TTC Light Cloud V2 vs. PH Studio Yoel
An in-depth look at the TTC Light Cloud V2 and the PH Studio Yoel switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Light Cloud V2 and the PH Studio Yoel both offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Light Cloud V2 is celebrated for its silent operation and refined typing experience, making it an ideal choice for those who appreciate a delicate and nuanced feel. On the other hand, the Yoel stands out for its chewy typing sensation and pronounced sound profile, appealing to users who enjoy a bright and clacky feedback. While the Light Cloud V2 is categorized as 'Mild', 'Muted', 'Neutral', 'Easy-to-press', and 'Feathery', the Yoel is characterized as 'Clacky', 'Creamy', 'High-pitched', 'Marbly', 'Polished', 'Silky', and 'Resonant'. 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
45g
Actuation force
53g
Bottom-out force
58g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
1.20 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
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated double-staged spring
Spring
Single stage lengthened 20mm spring
Housing materials
The Light Cloud V2 and the PH Studio Yoel both feature different housing materials for their top and bottom housings, with the Light Cloud V2 utilizing nylon for both and the Yoel incorporating polycarbonate for the top housing and POM for the bottom housing. The nylon top housing of the Light Cloud V2 offers a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition, absorbing more sound and creating a duller tone. In contrast, the polycarbonate top housing of the Yoel produces a sharper and crisper sound profile, attributed to its stiffer plastic composition that enhances clarity and resonance. Both housing materials provide distinct sound profiles, with nylon favoring a rounder sound while polycarbonate offers a higher-pitched tone.
While the nylon bottom housing of the Light Cloud V2 contributes to its deep and full sound profile, the POM bottom housing of the Yoel produces a unique and pleasing sound that is on the deeper side and relatively muted. This difference in sound profiles between the bottom housings of the two switches showcases the impact that housing materials can have on the overall typing experience. Despite using different materials for their bottom housings, both switches provide a varied sound experience for users, with the Yoel offering a deeper and more muted sound compared to the Light Cloud V2's deeper and fuller tone.
The combination of housing materials in the Light Cloud V2 and the PH Studio Yoel highlights the importance of considering both top and bottom housing compositions when designing switches. The split between the qualities brought by the top and bottom housings allows for a diverse typing experience, with the bottom housing influencing the bottom-out sound and feel while the top housing affects the sound when releasing a key. Despite their differences in material composition, both switches provide users with distinct sound profiles that enhance the overall typing experience, catering to individual preferences for sound and feel.
Weight
The actuation force of the TTC Light Cloud V2 linear switch is lighter than that of the PH Studio Yoel linear switch, with the Light Cloud V2 requiring 45 grams compared to the Yoel's 53 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Light Cloud V2 is still lighter than the Yoel, with 58 grams compared to 60 grams. Both switches have a medium level of actuation and bottom out force, providing a comfortable typing experience for those who prefer a balance between a lighter and heavier feel. This means that users can expect similar results in terms of key actuation and bottoming out, with slight differences in the required force for each switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for a lighter or slightly heavier typing feel.
Travel distance
The TTC Light Cloud V2 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 has a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Light Cloud V2. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are popular among gamers for their quick response times. The difference in travel distance between the two switches may not be significant for most users, as the variations are minimal. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on personal preference for a slightly shorter travel distance with the Yoel or a slightly longer travel distance with the Light Cloud V2.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Light Cloud V2 has an MSRP of $6.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Light Cloud V2 for $5.49.
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 TTC Light Cloud V2 provides a muted and neutral typing experience, emphasizing softness and quietness over sharpness and brightness. On the other hand, the PH Studio Yoel linear switch offers a clacky, high-pitched, marbly, and resonant sound profile, creating a more pronounced and percussive auditory feedback. If you prefer a quieter and more subtle typing experience, the Light Cloud V2 would be the optimal choice. However, if you enjoy a more striking and resonant sound while typing, the Yoel switch would be more suitable for your preferences.
When it comes to feel, the TTC Light Cloud V2 offers a mild, easy-to-press, and feathery typing experience, focusing on gentle resistance and light actuation force to enhance comfort and reduce finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. Conversely, the PH Studio Yoel switch provides a creamy, polished, and silky typing feel, delivering a smooth and buttery sensation with reduced friction and effortless key travel. Depending on whether you prefer a lighter and more effortless typing experience or a smooth and refined feel, you can choose between the Light Cloud V2 and the Yoel switch accordingly.
Overall, choosing between the TTC Light Cloud V2 and the PH Studio Yoel linear switch ultimately comes down to personal preference. If you prioritize a quieter typing experience with a gentler feel, the Light Cloud V2 would be the ideal selection. On the other hand, if you prefer a more pronounced and resonant sound with a smooth and buttery typing feel, the Yoel switch would better suit your preferences. Remember, the sound and feel of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used, so consider these aspects when making your decision. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, ensuring a satisfying typing experience for newcomers in the mechanical keyboard world.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering whether to choose the TTC Light Cloud V2 linear switch or the PH Studio Yoel linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your preferences in typing experience. If you value a refined and delicate typing feel with a muted sound profile, then the Light Cloud V2 may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a chewy and clacky typing sensation with a resonant sound profile, the Yoel switch might be more to your liking. Both switches offer a medium bottom out force, so it really boils down to whether you prioritize a mild and easy-to-press feel or a creamy and polished typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the Light Cloud V2 and Yoel switches depends on your personal taste in typing sound and feel.
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