SP-Star Meteor Orange vs. PH Studio Yoel
An in-depth look at the SP-Star Meteor Orange and the PH Studio Yoel switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch to the PH Studio Yoel linear switch, it's clear that each offers a unique typing experience. The Meteor Orange switches are praised for their gentle tactility and neutral sound profile, making them a great choice for those who prefer a softer and more subtle typing feel. On the other hand, the Yoel linear switch provides a chewy typing experience with a bright and clacky sound profile, offering a more pronounced and satisfying bottom-out feel. While these general descriptions can help you decide on a switch that aligns with your preferences, diving deeper into the specific characteristics of each switch will allow you to make the most informed decision for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
53g
Bottom-out force
57g
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
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 housing materials of the SP-Star Meteor Orange and the PH Studio Yoel switches are quite different in terms of their sound profiles. The Meteor Orange's nylon top housing creates a duller and rounder sound due to its softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. In contrast, the Yoel's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound thanks to its relatively stiffer plastic, which leads to a clear and resonant sound profile. While the Nylon bottom housing of the Meteor Orange shares similar characteristics with its top housing, the POM bottom housing of the Yoel creates a deeper, more muted sound profile, offering a unique sound experience.
Despite their differences, the housing materials of the Meteor Orange and the Yoel both contribute to the overall sound profile of the switches. The Nylon top and bottom housing of the Meteor Orange work together to provide a deep and full sound, while the Polycarbonate top housing of the Yoel contributes to a sharper and more clear sound. On the other hand, the POM bottom housing of the Yoel adds a unique depth and muted quality to the sound profile. Both switches offer a variety of sound options depending on the type of housing material used in the switch, catering to different preferences and typing experiences.
Overall, the choice between the SP-Star Meteor Orange and the PH Studio Yoel switches comes down to personal preference in terms of sound profile. The Meteor Orange offers a fuller and deeper sound with its nylon housing, while the Yoel provides a sharper and clearer sound with its polycarbonate top housing and unique depth with its POM bottom housing. Both switches showcase the importance of housing materials in creating diverse sound profiles for mechanical keyboards, allowing users to customize their typing experience based on their preferences for sound and feel.
Weight
In comparing the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch and the PH Studio Yoel linear switch, it is clear that they have different actuation and bottom out forces. The Meteor Orange has an actuation force of None grams, making it very light, while the Yoel has an actuation force of 53 grams, slightly heavier. When it comes to bottom out force, the Meteor Orange requires 57 grams, which is medium-light, whereas the Yoel needs 60 grams, which is a medium force. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Meteor Orange, as it requires less force to actuate, allowing for longer typing sessions without fatigue. On the other hand, the Yoel provides a more substantial typing experience with a slightly heavier actuation force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference in terms of typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch and the PH Studio Yoel linear switch, we can see that the Meteor Orange has a longer travel distance of 4 mm, while the Yoel has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.2 mm. The Meteor Orange offers a more traditional feel with its 4 mm travel distance, providing a deeper keypress sensation, which may be preferred by some users. On the other hand, the Yoel's 3.2 mm travel distance is shallower and may appeal to those looking for a faster response time, such as gamers. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference, with the Meteor Orange offering a longer travel distance for a more tactile experience, and the Yoel providing a shorter travel distance for quicker keypresses.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The SP-Star Meteor Orange has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Meteor Orange for $5.00.
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 SP-Star Meteor Orange switch offers a neutral and thocky sound profile, creating a moderate and satisfying auditory experience suitable for most users. On the other hand, the PH Studio Yoel linear switch provides a clacky, high-pitched, marbly, and resonant sound that is sharp, bright, and percussive, offering a more pronounced and distinctive typing sound. The choice between the two switches would depend on individual preferences for sound, with the Meteor Orange providing a more subtle and versatile sound profile, while the Yoel delivers a more distinct and expressive typing sound.
When it comes to feel, the SP-Star Meteor Orange switch offers a mild and polished typing experience, characterized by a gentle and refined feel that falls within a safe middle-ground zone. Conversely, the PH Studio Yoel linear switch provides a creamy, polished, and silky typing sensation, offering a smooth and buttery experience with reduced friction and enhanced smoothness. The choice between the two switches would be based on personal preference for typing feel, with the Meteor Orange giving a more approachable and universally pleasing typing experience, while the Yoel provides a more luxurious and silky smooth feel.
In conclusion, the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch and the PH Studio Yoel linear switch offer contrasting yet equally appealing qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Meteor Orange presents a neutral and thocky sound profile with a mild and polished feel, catering to a wider range of users seeking a versatile and refined typing experience. In contrast, the Yoel delivers a clacky and resonant sound with a creamy and silky feel, appealing to those who prefer a more distinctive and luxurious typing sensation. Both switches offer unique characteristics that can enhance the typing experience, and selecting between the two would depend on individual preferences for sound and feel. Ultimately, users can expect high-quality performance from either switch, tailored to meet their specific needs and preferences in mechanical keyboards.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a gentle and soft typing experience with a medium-light bottom out force, the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch would be the ideal choice for you. These switches are known for their exquisite tactility and neutral sound profile, making them suitable for most intents and purposes. On the other hand, if you prefer a chewy and satisfying typing experience with a medium bottom out force, the PH Studio Yoel linear switch would be a great option. These switches offer a bright and clacky sound profile, providing a pronounced and satisfying resonance when keys reach their bottom-out point. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to whether you prioritize a soft tactility with a neutral sound profile or a chewy typing experience with a bright and clacky sound.
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