Neo Lavender HE vs. PH Studio Yoel
An in-depth look at the Neo Lavender HE and the PH Studio Yoel switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing mechanical keyboard switches, two distinct options stand out: the Neo Lavender HE, a hall effect switch, and the PH Studio Yoel, a linear switch. The Neo Lavender HE is celebrated for its clean, low sound and is compatible with Wooting keyboards, offering a unique magnetic switching mechanism that sets it apart from traditional options. This switch is ideal for users seeking a quieter typing experience with precision responsiveness. Conversely, the PH Studio Yoel, manufactured by BSUN, promises a delectably chewy typing experience, enveloping fingertips with each keystroke. It produces a bright and clacky sound profile, with a satisfying resonance that many typists find enjoyable. The Yoel is perfect for those who appreciate a more tactile feedback and an auditory experience while typing. While both switches have their merits—one prioritizing a low sound and unique mechanism, the other favoring a resonant and dynamic typing experience—each caters to different user preferences. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
40g
Actuation force
53g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.20 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Ly
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
16mm single-stage spring
Spring
Single stage lengthened 20mm spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Neo Lavender HE and the PH Studio Yoel, significant differences emerge that affect both the sound and the tactile experience of each switch. The Neo Lavender HE features a nylon top housing, renowned for its softer properties, which create a deeper and fuller sound profile. This choice allows for sound absorption that results in a rounder auditory experience. In contrast, the PH Studio Yoel utilizes a polycarbonate top housing. Polycarbonate, being a stiffer plastic, produces a sharper and crisper sound, enhancing the clarity and resonance of key presses. While the distinction in materials leads to different sound characteristics, both switches can be tailored to produce similar results in terms of overall sound experience by carefully considering the blend of both top and bottom housing materials during design.
Examining the bottom housings, the Neo Lavender HE employs a nylon material, aligning with its top housing to produce a cohesive auditory profile that is rich and fully rounded. The bottom housing plays a critical role in the sound produced during key bottom-out, contributing to the overall depth of the sound when typing. On the other hand, the PH Studio Yoel adopts a POM bottom housing, which also cultivates a more muted and deeper sound but does so with a unique character. The nature of POM allows the switch to incorporate a unique sound quality, although it diverges from the nylon's more traditional sound signature. Consequently, while both switches feature their respective bottom housing materials, the differing characteristics will inevitably create unique sound experiences, especially during key release and bottom-out sounds.
Overall, while the Neo Lavender HE and PH Studio Yoel use different materials for their switch housings, these choices highlight an important aspect of design in mechanical switches. Each material offers distinct benefits, ultimately impacting the sound and tactile feedback experienced by the user. By balancing the effects of both the top and bottom housings, designers can create a thoughtfully synergistic experience. For those seeking to attain similar auditory results, an understanding of how each housing material influences both the top-out and bottom-out sounds is essential, enabling users to select switches that suit their preferred sound profiles and typing experiences.
Weight
The Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch and the PH Studio Yoel linear switch exhibit distinct characteristics in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. The Lavender HE switch features a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it an excellent choice for those who favor a lighter touch for extended typing sessions or gaming. In contrast, the Yoel switch has a heavier actuation force of 53 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, appealing to users who prefer a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel. Therefore, the Neo Lavender HE switch is the lighter option, while the Yoel switch is the heavier one. As a result, users seeking a softer, more forgiving keystroke might gravitate towards the Lavender HE, while those who enjoy a firmer feel will likely prefer the Yoel.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch and the PH Studio Yoel linear switch, we can observe a clear distinction. The Lavender HE has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Yoel measures at 3.2 mm. This makes the Yoel the shorter option, favoring gamers and those seeking a quicker response time, as shorter distances are increasingly popular for faster key presses. On the other hand, the Lavender HE, with its longer 3.8 mm travel distance, may appeal to users who prefer a more pronounced and hearty feel when typing or gaming. Thus, your choice between the two will largely depend on your preference for responsiveness versus depth in keystrokes.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
The Neo Lavender HE comes in at $4.50 per 10 switches.
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 comparing the sound profiles of the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch and the PH Studio Yoel linear switch, notable distinctions emerge. The Lavender HE is characterized by a clean, low sound, providing a more muted auditory experience that stands out positively in environments where noise is a consideration. In contrast, the Yoel switch produces a bright and clacky sound, delivering a sharp and percussive auditory feedback that can be described as both satisfying and pronounced, particularly at the bottom-out point. This difference in sound profile makes the Lavender HE more suitable for quiet settings, while the Yoel caters to those who enjoy a more resonant and lively typing experience.
In terms of feel, the characteristics of the two switches diverge significantly. The Neo Lavender HE offers a specific tactile sensation that remains undefined, leaving us to speculate on its unique qualities. On the other hand, the Yoel switch excels in delivering a delectably creamy typing experience, further enhanced by its polished and silky nature. The smoothness of its key travel provides a luxurious typing experience, allowing fingers to glide effortlessly and enhancing the overall enjoyment of use. This richness in texture makes the Yoel linear switch particularly appealing to those who prioritize an enjoyable tactile feedback.
Considering these aspects, the Neo Lavender HE and the PH Studio Yoel linear switch present different advantages tailored to varied user preferences. While the Lavender HE is ideal for those desiring a quieter, low-profile sound, the Yoel appeals to users who relish in a more pronounced and lively auditory feedback paired with a luxurious tactile feel. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches will hinge upon the balance you seek between sound characteristics and the tactile experience you find most satisfying.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch and the PH Studio Yoel linear switch should boil down to what you prioritize in your typing experience. If you prefer a lighter feel during use—thanks to the Lavender HE's 50-gram bottom-out force—and you enjoy a clean, low sound profile that works harmoniously with Wooting keyboards, then the Lavender HE might be your ideal choice. This switch is particularly suited for those who appreciate a more straightforward auditory experience without the distraction of loud clicks or clacks. On the other hand, if you favor a more robust and pronounced typing sensation, which the Yoel delivers with its 60-gram bottom-out force and chewy texture, then the PH Studio Yoel linear switch is the better option for you. It provides a bright and clacky sound that many users find satisfying, alongside a creamy, polished feel that makes each keystroke enjoyable. Ultimately, your decision will hinge on whether you lean more towards a subtle, quieter typing experience or a lively, resonant feedback that makes each keystroke feel engaging.
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