Cherry MX Purple RGB vs. PH Studio Yoel
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Purple RGB and the PH Studio Yoel switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When selecting a mechanical keyboard switch, the differences in tactile feedback and sound profile can greatly influence your typing experience. The Cherry MX Purple RGB switch, a tactile switch, is celebrated for its refined tactile feel, offering a defined bump that delivers satisfying feedback while typing. Designed in collaboration with keyboard enthusiast Glarses, its medium-strength feedback is ideal for those who appreciate a physical indication of key actuation without the noise of a clicking switch. In contrast, the PH Studio Yoel linear switch, manufactured by BSUN, provides a smoother, uninterrupted keystroke for a more fluid typing experience. With its notably bright and clacky sound profile, the Yoel switch features a pronounced resonance at bottom-out, catering to users who enjoy a chewier feel and a lively auditory experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches boils down to personal preference—whether you favor tactile feedback for enhanced typing precision or a smooth, resonant sound with each key press. 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
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
When comparing the Cherry MX Purple RGB and the PH Studio Yoel, the contrasting materials used in their top housings significantly impact their sound profiles. The MX Purple RGB features a nylon top housing, known for its ability to absorb sound and produce a deeper, fuller acoustic experience. This characteristic is largely due to nylon's relatively softer plastic composition, which provides a more rounded sound. In contrast, the Yoel utilizes a polycarbonate top housing. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate tends to create a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, enhancing clarity and resonance. Additionally, polycarbonate's translucency is advantageous for RGB lighting, making the Yoel aesthetically appealing for enthusiasts seeking vibrant illumination effects.
The differences continue into the bottom housing materials, with the MX Purple RGB employing nylon and the Yoel opting for POM. Similar to the nylon top housing, the nylon bottom housing of the MX Purple RGB contributes to a warm and muted sound experience due to its sound-absorbing properties. However, POM, known for its durability and smoother action, produces a unique sound that is deeper and relatively more muted than both nylon and polycarbonate. This distinction in materials means that while the MX Purple RGB provides a cohesive sound profile that emphasizes deeper frequencies, the Yoel's combination of polycarbonate and POM offers a diverse auditory experience with more pronounced characteristics attributed to each material.
In summary, the housing materials of the Cherry MX Purple RGB and PH Studio Yoel create distinct sound profiles for each switch, influenced by their respective compositions of nylon, polycarbonate, and POM. While the MX Purple RGB delivers a well-rounded and deeper sound due to both its nylon top and bottom housings, the Yoel offers a crisper and clearer auditory experience, particularly from its polycarbonate top housing paired with POM. Though both switches utilize different materials, the varying sound profiles are a result of how top and bottom housings interact. This means that while a user might prefer one switch over the other based on auditory preference, it is indeed possible to achieve a satisfying typing experience with both given the unique qualities each material contributes.
Weight
When comparing the Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switch and the PH Studio Yoel linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Cherry MX Purple RGB has an actuation force of 45 grams, which is lighter than the Yoel's 53 grams, making the MX Purple RGB potentially more comfortable for extended typing or gaming sessions. However, the bottom out force for the Cherry MX Purple RGB is unknown, while the Yoel switch has a bottom out force of 60 grams, indicating a firmer resistance when the key is fully pressed down. For users who appreciate a heavier switch for a more substantial typing experience, the Yoel switch would be the preferred option, while those looking for a softer touch might favor the Cherry MX Purple RGB. In summary, the Cherry MX Purple RGB is lighter in actuation force, whereas the Yoel switch offers a more pronounced bottom out feel with its higher bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switch features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the PH Studio Yoel linear switch has a shorter travel distance of 3.2 mm. This difference signifies that the MX Purple provides a more pronounced sensation when actuating the switch, appealing to users who prefer a deeper keypress and a traditional feel. In contrast, the Yoel's 3.2 mm travel distance caters to those who favor quicker response times, often favored by gamers for its more rapid actuation. Therefore, for those prioritizing responsiveness, the Yoel is the better choice, while users who appreciate a more robust typing experience may lean towards the Cherry MX Purple. Overall, the Cherry MX Purple RGB switch offers a longer travel distance compared to the PH Studio Yoel linear switch.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Cherry MX Purple RGB has an MSRP of $6.19 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Purple RGB for $5.79.
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
When it comes to sound, the Cherry MX Purple RGB switches are likely on the quieter side, leaning towards a muted tactile sound profile typical of tactile switches. In contrast, the PH Studio Yoel linear switches present a bright and clacky tone, which makes for an engaging auditory experience. The Yoel switches produce sharp, high-pitched, and resonant notes that are delightfully pronounced when bottomed out. This difference in sound character speaks to the different tactile technologies employed in the two switches, where the MX Purple RGB offers a more subdued sound, while the Yoel emphasizes a lively and percussive audible feedback.
In terms of feel, the Cherry MX Purple RGB provides a refined tactile experience featuring a medium-strength bump that allows users to confidently register key presses without bottoming out. This tactile feedback is well-suited for typists who enjoy a noticeable interaction without excessive force. On the other hand, the PH Studio Yoel switches deliver a delectably chewy and smooth typing sensation, characterized by creamy, polished, and silky qualities. This allows for a gliding experience as your fingers effortlessly navigate across the keys, making the Yoel switches particularly appealing to those who prefer a buttery and refined touch.
In summary, while the Cherry MX Purple RGB switches provide a subtle tactile feedback with a less pronounced sound, the PH Studio Yoel linear switches excel with their bright clacky sound and plush typing feel. If you prefer a more engaging audio experience and a smoother, more luxurious typing experience, the Yoel switches might be ideal. Conversely, for users who appreciate a refined tactile sensation combined with a quieter operation, the MX Purple RGB is an excellent choice. Ultimately, your decision will hinge on whether you prioritize auditory feedback or silky feel in your mechanical keyboard experience.
Conclusion
In summary, choosing between the Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switch and the PH Studio Yoel linear switch ultimately depends on your personal typing preferences and the type of experience you seek from your mechanical keyboard. If you enjoy a tactile feedback with a shorter travel distance combined with moderate resistance, the Cherry MX Purple RGB is well-suited for you. Its refined tactile bump allows for precision during typing and gaming alike, offering a satisfying response without being overly harsh on your fingers. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother, creamy typing experience that feels more linear without the tactile bump, then the Yoel is the ideal choice. Its 60-gram bottom-out force provides a firm yet comfortable feedback, while the clacky sound profile adds an engaging auditory experience with each keystroke. The elevated resonance will especially appeal to those who appreciate a distinct and lively sound when typing. Ultimately, your decision should reflect whether you prioritize tactile feedback or a fluid typing feel, along with the auditory experience you desire.