Durock Light Tactile vs. PH Studio Yoel
An in-depth look at the Durock Light Tactile and the PH Studio Yoel switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Durock Light Tactile and PH Studio Yoel are both unique mechanical keyboard switches that offer distinct typing experiences. The Light Tactile switch from Durock is praised for its gentle tactility, providing a soft and smooth typing experience. In contrast, the PH Studio Yoel linear switch boasts a chewy typing experience with a bright and clacky sound profile. While the Light Tactile is categorized as 'Neutral', 'Mild', and 'Polished', the Yoel is known for being 'Clacky', 'Creamy', 'High-pitched', 'Marbly', 'Polished', 'Silky', and 'Resonant'. Each switch has its own appeal depending on individual preferences and typing style. 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
52g
Actuation force
53g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Polycarbonate
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 spring
Spring
Single stage lengthened 20mm spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Durock Light Tactile and the PH Studio Yoel both utilize polycarbonate for the top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. This material is known for its stiffness, leading to a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches designed for RGB lighting, adding an aesthetic element to the switches. Despite both switches using polycarbonate for the top housing, the differences lie in their bottom housing materials.
In contrast, the Light Tactile features a nylon bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound compared to the Yoel's POM bottom housing. Nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound profile. On the other hand, POM housings in the Yoel create a unique and pleasing sound profile that is deeper and more muted in comparison to nylon. The choice of bottom housing material can significantly impact the overall sound and feel of the switch.
While the top and bottom housings of the Durock Light Tactile and PH Studio Yoel differ in material composition, the qualities of each housing material contribute to the overall sound and feel of the switches. The bottom housing material has a more significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed, while the top housing material influences the sound when releasing a key. Despite these differences, both switches offer unique sound profiles due to their housing materials, providing users with a variety of options to choose from based on their preferences.
Weight
When comparing the Durock Light Tactile tactile switch and the PH Studio Yoel linear switch, the actuation force and bottom out force play a significant role in determining the typing experience. The Light Tactile switch has a slightly lighter actuation force of 52 grams compared to the Yoel switch's 53 grams. However, the Light Tactile requires a heavier bottom out force of 67 grams, whereas the Yoel only needs 60 grams for bottoming out. This makes the Yoel switch overall slightly lighter in terms of total force required for typing. Those who prefer a lighter touch may lean towards the Yoel switch for longer typing sessions, while those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience may opt for the Light Tactile switch. Ultimately, selecting between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Durock Light Tactile tactile switch and the PH Studio Yoel linear switch, we see that the Light Tactile has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Yoel has a travel distance of 3.2 mm. This means that the Durock Light Tactile has a longer travel distance compared to the PH Studio Yoel. The Light Tactile falls within the traditional range of 4.0mm, while the Yoel's 3.2mm distance is slightly shallower. Gamers, who prioritize faster response times, may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Yoel, while those who prefer a more substantial key press may opt for the longer travel distance of the Light Tactile. Ultimately, both switches offer different tactile experiences based on their respective travel distances.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock Light Tactile has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Light Tactile for $4.25.
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 Durock Light Tactile switch offers a neutral profile that is suitable for a variety of environments and preferences, with a jelly-like sound that complements its gentle tactility. On the other hand, the PH Studio Yoel linear switch is characterized by a bright and clacky sound, with a pronounced resonance that adds to the overall typing experience. While the Light Tactile provides a more subdued and angelic sound, the Yoel offers a more vibrant and energetic auditory feedback.
In terms of feel, the Light Tactile switch is described as mild and polished, providing a gentle and refined typing experience that falls in a safe middle ground for most users. In contrast, the Yoel linear switch offers a creamy and polished feel that is smooth and buttery, creating a sensation of effortless gliding across the keys with each keystroke. Both switches prioritize smoothness and comfort, but the Light Tactile leans towards a more approachable and gentler feel compared to the luscious creaminess of the Yoel.
Overall, the Durock Light Tactile and PH Studio Yoel switches offer distinct experiences in sound and feel, catering to different preferences and typing styles. The Light Tactile excels in providing a gentle tactility with a neutral sound profile, while the Yoel linear switch delivers a chewy and clacky typing experience with creamy smoothness. Whether you prefer a softer and subtler typing experience or a more vibrant and resonant one, both switches offer quality options that will enhance your mechanical keyboard setup. Ultimately, choosing between the two will depend on your personal preferences for sound and feel.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Durock Light Tactile and the PH Studio Yoel switches, consider your preferences for typing experience. If you value a gentle and angelic tactility with a jelly-like sound, the Light Tactile may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a chewy and satisfying typing experience with a bright and clacky sound profile, the Yoel switch might be more suitable. Additionally, if you prefer a mild and polished feel, the Light Tactile is a great option, whereas if you enjoy a creamy and polished typing experience, the Yoel switch could be the way to go. Ultimately, the decision should be based on your personal preferences for sound and feel when typing on your mechanical keyboard.
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