Gateron Ink Box Black vs. PH Studio Yoel
An in-depth look at the Gateron Ink Box Black and the PH Studio Yoel switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Gateron Ink Box Black and the PH Studio Yoel mechanical keyboard switches, both offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Ink Box Black is praised for its incredibly smooth and creamy feel, reminiscent of a spray paint can being shaken, making it a popular choice for those who value a polished and high-pitched sound. On the other hand, the Yoel by PH Studio provides a chewy typing experience, enveloping fingertips with each press, and offers a bright and clacky sound profile with a satisfying resonance upon bottoming out keys. While these general descriptions can give you an idea of what to expect from each switch, diving deeper into their specific attributes will help you make the best decision for your typing needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
60g
Actuation force
53g
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
Proprietary INK blend
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
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
In comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Ink Box Black and the PH Studio Yoel, we see that both switches offer unique sound profiles based on their housing materials. The INK blend top housing of the Ink Box Black provides a satisfying, slightly high-pitched sound that is often described as clacky. On the other hand, the polycarbonate top housing of the Yoel creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound that is clear and resonant. While both materials contribute to a pleasing sound profile, the polycarbonate top housing of the Yoel may offer a crisper and more pronounced sound compared to the Ink Box Black.
Moving on to the bottom housing materials, the proprietary INK blend of the Ink Box Black offers a similar sound profile to its top housing - pointed, high-pitched, and clacky. In contrast, the POM bottom housing of the Yoel creates a deeper and more muted sound profile. This contrast in sound profiles between the two switches highlights how different housing materials can significantly impact the overall typing experience. The Ink Box Black may provide a more consistent sound profile between its top and bottom housings, while the Yoel offers a combination of sharper and deeper sound profiles for a unique typing experience.
Overall, the choice between the Gateron Ink Box Black and the PH Studio Yoel ultimately comes down to personal preference in sound profile. Both switches offer distinct characteristics based on their housing materials, with the Ink Box Black providing a slightly higher-pitched and clacky sound, and the Yoel offering a sharper and crisper sound profile. Whether you prefer a consistent sound profile throughout the switch or a combination of different sound qualities between the top and bottom housings, both switches have something unique to offer for keyboard enthusiasts looking for a specific typing experience.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch and the PH Studio Yoel linear switch, it is evident that the Ink Box Black is on the heavier side with an actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams. In contrast, the Yoel is lighter, with an actuation force of 53 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams. The Ink Box Black provides a slightly more substantial typing experience due to its heavier forces, while the Yoel offers a lighter touch that may be more suitable for extended typing sessions or gaming. Both switches offer a similar range of force required for actuation and bottoming out, ensuring that users will get consistent results in terms of keypress response and typing comfort. Ultimately, the decision between these switches will depend on personal preference for typing feel and the desired weight of the keys.
Travel distance
The Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the PH Studio Yoel linear switch has a travel distance of 3.2 mm. This means that the Yoel has a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Ink Box Black. Depending on your preference, the shorter travel distance of the Yoel may provide a quicker response time, which is favored by gamers. On the other hand, the slightly longer travel distance of the Ink Box Black may offer a more substantial keypress experience for those who prefer a deeper feeling when typing. Ultimately, both switches offer their own advantages based on travel distance, so choosing between the two will depend on personal preference for keypress responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Ink Box Black has an MSRP of $8.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ink Box Black for $7.65.
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 Ink Box Black linear switch is known for its high-pitched and clacky profile reminiscent of a spray paint can being shaken. On the other hand, the PH Studio Yoel linear switch offers a bright and clacky sound with a pronounced resonance when keys reach their bottom-out point. Both switches provide a sharp and crisp sound experience, giving users a satisfying auditory feedback. Given their similar sound descriptors, users can expect comparable results in terms of sound quality when using either switch.
Moving on to the feel, the Gateron Ink Box Black switch is described as providing a silky and polished typing experience, offering exceptional smoothness and minimal resistance when pressing and releasing keys. Similarly, the PH Studio Yoel linear switch delivers a creamy and polished feel, allowing users to glide their fingers effortlessly across the keys with each keystroke. Both switches offer a smooth and refined typing sensation, making typing sessions comfortable and enjoyable. Users can expect a consistent level of smoothness and reduced friction when using either switch.
Overall, the Gateron Ink Box Black and PH Studio Yoel linear switches both excel in providing a premium typing experience with their smooth and satisfying sound profiles, as well as their silky and polished tactile responses. While each switch may have slight differences in sound and feel, both are comparable in terms of delivering a high-quality typing experience. Users can confidently choose either switch based on their personal preferences, knowing that they will receive similar results in terms of sound and feel quality.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch and the PH Studio Yoel linear switch, consider the factors of bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and a smooth, creamy typing experience with a clacky and high-pitched sound, the Gateron Ink Box Black might be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium bottom out force and a delectably chewy typing experience with a bright, clacky, and resonant sound, the PH Studio Yoel switch could be more to your liking. Ultimately, your decision should be based on the specific typing feel and sound profile that best suits your preferences and typing style.
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