HMX Gravel vs. PH Studio Yoel

Overview

When it comes to choosing the ideal mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Gravel and the PH Studio Yoel both present unique features that appeal to different types of users. The HMX Gravel shines with its exceptional smoothness and refined typing feel, boasting a medium-light actuation force that leans towards the lighter end of the spectrum. This responsiveness provides a seamless typing experience that many enthusiasts find pleasurable. In contrast, the PH Studio Yoel switch, manufactured by BSUN, offers a delectably chewy typing experience, cherished for its bright and clacky sound profile that generates a satisfying resonance upon bottoming out. While the Gravel emphasizes a smooth and effortless interaction, the Yoel entices with a more pronounced auditory feedback and a creamy, marbly sensation. Each switch caters to distinct preferences and typing styles, making them formidable choices for different users. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

HMX Gravel Linear

PH Studio Yoel Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

$4.50

$4.10 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When comparing the HMX Gravel and the PH Studio Yoel keyboards, the top housings of both switches utilize polycarbonate, resulting in notable similarities in sound profile and light diffusion. Polycarbonate is known for its stiffness, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This characteristic is paramount for users interested in RGB lighting, as the material's translucency enhances the illumination, making it particularly well-suited for optical aesthetics. Given these shared properties in their top housings, both the Gravel and Yoel will yield similar auditory experiences characterized by clarity and resonance, enhancing the overall performance of the keyboards.

While both switches share polycarbonate for their top housings, the materials used in the bottom housings differ significantly. The HMX Gravel incorporates nylon, a classic and softer plastic that provides a deeper and fuller sound profile, absorbing more sound than harder plastics. In contrast, the PH Studio Yoel employs POM, another versatile material known for producing a uniquely muted sound that leans toward the deeper spectrum. This fundamental difference means that the typing experience will differ between the two switches. Users can expect the Gravel’s nylon bottom housing to emit a richer, rounder sound when bottoming out, while the Yoel's POM bottom housing will offer a more refined sonic experience that emphasizes a subdued and pleasant typing feel.

The combination of different housing materials in each keyboard ultimately influences the overall sound and typing experience. The Gravel’s construction delivers a more diverse sound character with the nylon bottom enhancing the auditory depth, while the Yoel leans toward a muted, yet distinct audio profile thanks to its POM bottom housing. When activating a key, the nuances of each material interplay between the top and bottom housings create unique auditory cues. As a result, users can select based on their preference for sound texture: whether they desire the fuller resonance of nylon in the Gravel or the refined mutedness of POM in the Yoel, each switch offers a tailored experience, further bridging the gap between contrasting materials.

Weight

When comparing the HMX Gravel linear switch and the PH Studio Yoel linear switch, notable differences in actuation force and bottom out force emerge. The HMX Gravel switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it suitable for users who favor a more effortless typing experience, ideal for long work sessions or extended gaming marathons. Conversely, the PH Studio Yoel switch features a heavier actuation force of 53 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, catering to those who prefer a firmer feel while typing, which can provide a more substantial tactile experience. This means the Gravel is the lighter option, while the Yoel is heavier. The differences in force requirements between the two switches indicate that users will experience varying responsiveness and feedback, with the Gravel being easier to press down compared to the stronger push feel of the Yoel.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Gravel linear switch and the PH Studio Yoel linear switch, there is a clear difference: the Gravel has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Yoel measures slightly shorter at 3.2 mm. This makes the Gravel the longer option, which may be more appealing to users who prefer a more pronounced key press for a traditional experience. In contrast, those who favor quicker response times might lean towards the Yoel, as its shorter travel distance allows for faster actuation, which is particularly advantageous for gamers. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches boils down to personal preference for either a more pronounced feel or a quicker response.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the HMX Gravel linear switch remains unarticulated, but can be assumed to produce a more subdued and less resonant profile than the PH Studio Yoel linear switch, which is characterized by its bright and clacky nature. The Yoel produces a sharp, high-pitched sound that is both crisp and percussive, resulting in a pronounced auditory feedback upon bottoming out. This combination of brightness and resonance leads to a lively typing experience, emphasizing an immersive auditory quality that some enthusiasts find exhilarating.

When comparing the feel of these switches, the Gravel is celebrated for its exceptional smoothness and refined typing experience with a medium-light actuation force that allows for effortless keystrokes. In contrast, the Yoel is noted for its delectably chewy typing experience, enhanced by descriptions of it being creamy, polished, and silky. This means that while the Gravel offers a consistently smooth encounter, the Yoel provides a distinct tactile sensation that feels softer and richer, making each keystroke engaging and fluid.

Overall, both switches cater to different preferences, but if you seek a smooth typing feel, the Gravel excels, while the Yoel provides a more textured and luxurious experience. In terms of sound, expect a brighter, more resonant tone from the Yoel, while the Gravel remains somewhat muted, possibly delivering a more conventional linear acoustic profile. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you desire the traditional smoothness of the Gravel or the engaging tactile and auditory dynamics of the Yoel.

Conclusion

In conclusion, your choice between the HMX Gravel and the PH Studio Yoel linear switches will largely depend on your personal preferences and typing needs. If you favor a lighter touch with a smooth and effortless typing experience, the HMX Gravel switch is likely your best bet. Its lower actuation force will allow for easy, responsive typing, making it an excellent choice for long typing sessions or if you enjoy rapid key presses, perhaps for gaming or intensive writing. On the other hand, if you appreciate a slightly firmer feel with a more pronounced auditory feedback, the Yoel switch is a solid option. Its medium bottom-out force offers a satisfying resistance, while its clacky and bright sound profile adds an engaging element to your typing experience. The Yoel's "chewy" and creamy feel might also appeal to those who enjoy a more pronounced tactile connection with each keystroke. Ultimately, selecting between these two switches hinges on whether you prefer a lighter, smoother, and quieter experience (HMX Gravel) or a firmer, more resonant, and expressive feel (PH Studio Yoel).

Mentioned in this article

HMX Gravel Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn more

PH Studio Yoel Linear

$4.50

$4.10 per 10

Learn more