Haimu Neo White vs. PH Studio Yoel
An in-depth look at the Haimu Neo White and the PH Studio Yoel switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Haimu Neo White and the PH Studio Yoel both offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Neo White is praised for its medium weight and smooth actuation, providing a satisfying typing experience with slightly reduced total travel. In contrast, the Yoel by PH Studio offers a chewy typing experience with a bright and clacky sound profile, making each keystroke resonate in a pronounced and satisfying manner. While the Neo White is categorized as 'Mild' and 'Neutral', the Yoel boasts a range of descriptors including 'Clacky', 'Creamy', and 'Resonant'. Ultimately, choosing between these two switches depends on personal preference, but diving deeper into their individual qualities will help you make the best decision for your typing needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
53g
Bottom-out force
58g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.20 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Ly
Stem material
Ly
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Double-staged spring
Spring
Single stage lengthened 20mm spring
Housing materials
The Haimu Neo White and PH Studio Yoel both feature a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharp, high-pitched, and crisp sound profile. This is due to the relatively stiffer nature of polycarbonate, which leads to a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. However, the Yoel's POM bottom housing creates a deeper and more muted sound profile compared to the Neo White's nylon bottom housing. The nylon material in the Neo White absorbs more sound, resulting in a fuller sound when typing.
While both the Neo White and Yoel utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, they differ in their bottom housing materials. The Neo White's nylon bottom housing offers a deeper and fuller sound profile, thanks to its softer nature that absorbs more sound. On the other hand, the Yoel's POM bottom housing produces a unique sound that is on the deeper side and relatively more muted. The combination of these different housing materials results in varying typing experiences for each switch, with the bottom housing impacting the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key.
In terms of overall sound profile, the Haimu Neo White and PH Studio Yoel offer distinct characteristics due to their different housing materials. The polycarbonate top housing in both switches creates a sharp, high-pitched, and crisp sound, while the nylon bottom housing in the Neo White provides a fuller sound with more absorption. In contrast, the POM bottom housing in the Yoel delivers a deeper, more muted sound. Despite these differences, both switches offer unique typing experiences based on the combination of their housing materials, showcasing the impact of both top and bottom housings on sound and feel.
Weight
In comparing and contrasting the Haimu Neo White linear switch and the PH Studio Yoel linear switch, it is evident that the actuation and bottom out forces of the two switches differ slightly. The Neo White has a bottom out force of 58 grams, while the Yoel has a slightly heavier bottom out force of 60 grams. Both switches have a medium bottom out force, providing a balance between typing comfort and tactile feedback. However, the actuation force of the Neo White is not specified, whereas the Yoel has an actuation force of 53 grams, slightly lighter than its bottom out force. This suggests that the Yoel may offer a lighter initial typing feel compared to the Neo White. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference, with the Neo White potentially offering a slightly lighter typing experience and the Yoel providing a slightly firmer keystroke.
Travel distance
The Haimu Neo White linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the PH Studio Yoel linear switch has a travel distance of 3.2 mm. In this case, the Yoel has a shorter travel distance compared to the Neo White. The Neo White falls within the range of shorter travel distances preferred by gamers for faster response times, while the Yoel offers a slightly deeper press for those who prefer a bit more depth in their key press. Both switches offer a different tactile experience based on their travel distance, so choosing between the two would depend on individual preferences for key feel and responsiveness. Ultimately, the Neo White and Yoel switches provide options for users seeking different travel distances to suit their typing or gaming needs.
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 Haimu Neo White comes in at $2.70 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
In terms of sound, the Haimu Neo White linear switch offers a neutral sound profile that is suitable for various purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced user. On the other hand, the PH Studio Yoel linear switch produces a clacky and high-pitched sound that is sharp, bright, and percussive, providing a different auditory experience. While the Neo White offers a moderate sound profile, the Yoel delivers a more pronounced and resonant sound when keys reach their bottom-out point, creating a satisfying resonance.
When it comes to feel, the Haimu Neo White linear switch provides a mild typing experience that falls in a safe, middle-ground zone, offering a gentle and approachable feel. Conversely, the PH Studio Yoel linear switch offers a creamy and polished typing sensation that is smooth and buttery, creating a silky typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. The Yoel switch envelops fingertips with every press, allowing them to effortlessly melt into each keystroke.
Overall, those looking for a linear switch with a moderate actuation force and a slightly reduced total travel may prefer the Haimu Neo White for its smooth actuation and medium weight. On the other hand, those seeking a linear switch with a bright, clacky sound profile and a chewy typing experience may gravitate towards the PH Studio Yoel for its resonant and pronounced typing feel. Ultimately, both switches offer distinct qualities that cater to different preferences, providing users with a variety of options to choose from based on their sound and feel preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Haimu Neo White linear switch and the PH Studio Yoel linear switch, consider your preferences for typing feel and sound. If you prefer a smoother and slightly reduced total travel typing experience with a medium weight, the Neo White switch would be a great choice. On the other hand, if you enjoy a chewy and clacky typing experience with a bright and resonant sound profile, the Yoel switch would be more suitable for you. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to personal preference in terms of feel and sound.
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