Huano Grape Orange vs. PH Studio Yoel

Overview

When considering the perfect mechanical keyboard switch for your typing needs, the Huano Grape Orange and the PH Studio Yoel both stand out as compelling options within the linear category but offer distinctly different experiences. The Grape Orange is revered for its exceptionally light actuation force of just 40g, making it an ideal choice for those who spend long hours typing and prefer a light and effortless keystroke. On the other hand, the Yoel, crafted by BSUN, provides a unique "chewy" sensation with each press, delivering a bright and clacky sound profile that many typists find addictive and satisfying. While the Grape Orange is celebrated for its smoothness and ease of use, the Yoel captivates users with its resonant feedback and auditory pleasure. Choosing between these two switches ultimately depends on your personal typing style and 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

Huano Grape Orange Linear

PH Studio Yoel Linear

$3.00

$2.79 per 10

$4.50

$4.10 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The Huano Grape Orange and the PH Studio Yoel switches share a common characteristic in their top housing material; both utilize polycarbonate, which contributes significantly to their sound profiles. The polycarbonate material is recognized for producing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound, which stems from its stiffer structure. This inherent quality ensures clarity and resonance, making it a desirable choice for those who appreciate precise auditory feedback in their keystrokes. Furthermore, the translucency of polycarbonate not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of the switches but also allows for the effective diffusion of RGB lighting, making both the Grape Orange and Yoel visually striking when illuminated.

However, a divergence arises in the choice of materials used for the bottom housing of the two switches. The Grape Orange employs nylon, a softer plastic known for its ability to absorb sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller auditory experience. The rounder sound profile that nylon promotes contrasts with the PH Studio Yoel's POM bottom housing, which delivers a unique and pleasing sound that is notably deeper yet more muted. This difference in bottom housing materials influences the overall auditory experience, with the Grape Orange providing a more pronounced depth and resonance compared to the more subdued delivery of the Yoel.

Ultimately, the combined effect of the housing materials creates distinctive yet complementary sound profiles for both switches. The synergy between the polycarbonate tops and their respective bottom materials leads to a nuanced auditory experience. While the Grape Orange excels in producing a dynamic sound that captures the best qualities of nylon, the Yoel's POM bottom provides a more tailored, muted experience. Both switches ultimately reveal how sound characteristics can be fine-tuned through the combination of different housing materials, allowing users to select a switch that best fits their personal typing style and auditory preferences.

Weight

The Huano Grape Orange linear switch and the PH Studio Yoel linear switch present a clear contrast in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Grape Orange features a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it suitable for those who favor a lighter touch, ideal for extended typing sessions or gaming marathons. In comparison, the Yoel switch has a stronger actuation force of 53 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, offering a more substantial feel that may appeal to users who prefer a firmer push. This heavier resistance in the Yoel switch provides a different tactile experience, which some users might find more satisfying. Ultimately, those looking for a lighter switch would gravitate toward the Grape Orange, while those preferring a more robust resistance would likely opt for the Yoel.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Huano Grape Orange linear switch and the PH Studio Yoel linear switch, there is a notable difference. The Grape Orange features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Yoel has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.2 mm. This makes the Grape Orange the longer travel option, providing a more pronounced depth that some users may prefer for a more substantial typing experience. On the other hand, if you're looking for quicker responsiveness, the Yoel's shorter 3.2 mm travel distance could be advantageous, as it allows for faster actuation that gamers often favor. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on the user's preference for depth versus responsiveness.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When comparing the sound of the Huano Grape Orange and the PH Studio Yoel linear switches, distinct differences emerge. The Grape Orange's sound profile is characterized as muted and soft, focusing on a more understated acoustic experience, which often makes it suitable for quieter environments or office settings. In contrast, the Yoel switch stands out with its bright and clacky profile. It produces a sharp and percussive sound that becomes particularly pronounced when keys bottom out, creating a resonance that many find satisfying. This clacky nature, alongside a high-pitched resonance, enhances the auditory experience for those who enjoy a livelier typing sound.

In terms of feel, the Grape Orange switch offers an exceptionally light and effortless typing experience, with a quick actuation that makes it ideal for rapid typing and long sessions without fatigue. However, the tactile qualities of this switch remain somewhat undisclosed. On the other hand, the Yoel switch is known for its delectably chewy typing experience, which envelops the fingers with each keystroke. It features a creamy and silky texture, indicative of smooth, refined finishes that reduce friction and create a buttery glide as fingers move across the keys. Such a tactile profile favors a luxurious and enjoyable typing experience that many switch enthusiasts crave.

In conclusion, the Huano Grape Orange and the PH Studio Yoel linear switches cater to different preferences when it comes to sound and feel. While the Grape Orange is better known for its muted acoustic quality and light actuation force, the Yoel switch excels with its vibrant and resonant sound alongside a creamy tactile sensation. For users seeking an effortless typing experience with less auditory stimulation, the Grape Orange may be preferable, while those desiring a lively and pleasing typing symphony would likely be drawn to the Yoel. Ultimately, both switches offer unique advantages, leading to enjoyable experiences in their own right.

Conclusion

To conclude, your choice between the Huano Grape Orange linear switch and the PH Studio Yoel linear switch ultimately depends on your typing preferences and daily usage. If you prioritize a light and effortless typing experience, particularly during long typing sessions, the Grape Orange's ultra-low actuation force of 40g makes it an excellent option that minimizes finger fatigue. This switch's sound profile, while not deeply defined here, is generally subtler compared to the Yoel, making it a suitable choice if you prefer less auditory distraction while working or gaming. On the other hand, if you enjoy a more tactile and engaging experience, the PH Studio Yoel's 60g bottom-out force combined with its delectably chewy feel and bright, clacky sound can elevate your typing experience. This switch is perfect for those who appreciate a pronounced auditory feedback along with a creamy and polished feel, providing satisfaction with each keystroke. In summary, choose the Grape Orange for light, effortless typing and minimal distraction, whereas the Yoel offers a more textured, engaging experience with a satisfying sound profile.

Mentioned in this article

Huano Grape Orange Linear

$3.00

$2.79 per 10

Learn more

PH Studio Yoel Linear

$4.50

$4.10 per 10

Learn more