nylon composition, while users seeking a clearer, more resonant sound might prefer the sharp profile provided by the Yoel’s polycarbonate housing. Ultimately, both keyboards have their unique offerings suited to varied user preferences while still producing satisfying typing experiences.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Deep Navy linear switch and the PH Studio Yoel linear switch, notable differences emerge in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Deep Navy switch features a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it more suitable for those who prefer a more effortless typing experience, ideal for extended use during work or 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 enjoy a more substantial tactile feedback while typing. This distinction suggests that users who favor a lighter switch might opt for the Deep Navy for a more comfortable, prolonged typing experience, while those who appreciate a stronger push feel might gravitate towards the Yoel. Ultimately, while both switches serve their purpose effectively, the choice between them hinges on individual preferences regarding typing feel and endurance.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Deep Navy linear switch and the PH Studio Yoel linear switch, it is evident that they cater to different preferences in key feel. The Deep Navy features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Yoel offers a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.2 mm. This makes the Deep Navy the longer of the two switches, providing a more pronounced key press that can be appealing to users who prefer a deeper tactile experience. In contrast, the Yoel's shorter travel distance may be more suited for those seeking a quicker response time, particularly beneficial for gamers who often favor faster actuation. This suggests that while both switches serve different user needs, choosing between them depends on one's personal preference for depth versus responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Deep Navy has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Deep Navy for $2.79.
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 HMX Deep Navy linear switch offers a rich and sharp auditory experience, thanks to its full nylon construction. This design contributes to a deeper, more resonant sound profile that can appeal to users who appreciate a fuller, bass-rich audio environment. In contrast, the PH Studio Yoel switch delivers a bright and clacky sound, characterized by sharp and crisp tones that produce a pronounced resonance upon bottoming out. The clacky nature of the Yoel may appeal to those who find enjoyment in a more assertive audio feedback, resulting in an entirely different auditory experience than that of the Deep Navy.
In terms of feel, the Deep Navy switch is known for its silky smoothness with every keystroke, although specific descriptors were not provided. On the other hand, the Yoel switch excels in delivering a delectably chewy typing experience that envelops the fingertips with each press. The Yoel's creamy and polished qualities create an effortless glide across the keys, making for a pleasurable and refined typing experience. The Deep Navy's smoothness may align closely with the silky essence described for the Yoel, suggesting that both switches aim for a smooth, enjoyable interaction, albeit with potential differences in the subtlety of feedback.
In summary, while the HMX Deep Navy and PH Studio Yoel linear switches offer different soundscapes—with the former leaning towards richness and the latter towards clarity and brightness—they both promise a smooth typing experience, albeit one being more pronounced and cheerful than the other. Ultimately, the choice between them can be influenced by the user's preference for auditory feedback and tactile sensation during typing. Whether one prefers a deep, rich sound or a bright and clacky experience, both switches are designed to enhance the overall typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the HMX Deep Navy linear switch and the PH Studio Yoel linear switch, consider your personal typing preferences and the type of sound you enjoy. If you prefer a lighter touch and a smooth, silky typing experience, the Deep Navy will be a worthy choice thanks to its 45-gram bottoming-out force and its rich, sharp sound profile that creates an immersive auditory experience. This switch is particularly appealing if you appreciate a quiet yet satisfying keypress that feels effortless. On the other hand, if you're looking for a bit more resistance and a more pronounced auditory feedback, the Yoel, with its medium 60-gram actuation force, provides a delightful chewy typing sensation and a bright, clacky sound profile. The Yoel’s resonance can add a layer of satisfaction to your keystrokes, making it an excellent option for those who enjoy a more tactile feedback and a lively soundscape. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you prioritize a smooth, light experience or a more dynamic, robust one.
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