Kailh NovelKeys Cream vs. PH Studio Yoel
An in-depth look at the Kailh NovelKeys Cream and the PH Studio Yoel switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Kailh NovelKeys Cream and the PH Studio Yoel mechanical keyboard switches, both are linear switches but offer distinct typing experiences. The NovelKeys Cream provides a heftier and deeper sound profile, categorized as 'Buttery', 'Low-pitched', 'Textured', 'Resonant', and 'Invigorating'. On the other hand, the Yoel switch by PH Studio delivers a chewy typing experience with a bright and clacky sound profile, categorized as 'Clacky', 'Creamy', 'High-pitched', 'Marbly', 'Polished', 'Silky', and 'Resonant'. Each switch has its own unique characteristics that may cater to different preferences. 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
70g
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
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
In comparing the housing materials of the Kailh NovelKeys Cream and the PH Studio Yoel, one noticeable difference lies in the top housing material. The Cream features a POM top housing, known for creating a deep and muted sound profile, while the Yoel boasts a polycarbonate top housing, leading to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This contrast in sound profiles can significantly impact the overall typing experience for users, with the Cream offering a quieter and more subtle sound compared to the Yoel's more pronounced and crisp sound.
On the other hand, when it comes to the bottom housing material, both the NovelKeys Cream and the PH Studio Yoel utilize POM material. This means that both switches offer a similar deep and muted sound profile, as POM is known for its unique sound properties. Despite the different top housing materials, the bottom housing's impact on the bottom-out sound and feel remains consistent across both switches. This similarity in bottom housing material may result in a comparable typing experience in terms of sound and tactile feedback for users who prefer switches with POM bottom housings.
Overall, the choice between the NovelKeys Cream and the PH Studio Yoel housing materials ultimately comes down to personal preference. Those who value a quieter and more subdued typing experience may lean towards the Cream with its POM top housing, while users who prefer a sharper and crisper sound profile may favor the Yoel's polycarbonate top housing. However, in terms of the bottom housing material, both switches offer a consistent deep and muted sound profile, providing users with a comparable typing experience in that aspect. Ultimately, the housing materials play a crucial role in shaping the overall sound and feel of a switch, catering to the preferences of different typists.
Weight
The Kailh NovelKeys Cream linear switch has a heavier actuation force of 55 grams compared to the PH Studio Yoel linear switch, which has a slightly lighter actuation force of 53 grams. When it comes to bottom out force, the Cream requires 70 grams while the Yoel needs 60 grams, making the Cream switch heavier in this aspect as well. The Cream switch provides a more substantial typing experience with its medium-heavy forces, while the Yoel switch offers a slightly lighter feel. This means that the NovelKeys Cream may be preferred by those who enjoy a stronger push feel, while the PH Studio Yoel may be a better choice for those looking for a lighter typing experience. Both switches provide different weight options that cater to individual preferences, allowing users to choose the one that best suits their typing style and needs.
Travel distance
The Kailh NovelKeys Cream linear switch has a travel distance of 4.0 mm, while the PH Studio Yoel linear switch has a travel distance of 3.2 mm. This means that the NovelKeys Cream has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Yoel switch. In terms of feel, the NovelKeys Cream may provide a slightly deeper key press experience due to its longer travel distance, while the Yoel switch may feel slightly shallower. Ultimately, choosing between the two will depend on personal preference - if you prefer a deeper key press, the NovelKeys Cream may be the better option for you, whereas if you prefer a shallower feel for faster response times, the Yoel switch could be more suitable. Ultimately, both switches offer a different experience in terms of travel distance, so it's important to consider what feels most comfortable for your typing or gaming needs.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Kailh NovelKeys Cream 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 Cream 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
In terms of sound, the Kailh NovelKeys Cream switch offers a low-pitched and resonant profile, providing a bass-heavy and mellow tone during typing. On the other hand, the PH Studio Yoel switch delivers a clacky and high-pitched sound, creating a crisp and bright auditory experience with a satisfying resonance at the bottom-out point. If you prefer a deeper and more bass-heavy sound, the NovelKeys Cream would be the preferred choice, while the Yoel switch is better suited for those who enjoy a sharp and percussive sound.
When it comes to feel, the NovelKeys Cream switch is described as buttery, offering a smooth and fluid keystroke experience with seamless and uniform typing sensation. In contrast, the PH Studio Yoel switch is creamy and polished, providing a silky and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Both switches deliver an immersive typing sensation, but the Cream switch focuses on a smooth and effortless typing feel, while the Yoel switch emphasizes a silky and polished sensation.
Overall, the Kailh NovelKeys Cream linear switch and the PH Studio Yoel linear switch offer unique subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Cream switch provides a deeper and mellow sound with a buttery typing experience, the Yoel switch delivers a bright and clacky sound with a creamy and polished feel. Choosing between these switches ultimately depends on personal preference, whether you prefer a deeper, bass-heavy typing experience or a sharper, high-pitched sound with a silky feel. Additionally, factors such as keyboard configuration and keycaps can influence the overall sound and feel of the switches.
Conclusion
In closing, if you are looking for a medium-heavy linear switch with a deep sound profile and a buttery typing experience, the Kailh NovelKeys Cream switch would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium linear switch with a bright and clacky sound profile and a creamy typing experience, the PH Studio Yoel switch would be more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of sound and feel, so be sure to consider what type of typing experience you value most before making your decision.
Mentioned in this article
