Outemu Lime (V3) vs. PH Studio Yoel
An in-depth look at the Outemu Lime (V3) and the PH Studio Yoel switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Lime and PH Studio Yoel offer unique typing experiences for enthusiasts. The Lime switch is a tactile switch that is lightweight, silenced, and has a mild tactility, perfect for those who enjoy a feathery typing experience with a subtle tactile feedback. On the other hand, the Yoel switch is a linear switch that provides a chewy typing experience with a bright and clacky sound profile, offering a satisfying and pronounced resonance upon bottoming out keys. While the Lime switch is ideal for tactile fans looking for a polished and muted typing experience, the Yoel switch caters to those who prefer a creamy and resonant typing feel. 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
35g
Actuation force
53g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
Stainless steel
Spring
Single stage lengthened 20mm spring
Housing materials
The Outemu Lime's housing materials consist of a nylon top housing and a nylon bottom housing, both contributing to a deeper and fuller sound profile. On the other hand, the PH Studio Yoel features a polycarbonate top housing and a POM bottom housing, creating a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile with a unique and deep tone. While both switches use different materials for their top and bottom housings, they both aim to enhance the overall sound experience, with the Lime focusing on a duller and rounder sound, and the Yoel offering a more clear and resonant sound.
In terms of aesthetics, the Yoel's polycarbonate top housing allows for RGB lighting to shine through, making it a visually appealing choice for those interested in customizable lighting effects. The Nylon top housing of the Lime, while not transparent, still provides a classic look and feel to the switch. However, the use of polycarbonate in the Yoel's housing materials may give it an edge in terms of visual appeal for those who prioritize RGB lighting in their setup.
Both switches utilize different housing materials for their top and bottom parts, which affects the sound profile when typing. The bottom housing of a switch has more of an impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key, while the top housing plays a significant role in the sound when releasing a key. Despite the differences in their housing materials, the Lime and the Yoel both aim to enhance the overall typing experience through their unique sound profiles, catering to users looking for specific sound characteristics in their switches.
Weight
The Outemu Lime tactile switch has a lighter actuation force and bottom out force compared to the PH Studio Yoel linear switch. The Lime requires 35 grams of force to actuate and 45 grams to bottom out, while the Yoel needs 53 grams to actuate and 60 grams to bottom out, making it a heavier option. Those who prefer a lighter touch may enjoy the Lime for extended typing or gaming sessions, while those who prefer a more substantial typing experience may lean towards the Yoel. Both switches provide different levels of feedback and keypress resistance, catering to different preferences in typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on individual typing preferences.
Travel distance
The Outemu Lime tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the PH Studio Yoel linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.2 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are becoming popular, especially among gamers looking for rapid response times. The slight difference in travel distance between the two switches may not be noticeable to everyone, but if you prefer a slightly deeper key press, the Lime switch might be more to your liking. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly shallower key press for faster typing or gaming, the Yoel switch could be the better option. Ultimately, both switches provide a similar experience in terms of travel distance, so the choice between the two would likely come down to personal preference.
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 Outemu Lime (V3) comes in at $3.40 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 it comes to sound, the Outemu Lime tactile switch offers a muted typing experience that minimizes the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards, making it suitable for various environments. On the other hand, the PH Studio Yoel linear switch has a clacky and high-pitched sound profile that provides a satisfying and pronounced resonance when keys are pressed. If you prefer a quieter typing experience, the Lime switch would be the better choice, while the Yoel switch is ideal for those who enjoy a crisp and percussive sound.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Outemu Lime tactile switch provides a feathery and mild typing experience with a light actuation force, reducing finger fatigue and making it comfortable for extended typing sessions. In contrast, the PH Studio Yoel linear switch offers a creamy and polished feel, providing a smooth and buttery typing experience with reduced friction and effortless keystrokes. Both switches have a polished finish, ensuring smooth key travel, but the Lime switch is lighter and more approachable, while the Yoel switch offers a more luxurious typing sensation.
In conclusion, if you prioritize a quiet typing experience with a light touch, the Outemu Lime tactile switch would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a more pronounced and satisfying sound with a smooth and buttery feel, the PH Studio Yoel linear switch may be more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, so choosing between the two would depend on what you value most in a mechanical keyboard switch.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Outemu Lime tactile switch and the PH Studio Yoel linear switch, consider your preferences for typing experience, sound profile, and actuation force. If you prefer a light and silented tactile switch with a feathery touch, go for the Lime. However, if you enjoy a chewy linear switch with a bright and clacky sound profile, the Yoel is the way to go. Ultimately, the decision should be based on whether you prioritize a more gentle typing experience with a medium actuation force or a smoother, buttery typing feel with a higher actuation force. With these considerations in mind, you can select the switch that best suits your personal preferences and typing style.
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