Cherry MX Orange vs. PH Studio Yoel
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Orange and the PH Studio Yoel switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice between the Cherry MX Orange and the PH Studio Yoel can significantly impact your typing experience. The Cherry MX Orange switches, making a triumphant return as the MX2A generation, are known for their smooth linear action and a refined feel that appeals to both gamers and typists alike. Their reputation for reliability and performance makes them a solid choice for those who prioritize consistency in every keystroke. On the other hand, the PH Studio Yoel offers a unique typing experience characterized by a delightful chewiness, providing a tactile sensation that envelops your fingertips with each press. With its bright and clacky sound profile, the Yoel adds a layer of auditory satisfaction, particularly when the keys bottom out, resonating with a pronounced richness. While both switches fall into the linear category, they each present distinct advantages that cater to different preferences and typing styles. 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
55g
Actuation force
53g
Bottom-out force
N/A
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 Cherry MX Orange and the PH Studio Yoel switches utilize different materials in their top housings, significantly influencing their sound profiles. The Cherry MX Orange features a nylon top housing, which is known for producing a deeper, fuller sound. This characteristic is attributed to nylon's softer texture, allowing it to absorb sound waves more effectively than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder auditory experience. In contrast, the PH Studio Yoel switch utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, reputed for creating a sharper and crisper sound profile. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate enhances clarity and resonance, making it ideal for users who prefer a brighter auditory feedback. This fundamental difference in material choice means that while both switches can deliver satisfying results, the type of sound produced will vary significantly between the two.
When examining the bottom housing, the differences between the two switches continue to reveal their unique auditory characteristics. The Cherry MX Orange utilizes nylon as the material for its bottom housing, which contributes to a cohesive and rich sound profile that is deep and more muted in its acoustic output. In contrast, the PH Studio Yoel features a POM bottom housing, which, while still providing a deeper sound, leans more towards a unique character that is pleasing and distinct. Although these materials differ, they both create a relatively muted sound experience, allowing users who favor a less harsh typing sound to find satisfaction in both options. The bottom housing plays a critical role in the typing feel and sound upon actuation, meaning that each switch will provide a unique user experience, even if some sound qualities overlap.
Ultimately, the combination of different materials in the Cherry MX Orange and the PH Studio Yoel's top and bottom housings creates distinct profiles that cater to a variety of preferences. Since the top housing influences the sound when a key is released, and the bottom housing affects the bottom-out sound, the combination of nylon, polycarbonate, and POM will yield different auditory effects based on the materials and their properties. Users seeking a more rounded, muted sound can opt for the Cherry MX Orange, while those who prefer a sharper sound with more clarity and resonance might gravitate toward the PH Studio Yoel. Understanding these differences provides the opportunity for enthusiasts to select switches that best fit their tactile and auditory preferences, allowing customization in a typing or gaming experience.
Weight
When comparing the Cherry MX Orange linear switch to the PH Studio Yoel linear switch, we see notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Cherry MX Orange has an actuation force of 55 grams, while the Yoel switch has a slightly lighter actuation force of 53 grams. This makes the Yoel switch more suitable for users who prefer a lighter touch, potentially allowing for longer typing sessions without fatigue. On the other hand, the Yoel switch has a defined bottom out force of 60 grams, whereas the bottom out force for the Cherry MX Orange is unknown. This means that when fully pressed, the Yoel provides a clearer tactile feedback, although it generally requires a bit more force to bottom out compared to the maximum known actuation of the Orange. Therefore, while both switches cater to different preferences in terms of actuation force, the Yoel is heavier overall considering its bottom out force, making it a better fit for those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience.
Travel distance
The Cherry MX Orange linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the PH Studio Yoel linear switch features a shorter travel distance of 3.2 mm. This difference in travel distance may significantly influence user experience. The longer 4 mm travel of the MX Orange offers a more substantial feel, which some users might prefer for its hearty depth, providing a satisfying tactile sensation when typing. Conversely, the 3.2 mm travel of the Yoel switch caters to those who prioritize responsiveness and faster actuation, making it an excellent choice for gamers looking for quicker response times. Thus, if you enjoy the traditional, deeper feel of a switch, the Cherry MX Orange is the better option. However, if you lean towards a more responsive, quicker travel, the PH Studio Yoel is the way to go.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Cherry MX Orange has an MSRP of $4.10 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Orange for $3.89.
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 Cherry MX Orange switch has limited information available, making it difficult to provide a comparison directly. However, the PH Studio Yoel linear switch is characterized by a bright and clacky profile. Its acoustic signature is crisp and percussive, providing a sharp, clear sound when keys are pressed. The Yoel has a pronounced resonance upon bottom-out, creating an engaging auditory experience that may appeal to those who appreciate distinct acoustic feedback. If the MX Orange shares similar auditory qualities, users could expect a delightful sound profile, but without concrete details, this remains speculative.
When focusing on feel, the Cherry MX Orange switch again lacks detailed descriptions, but comparisons can be made with the Yoel switch, which is known for its delectably chewy typing experience. The Yoel provides a smooth, creamy, and polished sensation due to its refined construction, likely enhanced by factory lubrication. The silky feel allows users to glide their fingers effortlessly across the keys. If the MX Orange switch can offer a similarly smooth experience, then users will likely enjoy a comparable typing feel, but the exact qualities remain unknown without additional insight.
In summary, while the Cherry MX Orange provides limited information about its sound and feel, the PH Studio Yoel switch presents a bright, clacky auditory profile and a creamy, polished typing experience. If the MX Orange possesses matching qualities, users will enjoy a comparable experience, but without definitive descriptions, it's challenging to draw direct parallels. The distinct characteristics of the Yoel switch could provide a benchmark for what enthusiasts might seek in their typing experience, yet further exploration of the MX Orange would be necessary for a full understanding.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Cherry MX Orange linear switch and the PH Studio Yoel linear switch, consider your priorities in both performance and sound experience. If you lean towards a switch with a distinct, robust feel and a light touch that enhances rapid keystrokes, the Cherry MX Orange may be your best choice. It's designed for those who appreciate a familiar typing experience that honors the original MX Orange, making it ideal for gamers or typists who need quick actuation without worrying about a significant bottom-out force. On the other hand, if you're seeking a rich auditory feedback combined with a uniquely creamy and polished feel, the PH Studio Yoel switch shines brightly. Its 60-gram actuation force is suitable for a tactile typing experience, while the clacky and resonant sound adds an engaging dimension to your interaction with the keyboard. Ultimately, choose the MX Orange for speed and tradition, or the Yoel for a luxurious and satisfying sound and feel that transforms your typing into a more immersive experience.
Mentioned in this article
