Gateron Ink Yellow vs. PH Studio Yoel
An in-depth look at the Gateron Ink Yellow and the PH Studio Yoel switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Gateron Ink Yellow and the PH Studio Yoel mechanical keyboard switches, both fall under the linear switch category but offer unique typing experiences. The Gateron Ink Yellow is known for its shorter travel, providing a typing feel that is a balance between a laptop and a standard mechanical keyboard. This switch is praised for its smoothness and clackiness, making it appealing to users looking for a mild yet polished typing experience. On the other hand, the PH Studio Yoel switch, manufactured by BSUN, offers a chewy typing experience with a bright and clacky sound profile. It is characterized by a satisfying resonance when keys bottom out, adding to the overall typing experience. Both switches have their own set of qualities that may appeal to different 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
60g
Actuation force
53g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
1.50 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Gold-plated
Spring
Single stage lengthened 20mm spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Ink Yellow and PH Studio Yoel both offer unique housing materials that affect the sound profile of the switches. The Ink Yellow's proprietary INK blend top housing creates a relatively high-pitched and clacky sound, while the Yoel's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper and crisper sound. In terms of aesthetics, the polycarbonate top housing of the Yoel allows for RGB lighting due to its translucency, making it visually appealing for those looking to customize their keyboard's lighting. Both switches offer a unique sound profile, but the materials used in their top housings result in slightly different characteristics.
On the other hand, the bottom housings of the Ink Yellow and Yoel switches also contribute to their overall sound profile. The Ink Yellow's proprietary INK blend bottom housing produces a high-pitched and clacky sound, similar to its top housing. In contrast, the Yoel's POM bottom housing creates a deeper and more muted sound profile. This difference in sound between the switches' bottom housings may appeal to users who prefer a specific type of key press sound and feel. Overall, the choice of bottom housing material can significantly impact the overall sound and feel of the switch, offering users a variety of options to suit their preferences.
While the top and bottom housing materials of the Gateron Ink Yellow and PH Studio Yoel switches differ, each material brings its own unique qualities to the overall sound profile. The split between the bottom and top housing allows users to experience a combination of characteristics when typing on these switches. The bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing a key, while the top housing has a more significant impact on the sound when releasing the key. Despite the differences in materials, both switches offer a satisfying typing experience with distinct sound profiles that cater to different preferences.
Weight
The Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 60 grams compared to the PH Studio Yoel linear switch which has an actuation force of 53 grams, making the Yoel lighter in this aspect. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Ink Yellow requires 67 grams while the Yoel requires 60 grams, making the Ink Yellow the heavier of the two. Both switches fall into the medium weight category, with the Ink Yellow leaning towards the heavier side and the Yoel towards the lighter side. Some users may prefer the lighter actuation force of the Yoel for longer typing sessions or gaming, while others may prefer the heavier bottom out force of the Ink Yellow for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the PH Studio Yoel linear switch has a travel distance of 3.2 mm. In this case, the Yoel switch has a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Ink Yellow switch. Both switches fall within the range that is considered shorter than the traditional 4.0mm travel distance, making them suitable for those who prioritize fast response times. Gamers may lean towards the Yoel switch for its slightly shorter travel distance, which can provide quick key presses. On the other hand, those who prefer a bit more depth and a less abrupt feel may opt for the Ink Yellow switch with its slightly longer travel distance of 3.5 mm. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Ink Yellow has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ink Yellow for $7.35.
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
When it comes to sound, the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch is noted for its neutral and clacky characteristics, providing a moderate actuation force requirement along with a crisp and bright sound profile. On the other hand, the PH Studio Yoel linear switch offers a high-pitched, marbly, and resonant sound experience, with a bright and clacky profile that resonates satisfyingly upon bottoming out. Both switches excel in delivering a distinct auditory feedback that can enhance the typing experience significantly. Ultimately, the choice between these switches in terms of sound would depend on personal preference regarding pitch and resonance.
Moving on to the feel, the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch offers a mild and polished typing experience, providing a gentle and refined feel that is approachable to most users. On the other hand, the PH Studio Yoel linear switch is described as creamy, polished, and silky, offering a smooth and buttery typing sensation that allows fingers to effortlessly glide across the keys with minimal friction. Both switches excel in providing a comfortable and smooth typing experience, with the Yoel switch leaning towards a more luxurious and silky feel compared to the Ink Yellow. Choosing between these switches in terms of feel would depend on individual preference for smoothness and key travel.
In conclusion, the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch and the PH Studio Yoel linear switch offer unique subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel that cater to different preferences. While the Ink Yellow provides a neutral and clacky sound with a mild and polished feel, the Yoel offers a high-pitched, marbly, and resonant sound along with a creamy, polished, and silky feel. Ultimately, both switches are capable of delivering a satisfying typing experience, with the decision between them coming down to personal preferences for sound pitch, resonance, smoothness, and key travel. Whether choosing the Ink Yellow or Yoel, users can expect a premium typing experience that is sure to enhance their overall keyboarding enjoyment.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch and the PH Studio Yoel linear switch, consider the characteristics of each switch. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and a neutral or clacky sound profile with a smooth and polished feel, you may lean towards the Gateron Ink Yellow. On the other hand, if you enjoy a medium bottom out force, a bright and clacky sound profile with a resonant, marbly, or high-pitched sound, and a creamy or polished feel, the PH Studio Yoel might be the switch for you. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for typing experience and sound profile.
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