Dareu Holly vs. PH Studio Yoel
An in-depth look at the Dareu Holly and the PH Studio Yoel switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Dareu Holly and PH Studio Yoel mechanical keyboard switches offer distinct typing experiences that cater to different preferences. The Holly, a tactile switch, stands out with its medium 50g actuation force and a unique sound signature that combines chirpy and clacky elements, providing a balanced and distinctive typing experience. On the other hand, the Yoel, a linear switch, manufactured by BSUN, delivers a chewy typing sensation with a bright and clacky sound profile that is both satisfying and pronounced. While the Holly is characterized as 'Chirpy', 'Clacky', and 'Neutral', the Yoel boasts attributes such as 'Creamy', 'High-pitched', 'Marbly', 'Polished', 'Silky', and 'Resonant'. Each switch offers its own set of qualities for users to consider, making the choice between the two dependent on personal 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
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
53g
Bottom-out force
N/A
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
Partial box
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
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Single stage lengthened 20mm spring
Housing materials
The Dareu Holly and PH Studio Yoel both utilize polycarbonate for their top housing material, creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the relatively stiffer nature of polycarbonate, which leads to a more clear and resonant sound. Aesthetically, the translucency of polycarbonate is especially useful for switches that plan to use RGB lighting. However, the Yoel also features a POM bottom housing, which creates a deeper and more muted sound compared to the Holly's nylon bottom housing. This means that the Yoel may have a slightly different overall sound profile compared to the Holly due to the split qualities of the different housing materials.
In terms of sound, the Holly's nylon bottom housing creates a deeper and fuller sound profile, thanks to nylon's softer nature that absorbs more sound than harder plastics. On the other hand, the Yoel's POM bottom housing produces an incredibly pleasing and unique sound that is on the deeper side and relatively more muted. This means that the bottom-out sound and overall feel of typing on these switches will be influenced by the characteristics of their respective bottom housing materials. The difference in sound profiles between the two switches may be noticeable due to the contrasting properties of nylon and POM.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in the Dareu Holly and PH Studio Yoel switches plays a significant role in shaping their sound profiles. While both switches feature polycarbonate top housings for a sharper and crisper sound, the difference in bottom housing materials - nylon for the Holly and POM for the Yoel - creates distinct variations in sound. The split qualities of the top and bottom housing materials means that typing on these switches will offer a unique experience, with the bottom housing influencing the bottom-out sound and feel, and the top housing impacting the sound when releasing a key.
Weight
The Dareu Holly tactile switch has a lighter actuation force of 50 grams compared to the PH Studio Yoel linear switch with 53 grams. However, the Yoel linear switch has a heavier bottom out force of 60 grams, while the bottom out force of the Holly switch is unknown. For those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions, the Holly switch may be more suitable. On the other hand, individuals looking for a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel may lean towards the Yoel switch. Ultimately, the actuation force and bottom out force of these switches play a significant role in determining the typing experience and comfort level for users.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Dareu Holly tactile switch and the PH Studio Yoel linear switch, the Holly has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Yoel has a travel distance of 3.2 mm. The Holly has a slightly longer travel distance, making it more ideal for those who prefer a deeper press and feel when typing. On the other hand, the Yoel has a shorter travel distance, which is preferred by gamers looking for faster response times. Both switches offer different typing experiences based on their travel distances, with the Holly providing a more traditional feel and the Yoel catering to those who prioritize quick and responsive keystrokes. Ultimately, both switches cater to different preferences depending on the user's typing style and needs.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Dareu Holly has an MSRP of $6.59 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Holly for $3.76.
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 Dareu Holly tactile switch stands out with its unique combination of chirpy and clacky elements, providing a balanced and distinct typing experience. On the other hand, the PH Studio Yoel linear switch offers a bright and clacky profile that creates a satisfying and pronounced resonance upon bottoming out. Both switches provide a different auditory experience, with the Holly being more chirpy and the Yoel having a higher-pitched and resonant sound. Ultimately, the sound preference between the two switches will depend on the user's personal taste and typing environment.
When it comes to feel, the information available for the Dareu Holly tactile switch is not provided, while the PH Studio Yoel linear switch is described as delivering a delectably chewy typing experience with a creamy, polished, and silky sensation. The Yoel switch offers a smooth and buttery typing feel, thanks to either factory lubrication or specific materials used in its construction. This provides a sleek and refined typing experience with reduced friction, allowing fingers to glide effortlessly across the keys. Without information on the feel of the Holly switch, it is difficult to directly compare the tactile feedback and typing experience between the two switches.
Overall, while both the Dareu Holly tactile switch and the PH Studio Yoel linear switch offer unique sound profiles and tactile sensations, they cater to different preferences and typing styles. The Holly switch is known for its chirpy and clacky sound, providing a balanced and distinctive typing experience, while the Yoel switch delivers a bright and clacky sound with a creamy and polished feel for smooth and satisfying key presses. Choosing between these switches will ultimately depend on individual preferences for sound and feel, as both switches offer their own unique characteristics that can enhance the typing experience for different users.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when selecting between the Dareu Holly tactile switch and the PH Studio Yoel linear switch, consider the type of typing experience you prefer. If you appreciate a balanced and distinctive sound profile with medium actuation force, the Holly may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a chewy and clacky typing experience with a medium bottom out force, the Yoel might be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preference for sound and feel while typing. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing styles, so choose the one that aligns best with your preferences.
Mentioned in this article
