Zuoce Lavender vs. PH Studio Yoel
An in-depth look at the Zuoce Lavender and the PH Studio Yoel switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Zuoce Lavender and PH Studio Yoel both offer unique attributes that cater to different preferences. The Zuoce Lavender is well-known for its exceptional smoothness and crisp, clacky sound signature, providing a satisfying typing experience right out of the box. On the other hand, the PH Studio Yoel linear switch boasts a chewy typing experience with a bright and clacky sound profile that resonates with each key press. While the Lavender is categorized as 'Easy-to-press' and 'Clacky', the Yoel has a wider range of categorizations including 'Creamy', 'Marbly', and 'Resonant'. Ultimately, choosing between these two switches will depend on your personal preference for key feel and sound. 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
48g
Actuation force
53g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.20 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Z1 (Ly blend)
Stem material
Ly
Top housing material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
21mm double-staged spring
Spring
Single stage lengthened 20mm spring
Housing materials
The Zuoce Lavender and PH Studio Yoel both have unique housing materials that significantly impact the sound profile of the switches. The Lavender features a POM top housing, which creates a deeper and more muted sound, while the Yoel utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, resulting in a sharper and crisper sound profile. Aesthetically, the polycarbonate top housing of the Yoel allows for more light to pass through, making it ideal for RGB lighting effects. Despite their differences, both housing materials bring a pleasing and unique sound to the switches, just in different tonal qualities.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the Lavender and Yoel switches use POM material. This means that the sound profile of both switches is on the deeper side and relatively more muted. By having the same bottom housing material, the switches are able to maintain consistency in their sound profiles and overall feel. This ensures that users can enjoy a similar typing experience regardless of which switch they choose, making it easier to switch between keyboards with different switches without a significant adjustment period.
The split between the top and bottom housing materials in a switch is crucial in determining the overall sound and feel of the switch. The bottom housing has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing affects the sound when releasing a key. This means that the use of different materials for the top and bottom housings, such as in the Lavender and Yoel switches, can result in a more nuanced typing experience. By understanding how each housing material contributes to the overall sound profile, keyboard enthusiasts can choose switches that best suit their preferences for tactility and acoustics.
Weight
In comparing the Zuoce Lavender linear switch and the PH Studio Yoel linear switch, it is evident that the Lavender is the lighter option with an actuation force of 48 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, while the Yoel is the heavier option with an actuation force of 53 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams. The Lavender offers a slightly lighter typing experience compared to the Yoel, making it more suitable for longer typing sessions or gaming marathons where fatigue may become a factor. On the other hand, the Yoel provides a slightly more substantial typing feel, making it ideal for users who prefer a stronger push when typing. Despite these differences, both switches offer a medium actuation and bottom out force, ensuring a similar level of typing performance for users who do not have a strong preference for either a lighter or heavier typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the Lavender and Yoel switches will come down to personal preference and the specific typing experience that each individual desires.
Travel distance
The Zuoce Lavender linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the PH Studio Yoel linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.2 mm. Both of these switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them suitable for those who value a quick response time. Gamers, in particular, may prefer the shorter travel distance for increased speed and efficiency. However, individuals who enjoy a more tactile and deep key press may find the Lavender switch with the longer travel distance more satisfying. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference regarding key feel and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Zuoce Lavender has an MSRP of $2.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Lavender for $1.99.
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 Zuoce Lavender linear switch offers a crisp and clacky profile, delivering a sharp and satisfying sound with each keystroke. On the other hand, the PH Studio Yoel linear switch produces a bright and clacky sound signature, with a pronounced resonance when keys reach their bottom-out point. Both switches provide a satisfying auditory experience, with the Lavender leaning towards a sharper tone and the Yoel offering a more resonant sound. Depending on personal preference, users may find one switch's sound more appealing than the other, but both switches excel in providing a pleasing typing sound experience.
In terms of feel, the Zuoce Lavender linear switch is known for its easy-to-press nature, offering gentle resistance during key presses and requiring minimal force to activate. This results in a smooth and effortless typing experience, reducing finger fatigue during extended use. On the other hand, the PH Studio Yoel linear switch provides a creamy and polished feel, offering a smooth and buttery typing sensation with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Both switches focus on providing a comfortable and low-impact typing experience, with the Lavender emphasizing easy key activation and the Yoel focusing on a silky smooth feel. Users looking for a lighter touch may prefer the Lavender, while those seeking a more refined and polished typing experience may lean towards the Yoel.
Overall, the Zuoce Lavender linear switch and PH Studio Yoel linear switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Lavender excels in providing a crisp and clacky sound with easy key activation, while the Yoel delivers a bright and resonant typing experience with a creamy and polished feel. Both switches cater to users seeking a satisfying and smooth typing experience, with differences in sound and feel providing options for personal preferences. Whether opting for the Lavender or Yoel, users can expect a high-quality typing experience tailored to their individual preferences in sound and feel.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Zuoce Lavender linear switch or the PH Studio Yoel linear switch, you should consider your preferences for bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel. If you prefer a lighter bottom out force and a smooth, clacky typing experience right out of the box, the Lavender switch may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly higher bottom out force and a creamy, clacky typing experience with a resonant sound profile, the Yoel switch might be more up your alley. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to personal preference and the typing experience you are looking to achieve.
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