TTC Gold Brown vs. PH Studio Yoel
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Brown and the PH Studio Yoel switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Gold Brown and the PH Studio Yoel offer distinct experiences for users. The Gold Brown is praised for its balanced feel, with a slight bump that adds a satisfying tactile feedback and a moderate weightiness. This switch also produces a softer sound profile compared to many others. On the other hand, the Yoel linear switch from PH Studio provides a chewy typing experience with a bright and clacky sound profile that resonates upon bottoming out the keys. While the Gold Brown offers a more neutral and buttery typing experience, the Yoel leans towards a clacky 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
55g
Actuation force
53g
Bottom-out force
63g
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
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
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Single stage lengthened 20mm spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the TTC Gold Brown and the PH Studio Yoel, both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing. This material creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness, making it resonate more clearly. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is ideal for switches that plan to use RGB lighting. While both switches share this top housing material, the Yoel utilizes a POM bottom housing, which creates a deeper and more muted sound profile compared to the Gold Brown's nylon bottom housing, which elicits a fuller sound. This difference in bottom housing material contributes to the overall typing experience of each switch.
The contrasting bottom housing materials of the Gold Brown and Yoel switches highlight the impact that different materials can have on the sound profile. While the Gold Brown's nylon bottom housing absorbs more sound and creates a duller, rounder sound, the Yoel's POM bottom housing produces a unique and pleasing deeper sound with a more muted quality. This showcases how the choice of housing material can significantly influence the overall typing experience, with each material offering distinct characteristics that cater to different preferences. Whether you prefer a fuller sound with nylon or a deeper sound with POM, both switches provide a variety of options for users to consider.
Overall, the combination of top and bottom housing materials in both the Gold Brown and Yoel switches plays a crucial role in determining the sound profile and typing experience of each switch. While the top housing made of polycarbonate in both switches contributes to a sharp and crisp sound, the bottom housing materials of nylon in the Gold Brown and POM in the Yoel offer contrasting sound profiles. The impact of these materials on the overall typing experience is evident in the differences between the switches, showcasing how the choice of housing material can greatly influence the feel and sound of a mechanical keyboard switch.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch and the PH Studio Yoel linear switch, we find that both switches fall within the medium range. The Gold Brown has an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 63 grams, while the Yoel has an actuation force of 53 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams. Both switches offer a similar typing experience in terms of weight, with the Yoel being slightly lighter in both actuation and bottom out force. Weight is an important factor to consider when choosing a switch, as lighter switches are preferred for extended typing sessions or gaming, while heavier switches provide a more substantial typing feel. In this case, both switches offer a good balance between actuation force and bottom out force for a comfortable typing experience.
Travel distance
The TTC Gold Brown tactile switch has a travel distance of 4mm, while the PH Studio Yoel linear switch has a travel distance of 3.2mm. In this case, the Yoel switch has a shorter travel distance compared to the Gold Brown switch. The Gold Brown switch falls into the category of a traditional travel distance, while the Yoel switch offers a shallower experience. Gamers, in particular, may prefer the Yoel switch for its faster response time due to the shorter travel distance. On the other hand, those who prefer a more robust and deep feeling when typing may opt for the Gold Brown switch with its longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for travel distance and typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Gold Brown has an MSRP of $5.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gold Brown for $3.28.
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 Gold Brown TTC switch offers a neutral sound profile, making it suitable for a variety of typing environments and preferences. On the other hand, the PH Studio Yoel linear switch provides a clacky and high-pitched sound with a resonant quality that adds a satisfying element to each key press. The Gold Brown's softer and rounded sound contrasts with the Yoel's bright and pronounced sound when keys bottom out, offering different auditory experiences depending on personal preference.
Moving on to feel, the Gold Brown TTC switch offers a mild and buttery typing experience that falls in a safe middle ground zone, making it approachable to most users. In contrast, the PH Studio Yoel linear switch provides a creamy and polished feel that enhances the smoothness and glide of each keystroke, offering a luxurious typing sensation. Both switches focus on providing a refined and comfortable typing experience, with the Gold Brown emphasizing a gentler feel and the Yoel focusing on a silky smooth texture.
Overall, the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch and the PH Studio Yoel linear switch offer contrasting yet equally appealing qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Gold Brown provides a balanced and moderate typing experience with a softer sound, the Yoel delivers a bright and pronounced auditory feedback with a creamy and polished typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preference for sound and typing sensation, with both options guaranteeing a satisfying and enjoyable mechanical keyboard experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch and the PH Studio Yoel linear switch, consider your preferences for typing experience. If you prefer a balanced, slightly tactile switch with a moderate weightiness and softer sound profile, the Gold Brown is a great choice. On the other hand, if you enjoy a linear switch with a bright and clacky sound profile, accompanied by a chewy typing experience, then the Yoel would be more suited to your liking. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prefer a slightly tactile switch with a rounded sound profile (Gold Brown) or a linear switch with a bright and clacky sound profile (Yoel). Whatever you choose, both switches offer unique characteristics that can enhance your typing experience.
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