Cherry MX Brown vs. PH Studio Yoel
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Brown and the PH Studio Yoel switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Cherry MX Brown and PH Studio Yoel offer two distinct typing experiences. The MX Brown is favored for its subtle tactile feedback and light typing experience, making it ideal for those who prefer a quieter and gentler feel while typing. On the other hand, the Yoel linear switch from PH Studio is known for its chewy typing experience and bright, clacky sound profile, providing a more pronounced and satisfying typing experience. While the MX Brown is categorized as textured, bassy, and low-pitched, the Yoel boasts characteristics such as clacky, creamy, high-pitched, marbly, polished, silky, and resonant. Ultimately, choosing between these two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style. 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
45g
Actuation force
53g
Bottom-out force
55g
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
No
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
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Single stage lengthened 20mm spring
Housing materials
Both the Cherry MX Brown and the PH Studio Yoel switches utilize different housing materials for their top and bottom components, resulting in distinct sound profiles. The MX Brown features a nylon top housing, which absorbs more sound due to its softer plastic composition, creating a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Yoel utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which is stiffer and leads to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This difference in material results in unique typing experiences for users, with the MX Brown offering a deeper sound and the Yoel providing a clearer and resonant sound.
In terms of the bottom housing, the MX Brown and Yoel switches also diverge in their choice of materials. The MX Brown utilizes nylon for its bottom housing, contributing to a deeper and fuller sound profile when the switch bottoms out. In contrast, the Yoel features a POM bottom housing, which creates a unique sound that is on the deeper side and relatively more muted. This contrast in bottom housing materials showcases how the choice of material can impact the overall typing experience, with each switch offering a distinct sound profile based on its housing material composition.
While the Cherry MX Brown and PH Studio Yoel switches differ in their choice of housing materials for both the top and bottom components, they both aim to enhance the overall typing experience. The MX Brown's nylon housing creates a deeper and fuller sound profile, while the Yoel's polycarbonate and POM housings offer sharper and crisper, as well as unique and muted sound profiles respectively. Despite these differences, both switches seek to provide users with high-quality sound experiences that cater to different preferences, whether it be for a more resonant typing sound or a more subdued one. Ultimately, the housing materials chosen for each switch contribute significantly to the overall typing feel and sound produced, making them essential components of the switch design.
Weight
In comparing the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch and the PH Studio Yoel linear switch, it is clear that the Yoel has a slightly heavier actuation force and bottom out force compared to the MX Brown. The Cherry MX Brown has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, making it a medium-light switch. In contrast, the PH Studio Yoel has an actuation force of 53 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, which falls into the medium category. This means that the Yoel switch will require slightly more force to trigger a keystroke and fully bottom out compared to the MX Brown. Both switches provide a tactile typing experience, but the Yoel offers a slightly heavier feel, which may be preferred by those looking for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Cherry MX Brown tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the PH Studio Yoel linear switch has a travel distance of 3.2 mm. The Yoel switch's travel distance is shorter compared to the MX Brown switch, making it a preferred choice for those looking for a quicker response time, especially gamers. On the other hand, the MX Brown switch's longer travel distance may be favored by individuals who prefer a more substantial keypress feel. Both switches offer different experiences based on their travel distances, with the shorter option providing a faster response and the longer option offering a more deliberate keystroke. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference and typing style.
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 Cherry MX Brown comes in at $4.00 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
When it comes to sound, the Cherry MX Brown switch provides a bassy and low-pitched typing experience, with a subtle and muted sound profile. On the other hand, the PH Studio Yoel linear switch offers a distinctively clacky and high-pitched sound, which is more pronounced and bright. The sound of each switch caters to different preferences, with the MX Brown being more understated and the Yoel providing a more lively and engaging typing sound.
Moving on to feel, the Cherry MX Brown switch is known for its textured feel, which adds a slight friction when pressed. In contrast, the PH Studio Yoel linear switch is described as creamy, polished, and silky, offering a smooth and buttery typing experience with minimal resistance. The feel of each switch caters to different tactile preferences, with the MX Brown providing a textured feedback and the Yoel delivering a silky and refined typing sensation.
Considering the available information, it is evident that the Cherry MX Brown and PH Studio Yoel switches offer contrasting subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the MX Brown provides a subtle and textured typing experience with a bassy sound profile, the Yoel linear switch delivers a more vibrant and smooth typing feel with a clacky and high-pitched sound. Depending on individual preferences for sound and feel, choosing between these switches will result in significantly different typing experiences.
Conclusion
Ultimately, when choosing between the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch and the PH Studio Yoel linear switch, it all comes down to your personal preferences. If you prefer a lighter typing experience with subtle tactility and a more subdued sound profile, the Cherry MX Brown might be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a chewier typing experience with a brighter and clackier sound profile, the Yoel linear switch could be the more suitable option. Consider factors like sound, feel, and bottom out force to determine which switch aligns best with your typing style and preferences. Choose the switch that enhances your overall typing experience and aligns with your preferences for sound and feel. Ultimately, the decision is yours to make based on what feels and sounds right to you.
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