Gateron Mountain Top vs. PH Studio Yoel
An in-depth look at the Gateron Mountain Top and the PH Studio Yoel switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Gateron Mountain Top and PH Studio Yoel offer unique typing experiences to cater to different needs. The Mountain Top switch from Gateron is perfect for office environments, providing a quiet yet responsive typing experience ideal for professional settings. On the other hand, the Yoel switch from PH Studio offers a chewy and satisfying typing experience with a bright and clacky sound profile. While the Mountain Top is geared towards a subtle and light typing experience, the Yoel offers a more pronounced and satisfying feel with its resonance upon bottoming out. Both switches have their own strengths and characteristics that cater to different preferences and needs. 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
40g
Actuation force
53g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
22mm double-stage spring
Spring
Single stage lengthened 20mm spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Mountain Top utilizes a nylon top housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic that absorbs more sound. In contrast, the PH Studio Yoel features a polycarbonate top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. While both materials offer unique sound profiles, the nylon top housing of the Mountain Top creates a duller and rounder sound, while the polycarbonate top housing of the Yoel is clearer and more resonant. Despite these differences, both switches provide distinct auditory experiences based on their top housing materials.
In terms of bottom housings, the Gateron Mountain Top and the PH Studio Yoel differ once again. The Mountain Top uses a nylon bottom housing, contributing to a deeper and fuller sound profile similar to its nylon top housing. On the other hand, the Yoel's POM bottom housing produces a unique, pleasing sound that is on the deeper side and relatively more muted. The use of different materials for the bottom housing highlights the versatility of these switches in creating various sound profiles based on the combination of nylon, polycarbonate, and POM materials.
Overall, the housing materials chosen for the Gateron Mountain Top and the PH Studio Yoel greatly impact the sound profiles of these switches. While the Mountain Top's nylon top and bottom housings offer a similar deep and full sound, the Yoel's polycarbonate top housing creates a crisper sound compared to its POM bottom housing which produces a softer, muted sound. Understanding the influence of each housing material on the sound produced by these switches allows users to choose the switch that best suits their preferences for typing or gaming experiences.
Weight
The Gateron Mountain Top linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams compared to the PH Studio Yoel linear switch, which has a heavier actuation force of 53 grams. Additionally, the Mountain Top has a lighter bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Yoel has a slightly heavier bottom out force of 60 grams. This means that the Mountain Top switch is lighter overall, making it ideal for those who prefer a lighter typing experience for extended periods of time. On the other hand, the Yoel switch provides a more substantial typing experience with its heavier actuation and bottom out forces, suitable for users who prefer a stronger push feel while typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Gateron Mountain Top linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4mm, while the PH Studio Yoel linear switch has a travel distance of 3.2mm. In this case, the Yoel has a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Mountain Top. Both fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are favored by gamers for quicker response times. However, some users may find the slightly longer travel distance of the Mountain Top to provide a more substantial key press feel, compared to the Yoel's more abrupt feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for travel distance and key press sensation.
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 Gateron Mountain Top comes in at $6.00 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
In terms of sound, the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch offers a neutral sound profile, which is suitable for a variety of environments and purposes. It provides a moderate actuation force requirement and a moderate sound profile, making it a versatile option for both beginners and advanced users. On the other hand, the PH Studio Yoel linear switch produces a clacky and high-pitched sound when pressed, with a bright and crisp profile that can be described as satisfying and pronounced. The Yoel switch gives a more tactile and resonant typing experience compared to the Mountain Top's quiet and subtle sound signature.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron Mountain Top switch is characterized as bouncy, easy-to-press, mild, snappy, and subtle. These qualities offer a lively and responsive typing experience with gentle resistance, making typing effortless and comfortable. In contrast, the PH Studio Yoel switch provides a creamy, polished, and silky feel, giving users a smooth and buttery typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. The Yoel switch envelops fingertips with a velvety sensation, enhancing the overall typing comfort and smoothness.
Overall, the Gateron Mountain Top and PH Studio Yoel linear switches offer different sound and feel experiences tailored to distinct preferences. If you prefer a quiet and versatile typing experience with moderate sound and gentle resistance, the Mountain Top switch would be a suitable choice. On the other hand, if you appreciate a bright and clacky sound profile with a smooth and creamy typing feel, the Yoel switch would be more to your liking. Both switches excel in their own unique ways, providing users with diverse options to cater to their specific typing preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch and the PH Studio Yoel linear switch, consider the environment in which you will be using the keyboard. If you are looking for a switch that provides a quiet and light typing experience suitable for professional settings, the Gateron Mountain Top may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch that delivers a more pronounced and satisfying typing experience with a bright and clacky sound profile, the PH Studio Yoel could be the ideal option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for typing feel and sound, as both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different needs and preferences.
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