Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) vs. SP-Star Yanyu
An in-depth look at the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) and the SP-Star Yanyu switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) and the SP-Star Yanyu offer distinct typing experiences. The Moyu Black (Dark Jade) is characterized by its sharp tactile feel, thanks to a unique blend of PBT top and bottom housing. With a strong downstroke tactile bump and an even sharper upstroke bump, these switches create a hypertactile sensation. Typing on the Moyu Blacks produces a satisfyingly sharp, short, snappy, and punchy sound, accompanied by a medium-heavy feel and an abrupt bottom-out. On the other hand, the Yanyu switches are known for providing a more delicate typing experience, making them ideal for those who spend long hours typing. They offer a crisp sound profile and are categorized as having a neutral, mild, thocky, feathery, subtle, and polished 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
50g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
43g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
PBT
Top housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Bottom housing material
PBT
Bottom housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Gold plated
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) and the SP-Star Yanyu, there are notable differences in their composition. The Moyu Black features a PBT top housing, which provides a neutral sound profile. It is neither particularly crisp nor dull. In contrast, the Yanyu incorporates a unique blend of Polymer nylon and UHMWPE for its top housing. This blend offers a pleasant sound profile that leans towards the brighter side, delivering a slightly sharper sound compared to the Moyu Black.
Moving on to the bottom housing, both switches have distinct materials with varying characteristics. The Moyu Black utilizes a PBT bottom housing, once again providing a neutral sound profile similar to its top housing. On the other hand, the Yanyu employs a blend of Polymer nylon and UHMWPE for its bottom housing. This unique blend imparts a different sound profile to the Yanyu, which is pleasing and slightly brighter.
Although the two switches differ in their housing materials, it's important to note that the qualities of each material are distributed between the top and bottom of the switch. The bottom housing, regardless of the switch, significantly influences the sound and feel when the key is pressed down. Conversely, the top housing mainly affects the sound when the key is released. Therefore, while the materials may differ, both the Moyu Black and the Yanyu offer similar results in terms of overall sound and feel due to this split impact of the housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) tactile switch and the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation force and bottom out force. The Moyu Black has an actuation force of 50 grams, which is the force required to trigger a keystroke, while the Yanyu's actuation force is unavailable. In terms of the bottom out force, the Moyu Black requires 67 grams of force to fully press down, providing a medium-heavy typing experience. On the other hand, the Yanyu has a bottom out force of 43 grams, indicating a lighter touch is needed.
Considering weight as a factor, those looking for a lighter switch may prefer the Yanyu, as it allows for longer typing sessions and is suitable for work or extended gaming. On the contrary, individuals seeking a stronger push feel and a more substantial typing experience may gravitate towards the Moyu Black, as its medium-heavy actuation and bottom out force provide a satisfying feedback. It is important to note that if one prefers a similar result to the Moyu Black but with a lighter touch, the Yanyu could be a suitable alternative due to its lower bottom out force. However, since the specific actuation force for the Yanyu is unknown, the comparison in this aspect cannot be made.
Travel distance
The Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) tactile switch and the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch have identical travel distances of 4 mm. This means that both switches travel a total distance of 4 mm from the top to the bottom when pressed down. As a result, users will experience a similar tactile feedback and key feel when using either switch. Despite their similarities in travel distance, it is worth noting that the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) switch offers a tactile experience, meaning it provides a subtle bump or click during keypress, while the Yanyu switch is a linear switch, providing a smoother and quieter keystroke without any tactile feedback. So, while both switches share the same travel distance, they vary in terms of the tactile experience they offer.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) has an MSRP of $12.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) for $7.59.
The SP-Star Yanyu has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Yanyu for $5.40.
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
The Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) and the SP-Star Yanyu switches have distinct sound profiles. The Moyu Blacks are characterized by a resonant sound, providing a clean and sharp auditory experience. When typing on these switches, you can expect a higher-pitched sound profile with a satisfyingly sharp, short, snappy, and punchy tone during the downstroke. On the other hand, the Yanyu switches have a more neutral sound profile with a moderate actuation force requirement. They offer a crisp sound profile, which can be described as thocky, producing a deep, rich, and satisfying sound when pressed. However, it is important to note that the sound of the switches can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps being used.
When it comes to feel, the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) switches are known for their accented and sharp tactile feedback. These switches provide a medium level of tactility, offering a prominent amount of feedback without being overwhelming or subtle. The sharp tactile bump in these switches is strong and crisp, providing a distinct sensation with each keypress. In contrast, the Yanyu switches offer a more mild and feathery typing experience. They have a gentle resistance, providing a light feel while typing. These switches are exceptionally light to press, reducing finger fatigue and making them comfortable for extended typing sessions. Additionally, the Yanyu switches can be described as subtle and polished, offering a gentle typing feel with reduced friction and smooth key travel.
In conclusion, the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) tactile switches and the SP-Star Yanyu linear switches have contrasting subjective qualities. The Moyu Blacks provide a resonant sound profile with sharp, snappy, and punchy tones during the downstroke. They offer an accented and sharp tactile feel, delivering a distinctive and impactful typing experience. On the other hand, the Yanyu switches have a more neutral sound profile with a thocky and satisfying sound. They offer a mild and feathery typing experience, with a gentle resistance and reduced finger fatigue. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on the individual's preference for sound and feel.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a mechanical keyboard switch with a strong and impactful typing experience, the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) tactile switch would be an excellent choice. With its medium-heavy bottom out force of 67 grams and sharp tactile feel, these switches offer a distinctive and premium typing experience. The Moyu Blacks feature a strong downstroke tactile bump and an even sharper and stronger upstroke bump, creating a hypertactile sensation. They also produce a satisfyingly sharp, short, snappy, and punchy sound, giving you an immersive auditory experience.
On the other hand, if you prefer a more delicate typing experience or if you will be typing for long periods of time, the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch would be a suitable option. With its light bottom out force of 43 grams, these switches offer a gentle typing feel that reduces finger fatigue. They also have a crisp sound profile, making typing sessions more enjoyable. The Yanyu switches are suitable for most intents and purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced, and whether you will be using them at home or work.
Ultimately, the choice between the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) tactile switch and the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch depends on your personal preferences and typing needs. Each switch offers a unique and satisfying typing experience, allowing you to choose the one that best suits your typing style.
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