Durock Medium Tactile vs. PH Studio Yoel
An in-depth look at the Durock Medium Tactile and the PH Studio Yoel switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering the Durock Medium Tactile and the PH Studio Yoel mechanical keyboard switches, it becomes apparent that both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Durock Medium Tactile stands out for its pronounced yet balanced tactility, providing a satisfying typing experience with a jelly-like sound signature. On the other hand, the PH Studio Yoel linear switch, known for its delectably chewy typing feel, offers a bright and clacky sound profile with a resonant bottom-out point. Choosing between these switches ultimately depends on your preferences for tactility and sound feedback. 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
N/A
Actuation force
53g
Bottom-out force
65g
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
Both the Durock Medium Tactile and the PH Studio Yoel feature polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which results in a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches designed for RGB lighting. However, while both switches share this common feature, the difference lies in their bottom housing materials. The Medium Tactile uses nylon for its bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon is softer and absorbs more sound. On the other hand, the Yoel utilizes POM for its bottom housing, creating a unique sound that is on the deeper side and more muted in comparison to nylon.
One key difference between the Durock Medium Tactile and the PH Studio Yoel is their choice of bottom housing material. While the Medium Tactile uses nylon for its bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile, the Yoel opts for POM, which creates a deeper and relatively more muted sound. This distinction in bottom housing materials can significantly impact the overall typing experience, as it affects the sound and feel of both the bottom-out and release of the keys. However, both switches still share the common feature of polycarbonate top housing, contributing to a sharper and crisper sound profile that is ideal for RGB lighting due to its translucency.
In summary, the Durock Medium Tactile and the PH Studio Yoel both feature polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharp and resonant sound profile perfect for RGB lighting. However, the switches differ in their choice of bottom housing material, with the Medium Tactile using nylon for a deeper and fuller sound, while the Yoel utilizes POM for a more unique and muted sound profile. This difference in bottom housing material will impact the overall typing experience, with the bottom housing affecting the bottom-out sound and feel, and the top housing influencing the sound upon key release. Despite these variations, both switches offer distinct qualities that cater to different preferences in sound and typing feel.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch and the PH Studio Yoel linear switch, there are significant differences to consider. The Medium Tactile has a bottom out force of 65 grams, making it heavier than the Yoel which has a bottom out force of 60 grams. However, the actuation force of the Yoel is 53 grams, while the actuation force of the Medium Tactile is unknown. This means that the Yoel requires less force to trigger a keystroke compared to the Medium Tactile. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Yoel, while those who enjoy a more substantial typing feel may prefer the Medium Tactile due to its heavier bottom out force. Both switches offer a different typing experience based on their actuation and bottom out forces, allowing users to choose the option that best suits their preferences.
Travel distance
The Durock Medium Tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, making it slightly longer than the PH Studio Yoel linear switch which has a travel distance of 3.2 mm. In terms of travel distance, the Yoel offers a shorter distance compared to the Medium Tactile. This means that the Yoel switch may provide a quicker response time for users looking for a more responsive typing or gaming experience. On the other hand, the Medium Tactile switch's longer travel distance may offer a more satisfying and tactile typing experience for those who prefer a deeper key press. Overall, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for travel distance and typing feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock Medium 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 Medium 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 Medium Tactile switch is best characterized by a jelly-like sound signature, providing a unique auditory experience that is both satisfying and distinct. On the other hand, the PH Studio Yoel linear switch is known for its bright and clacky profile, offering a sharp and crisp sound with a pronounced resonance upon bottoming out the keys. Both switches offer different sound profiles, catering to varying preferences depending on the typing experience one is seeking. Factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used can also influence the overall sound produced by these switches.
In terms of feel, the Durock Medium Tactile switch is praised for its accented tactility, offering a balanced tactile bump that is not overwhelming yet still prominent. The switch is described as providing a medium tactile experience, encompassing a satisfying keystroke that is neither too subtle nor too aggressive. Conversely, the PH Studio Yoel linear switch is known for its creamy and polished feel, delivering a smooth and buttery typing experience with reduced friction and effortless key travel. Both switches offer distinct tactile sensations, catering to different preferences in terms of typing feel and overall comfort during extended typing sessions.
In conclusion, the Durock Medium Tactile and PH Studio Yoel switches each offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel, catering to different preferences among mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. While the Medium Tactile provides a balanced tactile experience with a jelly-like sound signature, the Yoel delivers a creamy and polished typing sensation with a bright and clacky sound profile. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and overall typing experience, with both switches offering high-quality performance for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts seeking a customized typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch or the PH Studio Yoel linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your preferences in typing experience. If you enjoy a pronounced yet balanced tactility with a jelly-like sound signature, then the Medium Tactile is the switch for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a delectably chewy typing experience with a bright and clacky sound profile, then the Yoel may be more suited to your liking. Consider factors such as bottom-out force, sound characteristics, and tactile feel to determine which switch aligns best with your typing style and preferences. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different typing preferences, so choose the one that resonates most with your typing experience.
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