Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry vs. PH Studio Yoel
An in-depth look at the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry and the PH Studio Yoel switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry and PH Studio Yoel offer unique typing experiences to cater to different preferences. The Blueberry switch is known for its sharp tactile bump, giving a snappy and invigorating feel while typing. On the other hand, the Yoel linear switch provides a chewy and silky typing experience with a bright and clacky sound profile. While the Blueberry switch offers a low-pitched and textured typing experience, the Yoel switch delivers a high-pitched and polished sensation. Ultimately, when choosing between these switches, consider whether you prefer a sharp tactile bump or a smooth linear feel. 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
80g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
3.00 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
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
POM
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 housing materials of the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry and the PH Studio Yoel switches offer contrasting sound profiles due to their different materials. The Blueberry's POM top housing creates a deeper and more muted sound, while the Yoel's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper and crisper sound with higher pitch. This difference in sound can significantly impact the overall typing experience, as the sound of a keypress can greatly affect user satisfaction and comfort.
On the other hand, both switches share a similarity in their POM bottom housing, which contributes to a pleasing and unique sound profile that is deeper and more muted. This shared housing material in the bottom of the switches ensures that users can experience a consistent sound and feel when typing. However, the top housing material plays a significant role in determining the overall sound quality of the switch, making the polycarbonate top housing of the Yoel more suitable for those looking for a sharper and crisper typing experience.
In conclusion, the choice between the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry and the PH Studio Yoel switches ultimately comes down to personal preference in sound profile. While both switches offer a pleasing sound with their POM bottom housing, the top housing material is where they differ significantly. The POM top housing of the Blueberry provides a deeper and more muted sound, while the polycarbonate top housing of the Yoel offers a sharper and higher-pitched sound. Depending on one's preference for sound profile, users can choose the switch that best suits their typing experience.
Weight
The Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry tactile switch has a higher actuation force of 55 grams compared to the PH Studio Yoel linear switch, which has a lighter actuation force of 53 grams. Additionally, the bottom out force of the Blueberry switch is heavier at 80 grams, while the Yoel switch has a lighter bottom out force of 60 grams. The NovelKeys Blueberry switch provides a more substantial typing experience with its heavier forces, making it ideal for those who prefer a stronger push feel. On the other hand, the PH Studio Yoel switch offers a lighter typing experience, allowing for longer typing sessions without fatigue. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry tactile switch and the PH Studio Yoel linear switch, it is clear that the Yoel has a shorter travel distance of 3.2 mm compared to the 4 mm travel distance of the Blueberry. The difference of 0.8 mm may not seem significant, but it can have an impact on the overall typing or gaming experience. Gamers who prefer faster response times may lean towards the Yoel with its shorter travel distance, while those who prefer a more substantial feel when typing or gaming may opt for the Blueberry with its longer travel distance. Both switches offer a different feel and experience due to their varying travel distances, catering to the preferences and needs of different users.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the NovelKeys Blueberry for $6.25.
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 Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry switch offers a low-pitched and resonant typing experience, providing a soothing and sharp sound profile. On the other hand, the PH Studio Yoel linear switch is characterized by a clacky and high-pitched sound, with a bright and pronounced resonance when bottoming out. Depending on personal preference, the Blueberry switch offers a deeper and less percussive sound compared to the Yoel switch, which provides a more crisp and bright auditory feedback.
In terms of feel, the NovelKeys Blueberry switch is described as snappy, invigorating, and potentially textured, offering typists a lively and responsive typing sensation. In contrast, the PH Studio Yoel linear switch offers a creamy, polished, and silky typing experience, providing a smooth and refined keystroke with reduced friction. While the Blueberry switch may require more force due to its potential stiffness, the Yoel switch focuses on providing a seamless and effortless typing feel that glides smoothly with each keystroke.
Overall, the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry tactile switch and the PH Studio Yoel linear switch offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Blueberry switch caters to those who prefer a sharp and resonant typing experience with a deeper sound profile, while the Yoel switch is tailored for individuals seeking a bright and clacky sound with a creamy and polished feel. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches would depend on personal preference regarding sound pitch, tactile response, and typing smoothness.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry tactile switch or the PH Studio Yoel linear switch, you should take into account your preferences for typing experience. If you enjoy a sharp and tactile typing feel with a lower-pitched sound, the NovelKeys Blueberry may be the best choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth and buttery typing experience with a bright and clacky sound profile, the Yoel linear switch could be more suited to your liking. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on whether you prioritize sharp tactility and lower pitch sounds or smoothness and bright, clacky tones in your mechanical keyboard setup.
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