Gateron Glory Red vs. PH Studio Yoel
An in-depth look at the Gateron Glory Red and the PH Studio Yoel switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Glory Red and the PH Studio Yoel present contrasting yet appealing options for enthusiasts seeking a linear experience. The Gateron Glory Red is celebrated for its lightweight action and smooth keystroke, providing a pleasant travel distance that many typists find enjoyable for long typing sessions. In contrast, the PH Studio Yoel, produced by BSUN, offers a unique typing experience characterized by its chewy feel and bright, clacky sound profile. The Yoel's clack resonates satisfyingly as keys reach their bottom-out point, making each press feel rewarding. While the Glory Red is ideal for those who prioritize smoothness and ease of use, the Yoel caters to individuals who appreciate auditory feedback and a layered tactile response. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
53g
Bottom-out force
N/A
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
POK
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 comparison between the Gateron Glory Red and the PH Studio Yoel reveals distinct contrasts in their housing materials, which subsequently lead to varying auditory experiences. The Glory Red utilizes a nylon top housing, known for its classic qualities that contribute to a deeper, fuller sound profile. This softness allows nylon to absorb sound more effectively than harder materials, resulting in a rounder and duller auditory output. On the other hand, the Yoel features a polycarbonate top housing, which engenders a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. The rigidity and clarity of polycarbonate not only enhance the resonance of sound but also make it particularly suitable for RGB lighting applications, as its translucency accentuates visual effects, adding an aesthetic appeal.
Moving to the bottom housings, the Gateron Glory Red employs another nylon material, further promoting that deep and muted sound profile characteristic of nylon. This consistency in material across both top and bottom contributes to an enriched auditory experience with greater sound absorption. Contrasting this, the Yoel incorporates a POM bottom housing known for delivering a unique, pleasurable sound. The POM material leans toward a deeper sound profile as well, contributing to a distinct yet muted auditory experience. While both switches create pleasing sounds, the Gateron Glory Red leans more heavily into the advantages of nylon, while the PH Studio Yoel uses a combination of POM and polycarbonate to create an overall more varied sound experience due to the different properties of these materials.
Ultimately, the differences in the top and bottom housings of the Glory Red and Yoel profoundly influence the overall acoustic performance and feel of each switch. The Glory Red's dual nylon construction facilitates a consistently soft and muffled sound throughout, ideal for users seeking a smooth and subdued typing experience. In contrast, the combination of polycarbonate and POM in the Yoel results in a more complex sound profile, capturing a blend of sharpness from the top and depth from the bottom, which can yield a unique tactile experience. Thus, while both switches provide enjoyable typing experiences in their own rights, the choice between them would depend on the user's preference for sound characteristics and aesthetics during use.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Glory Red linear switch and the PH Studio Yoel linear switch, significant differences in actuation force emerge, while the bottom out force presents an unknown variable for the Glory Red. The Glory Red requires a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, making it potentially better suited for prolonged typing sessions or extensive gaming, as it minimizes fatigue. In contrast, the Yoel demands a heavier actuation force of 53 grams, providing a more forceful push feel that some users may prefer for a more substantial, tactile experience. The bottom out force of the Glory Red is unknown, while the Yoel's is measured at 60 grams, indicating that when pressed all the way down, it offers a firmer resistance. Ultimately, the Gateron Glory Red is the lighter option overall, appealing to those seeking comfort and ease during extended use, whereas the Yoel, with its greater actuation and bottom out forces, caters to users who appreciate a heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Glory Red linear switch and the PH Studio Yoel linear switch, the variations are quite distinct. The Gateron Glory Red features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the PH Studio Yoel has a shorter travel distance of 3.2 mm. This means that if you prefer a more responsive typing experience, the Yoel switch boasts an advantage due to its shorter travel distance, appealing particularly to gamers who prioritize quick response times. Conversely, the Glory Red’s 3.6 mm travel distance may provide a more satisfying depth of keypress, which some typists may find more comfortable and less abrupt. Overall, the Glory Red is the longer travel option, while the Yoel offers a more compact, swift experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Glory Red has an MSRP of $4.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Glory Red for $4.19.
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 Gateron Glory Red switch remains somewhat undefined in the provided context, while the PH Studio Yoel switch stands out with a bright and clacky sound profile. Users can expect a sharp and crisp auditory response with the Yoel, characterized by a high-pitched resonance that is both satisfying and pronounced at the bottom-out point. This clacky nature brings an engaging auditory feedback that can enhance the typing experience. The sound characteristics of the Glory Red may differ due to external factors like the keyboard it’s mounted on and the keycaps, but without specific descriptors, it’s hard to gauge its overall auditory appeal.
When it comes to feel, the Glory Red is also left unspecified, whereas the PH Studio Yoel offers a delectably chewy typing sensation described as creamy and silky. The Yoel switch promotes a smooth, buttery experience, likely enhanced by factory lubrication or specific materials, allowing fingers to glide seamlessly across the keys. This polished feel contributes to reduced friction and a sleek typing experience that many users find appealing. With the Glory Red having an unspecified tactile quality, it remains uncertain how its feel stacks up against the polished tactile experience provided by the Yoel.
In conclusion, the Gateron Glory Red and the PH Studio Yoel switches provide different auditory and tactile experiences, with the Glory Red lacking specific qualities for both sound and feel. The Yoel, on the other hand, is known for its bright and clacky sound along with a smooth, creamy typing experience that promises satisfaction. If a user prefers the auditory feedback of the Yoel combined with its polished feel, they may lean towards it, while the Glory Red may appeal to those who prioritize a yet undetermined feel and potentially more subdued sound. Overall, selecting between these switches will hinge on specific preferences and the desired auditory and tactile feedback each user seeks in their typing experience.
Conclusion
In summary, choosing between the Gateron Glory Red linear switch and the PH Studio Yoel linear switch largely depends on your personal preferences and intended use. If you prioritize a light touch and a smooth keystroke with a satisfying travel distance, the Glory Red may be the right choice for you. Its ease of activation makes it ideal for fast-paced typing or gaming scenarios, where quick responses are essential. On the other hand, if you enjoy a bit more resistance while typing and are drawn to a unique tactile experience, the Yoel switch offers a chewy feel that wraps your fingertips in a comfortable embrace with each press. Furthermore, the Yoel's bright and clacky sound profile enhances its typing experience, making it suitable for those who appreciate auditory feedback while they type. Ultimately, consider how you type—whether you prefer a whisper-quiet keystroke with the Glory Red or a more pronounced, resonant sound with the Yoel—alongside the force required for actuation. These personal preferences will guide you in selecting the switch that best satisfies your typing style and experience.
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