PH Studio Milk Tea vs. PH Studio Yoel
An in-depth look at the PH Studio Milk Tea and the PH Studio Yoel switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the PH Studio Milk Tea and the PH Studio Yoel both offer unique typing experiences worth exploring. The Milk Tea, a linear switch by BSUN, stands out for its high-pitched yet muted auditory blend, providing a gentle balance between presence and subtlety. With an accessible bottom-out force of 43.5g and a stem made of Ly material for effortless keystrokes, this switch is ideal for extended typing sessions. On the other hand, the Yoel, also a linear switch by BSUN, offers a chewy typing experience with a bright and clacky sound profile that is both satisfying and pronounced. Both switches are categorized as 'Clacky', 'High-pitched', 'Marbly', 'Polished', 'Silky', and 'Resonant', making them appealing options for different preferences. 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
37.5g
Actuation force
53g
Bottom-out force
43.5g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.20 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Ly
Stem material
Ly
Top housing material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Single stage lengthened 22mm spring
Spring
Single stage lengthened 20mm spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the PH Studio Milk Tea and the PH Studio Yoel both offer unique sound profiles, but they differ in their composition. The Milk Tea features a POM top and bottom housing, creating a deeper and more muted sound. In contrast, the Yoel utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate contributes to a more clear and resonant sound profile compared to the softer POM material used in the Milk Tea.
While both the Milk Tea and Yoel switches share a POM bottom housing, their top housings vary significantly in material and sound profile. The Milk Tea's POM bottom housing contributes to its deeper and muted sound signature, similar to its POM top housing. On the other hand, the Yoel features a polycarbonate bottom housing, which combines with the polycarbonate top housing to create a more sharp and crisp sound. This difference in bottom housing material further distinguishes the sound profile between the two switches, emphasizing the impact of housing composition on overall sound quality.
In terms of construction, the choice of top and bottom housing materials plays a significant role in determining the sound profile of a switch. The split between POM and polycarbonate in the Milk Tea and Yoel switches highlights how the bottom housing affects the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing influences the sound upon key release. Whether it's the POM top and bottom housing of the Milk Tea or the polycarbonate top and bottom housing of the Yoel, each material brings its own unique characteristics to the overall typing experience. Ultimately, the differing housing materials create distinct sound profiles, offering users a choice between a deeper, more muted sound or a sharper, crisper one.
Weight
When comparing the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch to the PH Studio Yoel linear switch, the actuation force and bottom out force differ significantly. The Milk Tea has a lighter actuation force of 37.5 grams, making it easier to trigger keystrokes, while the Yoel has a heavier actuation force of 53 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience. In terms of bottom out force, the Milk Tea requires 43.5 grams to bottom out, which is also lighter compared to the Yoel's 60 grams bottom out force. The Milk Tea is suitable for those who prefer a lighter typing experience for longer periods of time, such as during work or gaming sessions, while the Yoel is better suited for those who enjoy a stronger push feel. Ultimately, the lighter force of the Milk Tea allows for a smoother typing experience, while the heavier force of the Yoel provides more resistance and feedback.
Travel distance
The PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the PH Studio Yoel linear switch has a travel distance of 3.2 mm. In this case, the Milk Tea switch has a longer travel distance compared to the Yoel switch. The difference between the two is not significant, but it may still be noticeable to some users. Gamers who prioritize faster response times may prefer the Yoel switch with its shorter travel distance. On the other hand, those who prefer a more substantial keypress experience may lean towards the Milk Tea switch. Ultimately, the decision between the two will depend on individual preferences and typing style. Both switches offer a smooth linear feel, so the overall typing experience will be similar regardless of the slight difference in travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The PH Studio Milk Tea has an MSRP of $4.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Milk Tea for $4.00.
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, both the PH Studio Milk Tea and Yoel linear switches exhibit a clacky and high-pitched profile, providing a sharp and crisp auditory experience. However, the Milk Tea switch offers a more muted sound with a balanced presence, while the Yoel switch delivers a brighter and more pronounced resonance upon bottoming out. The choice between these two switches would ultimately come down to personal preference for sound profile, whether one prefers a gentler or more vibrant auditory feedback.
As for feel, the Milk Tea switch boasts a polished and silky typing experience, offering smooth and refined key travel with reduced friction. On the other hand, the Yoel switch is described as creamy and polished, providing a buttery sensation and sleek typing experience. Both switches prioritize a smooth and effortless keystroke, enhancing the overall typing feel for prolonged use. Again, the decision between the two would depend on whether one leans towards a silky or creamy typing sensation.
In conclusion, while the Milk Tea and Yoel linear switches share similarities in both sound and feel, their nuanced differences cater to varying preferences in auditory and tactile feedback. Whether you prefer a muted and balanced sound with polished key travel like the Milk Tea, or a bright and resonant sound with a creamy typing experience like the Yoel, both switches offer a premium typing experience tailored to different user preferences. Ultimately, trying out both switches or considering your preferred sound and feel profile would guide you in selecting the ideal switch for your mechanical keyboard setup.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering whether to choose the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch or the PH Studio Yoel linear switch, your decision may depend on your preferences for typing experience. If you prioritize a gentle and subdued sound with a light bottom-out force, the Milk Tea switch may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a more pronounced and satisfying tactile feel with a medium bottom-out force, the Yoel switch could be the better option. Both switches offer unique auditory and tactile profiles, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference and typing style when making your selection. Ultimately, you should choose the switch that best suits your typing needs and preferences.
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