Cherry MX Silent Red vs. PH Studio Yoel
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Silent Red and the PH Studio Yoel switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Cherry MX Silent Red and the PH Studio Yoel are two popular options to compare and contrast. The MX Silent Red, a linear switch, offers a familiar feel to the MX Red but with the added benefit of operating silently, making it ideal for noise-sensitive environments. On the other hand, the Yoel linear switch by PH Studio provides a unique typing experience that is both chewy and satisfying, with a bright and clacky sound profile that resonates upon bottom-out. While the MX Silent Red is muted, thocky, low-pitched, and textured, the Yoel is characterized as clacky, creamy, high-pitched, marbly, polished, silky, and resonant. Ultimately, the decision between these switches will come down to personal preference, but diving deeper into their specific characteristics will help you make the best choice for your typing needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
53g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 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 Silent Red and PH Studio Yoel switches both offer unique sound profiles based on their housing materials. While the MX Silent Red features a nylon top housing for a deeper and fuller sound profile, the Yoel utilizes a polycarbonate top housing for a sharper and crisper sound. The contrasting properties of the nylon and polycarbonate create distinct typing experiences, appealing to different preferences. Furthermore, the Yoel's POM bottom housing adds to its unique sound profile, offering a deeper and more muted sound compared to the MX Silent Red's nylon bottom housing.
Despite their differences in housing materials, both the Cherry MX Silent Red and PH Studio Yoel switches aim to enhance the typing experience through unique sound profiles. The use of nylon in the MX Silent Red creates a duller and rounder sound, while the polycarbonate and POM materials in the Yoel offer sharper and deeper tones. Both switches show how the choice of housing material can greatly impact the overall sound and feel of a keyboard, catering to different preferences and typing styles. While the Yoel's polycarbonate top housing is ideal for RGB lighting due to its translucency, the MX Silent Red's nylon housing provides a classic switch feel with a softer plastic construction.
In conclusion, the Cherry MX Silent Red and PH Studio Yoel switches showcase the importance of housing materials in determining the sound profile of a keyboard switch. Whether it's the softer nylon housing of the MX Silent Red for a fuller sound or the stiffer polycarbonate housing of the Yoel for a crisper tone, the choice of housing material plays a significant role in shaping the typing experience. Both switches offer unique qualities based on their top and bottom housing materials, providing users with different options to suit their preferences for sound and feel. Overall, the Cherry MX Silent Red and PH Studio Yoel switches highlight the versatility and impact of housing materials in creating a customized typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch and the PH Studio Yoel linear switch, there are noticeable differences. The MX Silent Red has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Yoel's 53 grams, making it easier to trigger keystrokes. Additionally, the MX Silent Red has an unknown bottom out force, while the Yoel has a heavier bottom out force of 60 grams. This means that the Yoel provides a more substantial typing experience due to the higher force required to bottom out. For those who prefer a lighter typing feel and less strain on their fingers during extended typing sessions, the MX Silent Red would be the preferred option. On the other hand, individuals who enjoy a more pronounced keystroke and don't mind the additional force required may find the Yoel to be a better fit for their preferences. Ultimately, the choice between these switches comes down to personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
The Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the PH Studio Yoel linear switch has a travel distance of 3.2 mm. In this case, the Yoel switch has a shorter travel distance compared to the MX Silent Red. Shorter travel distances are favored by gamers for quicker response times, while longer travel distances can provide a more satisfying tactile feel. Both switches offer similar results in terms of key actuation, but the choice between the two would depend on personal preference for travel distance and typing experience. Ultimately, the Cherry MX Silent Red and PH Studio Yoel linear switches cater to different preferences in key travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Cherry MX Silent Red has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Silent Red for $4.15.
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 Silent Red offers a muted and thocky experience, creating a deep and satisfying sound that is significantly quieter than regular mechanical switches. On the other hand, the PH Studio Yoel switch produces a bright and clacky sound with a resonance that adds to the overall typing experience. The Yoel switch has a higher-pitched and cleaner sound profile compared to the lower-pitched and bass-heavy sound of the MX Silent Red. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of sound profile, with the Silent Red providing a quieter typing experience and the Yoel offering a more pronounced and satisfying sound.
When it comes to feel, the Cherry MX Silent Red is described as having a textured feel, which may add a subtle friction that some users prefer. On the other hand, the PH Studio Yoel switch is characterized by a creamy and silky sensation, offering a smooth and buttery typing experience. The Yoel switch also boasts a polished finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. Overall, the MX Silent Red may provide a slightly texturized typing experience, while the Yoel switch offers a more polished and smooth feel that is reminiscent of gliding your fingers effortlessly across the keys.
Considering all the available information, if you prefer a quieter typing experience with a deeper and more satisfying sound profile, the Cherry MX Silent Red may be the ideal choice for you. However, if you enjoy a brighter and clacky sound with a smooth and buttery typing feel, the PH Studio Yoel switch could be more suitable for your preferences. Both switches offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel, so ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preference for sound profile and typing experience. Keep in mind that the overall sound and feel of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch and the PH Studio Yoel linear switch, consider your priorities. If you are looking for a quieter typing experience in a noise-sensitive environment, the MX Silent Red is a solid choice with its muted and thocky sound profile. On the other hand, if you prefer a more satisfying and pronounced sound with a bright and clacky profile, the Yoel switch may be more to your liking. Additionally, if you are looking for a switch with a smoother typing experience, the Yoel offers a creamy, polished, and silky feel, while the MX Silent Red provides a slightly textured feel. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your preferences for sound, feel, and the environment in which you will be using the keyboard.
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