Gateron Ink Box Pink vs. PH Studio Yoel
An in-depth look at the Gateron Ink Box Pink and the PH Studio Yoel switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Ink Box Pink and PH Studio Yoel both offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Ink Box Pink is revered for its smooth and light typing feel, accompanied by a higher-pitched clack, making it a popular choice for those who prioritize a polished and silky typing experience. On the other hand, the Yoel switch by PH Studio boasts a chewy and satisfying typing feel, with a bright and clacky sound profile that resonates upon bottoming out the keys. While both switches fall under the 'clacky' and 'polished' categories, the Ink Box Pink leans towards a higher-pitched sensation, while the Yoel offers a creamy and marbly 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
50g
Actuation force
53g
Bottom-out force
60g
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
The housing materials of the Gateron Ink Box Pink and the PH Studio Yoel switches provide different sound profiles. The Ink Box Pink's proprietary INK blend top housing creates a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound that is described as clacky, while the Yoel's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper and crisper sound. In terms of aesthetics, the polycarbonate material is translucent and ideal for switches with RGB lighting. On the other hand, the bottom housing of the Ink Box Pink also features the proprietary INK blend, resulting in a similar sound profile to the top housing. In contrast, the Yoel's POM bottom housing creates a deeper and more muted sound.
The choice of housing materials for switches can greatly impact the overall typing experience. The Gateron Ink Box Pink switches offer a consistent sound profile with both the top and bottom housing made from the INK blend, creating a distinctive clacky sound. In comparison, the PH Studio Yoel switches provide a unique typing experience with the combination of polycarbonate top housing for a sharp sound and POM bottom housing for a deeper tone. The split between top and bottom housing materials in switches can affect the overall feel and sound when typing, with the bottom housing influencing the bottom-out sound and feel, and the top housing impacting the sound when releasing a key.
Ultimately, the choice between the Gateron Ink Box Pink and the PH Studio Yoel switches comes down to personal preference in sound profile and typing experience. While both switches offer distinct characteristics in terms of sound and feel, the Gateron switch may appeal to those who prefer a consistent high-pitched clacky sound throughout typing, thanks to the proprietary INK blend housing material. Conversely, the PH Studio Yoel switch provides a mix of sharp and deep tones due to the combination of polycarbonate and POM housing materials, offering a unique typing experience for those who enjoy a variety of sound profiles.
Weight
The Gateron Ink Box Pink and the PH Studio Yoel linear switches have similar bottom out forces of 60 grams, providing a medium level of resistance when pressing the keys all the way down. However, in terms of actuation force, the Ink Box Pink is lighter at 50 grams compared to the Yoel's 53 grams. This means that the Ink Box Pink requires less force to initiate a keystroke, making it a lighter option for those who prefer a more effortless typing experience. On the other hand, the Yoel offers a slightly heavier actuation force, providing a slightly more substantial typing feel for those who prefer a bit more resistance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation force and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the PH Studio Yoel linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.2 mm. Both switches fall within the range of short travel distances, making them suitable for those looking for a faster response time during typing or gaming. The difference in travel distance between the two switches may be subtle, but it could influence the overall feel of the keys when typing. If you prefer a slightly deeper key press, you may lean towards the Ink Box Pink, while those who prefer a slightly shallower feel may opt for the Yoel. Ultimately, both switches offer a short travel distance that caters to a quick and responsive typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Ink Box Pink 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 Pink 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 Pink switch is known for its high-pitched and clacky profile, delivering a sharp and bright sound when pressed. On the other hand, the PH Studio Yoel switch is also characterized by a clacky sound, but with a more resonant and pronounced resonance at the bottom-out point, providing a satisfying auditory experience. The Yoel switch introduces a unique marbly sound profile, which adds to its overall sound characteristics. It is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and the keycaps used, so individual preferences may vary.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron Ink Box Pink switch is noted for its silky and polished typing experience, offering minimal resistance and a smooth key travel. Conversely, the PH Studio Yoel switch provides a creamy and polished feel, resembling a buttery and effortless typing sensation. Both switches focus on delivering a refined and smooth typing experience, enhancing the overall comfort and ease of use for the typist.
Overall, the Gateron Ink Box Pink and PH Studio Yoel switches offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Ink Box Pink excels in providing a high-pitched and clacky sound with a silky typing feel, the Yoel switch stands out with its bright and resonant sound profile combined with a creamy and polished typing experience. Depending on personal preferences for sound and feel, both switches offer exceptional qualities that cater to different typing preferences. Ultimately, choosing between the two would come down to individual preferences in terms of sound and feel, ensuring an enjoyable and tailored typing experience for each user.
Conclusion
Bringing it all together, when deciding between the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch and the PH Studio Yoel linear switch, think about the typing experience you prefer. If you enjoy a lighter typing feel with a higher-pitched clack, the Ink Box Pink might be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a chewy and resonant typing experience with a bright and clacky sound profile, the Yoel could be the better option. Consider the bottom-out force of 60 grams for both switches as well. Ultimately, the decision should come down to your personal preferences in terms of sound and feel when typing on a mechanical keyboard.
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