Outemu Milk Blue vs. PH Studio Yoel
An in-depth look at the Outemu Milk Blue and the PH Studio Yoel switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch to the PH Studio Yoel linear switch, it is evident that they offer distinct typing experiences. The Milk Blue is recognized for its clicky feedback, providing a tactile response with an audible sound upon actuation. On the other hand, the Yoel switch from PH Studio offers a smooth and linear keystroke, creating a silent typing experience with each press. While the Milk Blue switch may be preferred by those who enjoy the audible click and tactile feedback, the Yoel switch appeals to users seeking a quiet and seamless typing experience. 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
50g
Actuation force
53g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.20 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Ly
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Single stage lengthened 20mm spring
Housing materials
Both the Outemu Milk Blue and the PH Studio Yoel switches feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the relatively stiff nature of polycarbonate, which leads to a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it especially useful for switches designed to be used with RGB lighting. This similarity in top housing material suggests that both switches may produce similar sound profiles and aesthetics when used in a keyboard.
However, where the two switches differ is in their bottom housings. The Milk Blue utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the POM bottom housing used in the Yoel. Nylon is known for absorbing more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, POM housings create a unique and pleasing sound profile on the deeper side, with a relatively more muted tone. This contrast in bottom housing material may lead to a noticeable difference in typing experience between the two switches.
Overall, the choice between the Outemu Milk Blue and the PH Studio Yoel hinges on the type of sound profile and typing experience desired. While both switches feature polycarbonate top housings for a clear and resonant sound, the different bottom housing materials - nylon for the Milk Blue and POM for the Yoel - offer distinct sound characteristics. The Milk Blue's nylon bottom housing provides a deeper and fuller sound, while the Yoel's POM bottom housing offers a more muted and unique tone. Ultimately, users will need to consider their preferences in sound profile when selecting between these two switches.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch and the PH Studio Yoel linear switch, we can see that the Milk Blue has a lighter actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Yoel's 53 grams. The Milk Blue's bottom out force is unknown, while the Yoel has a heavier bottom out force of 60 grams. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Milk Blue for longer typing or gaming sessions, while those who enjoy a more substantial push feel may opt for the Yoel for a more satisfying typing experience. Both switches offer different weight preferences to cater to a variety of typing styles.
Travel distance
The Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch has a travel distance of 4mm, while the PH Studio Yoel linear switch has a travel distance of 3.2mm. The Milk Blue has a slightly longer travel distance, making it better suited for those who prefer a more substantial keypress feel. On the other hand, the Yoel switch offers a shorter travel distance, which is favored by gamers looking for faster response times. Both switches offer different tactile experiences due to their travel distances, with the Milk Blue providing a deeper press and the Yoel offering a more shallow feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on individual preferences for travel distance and keypress feedback.
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 Outemu Milk Blue comes in at $3.10 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
When it comes to sound, the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch and the PH Studio Yoel linear switch offer different auditory experiences. The Milk Blue switch is known for its loud and clicky sound, providing a tactile feedback with each press. On the other hand, the Yoel switch produces a bright and clacky sound with a resonant quality that is satisfying to the ears. Both switches have distinct sound profiles that cater to different preferences, with the Milk Blue being more traditional clicky and the Yoel offering a unique clacky resonance.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Milk Blue switch does not have any specific descriptors provided, while the Yoel switch is described as offering a creamy, polished, and silky typing experience. This implies that the Yoel switch provides a smooth and buttery sensation during typing, with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Although the feel of the Milk Blue switch is not specified, it can be inferred that it may offer a more tactile and clicky typing experience compared to the smoothness of the Yoel switch.
In conclusion, the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch and the PH Studio Yoel linear switch offer distinct sound and feel qualities to cater to different preferences. The Milk Blue switch provides a satisfyingly loud and clicky sound, potentially accompanied by a tactile feel, while the Yoel switch produces a bright and clacky sound with a smooth and creamy typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on whether one prefers a traditional clicky feel or a more refined and smooth typing experience. However, it is important to consider that individual preferences, as well as the choice of keyboard and keycaps, can influence the overall typing experience with these switches.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering whether to choose the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch or the PH Studio Yoel linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your preference for sound and feel while typing. If you enjoy a bright and clacky sound with a satisfying bottom-out resonance, then the Yoel switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with no definite bottom-out force and are looking for a creamy, polished, or silky typing experience, then the Milk Blue switch might be more suited to your preferences. Whichever switch you choose, both the Milk Blue and Yoel have their unique characteristics that can enhance your typing experience based on what you prioritize in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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