Outemu Milk Tea vs. PH Studio Yoel
An in-depth look at the Outemu Milk Tea and the PH Studio Yoel switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch and the PH Studio Yoel linear switch are two popular options to explore. The Milk Tea switch is known for its unique None feature and falls into the tactile switch category. On the other hand, the Yoel switch, produced by BSUN, offers a chewy typing experience that wraps fingertips with each keystroke. It is characterized by a bright and clacky sound profile, providing a satisfying and pronounced resonance upon bottoming out. While the Milk Tea switch may appeal to those seeking a tactile typing experience, the Yoel switch is ideal for users who enjoy a creamy and polished typing sensation with a noticeable clack. 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
45g
Actuation force
53g
Bottom-out force
N/A
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
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Ly
Top housing material
Ly
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 Outemu Milk Tea and PH Studio Yoel both feature unique housing materials that contribute to the overall sound profile of the switches. The Milk Tea's Ly top housing offers bright and resonant clacks when typing, while the Yoel's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper and crisper sound. Despite their differences, both materials are known for their ability to allow RGB lighting to shine through, making them suitable for aesthetically pleasing setups. However, the Yoel's polycarbonate top housing is stiffer compared to the Milk Tea's Ly top housing, resulting in a clearer sound profile.
On the other hand, the bottom housing materials of the Milk Tea and Yoel switches showcase contrasting characteristics. The Milk Tea's nylon bottom housing creates a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, absorbing more sound and producing a rounder tone. In contrast, the Yoel's POM bottom housing offers a unique and pleasing sound that leans towards the deeper side and is relatively more muted. While both materials have their own sound profiles, they play a crucial role in determining the overall sound experience of the switches.
When comparing the two switches, it is evident that the top and bottom housing materials have a significant impact on the sound produced by each. While the Milk Tea and Yoel switches may have similar qualities in terms of allowing RGB lighting to shine through, the differences in stiffness and softness of the housing materials affect the sound profile. The split between the bottom and top housing qualities demonstrates how pressing down on a switch will emphasize the characteristics of the bottom housing, while releasing the key will highlight the qualities of the top housing. Ultimately, both switches offer unique sound experiences based on the combination of their housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch and the PH Studio Yoel linear switch, the actuation force and bottom out force play a significant role in determining the typing experience. The Milk Tea has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Yoel's 53 grams, making it easier to trigger keystrokes on the Milk Tea. However, the Yoel has a heavier bottom out force of 60 grams compared to the Milk Tea's unknown bottom out force. This means that while the Milk Tea may provide a lighter typing experience overall, the Yoel offers a more substantial push feel for those who prefer a heavier typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on individual preferences for typing force.
Travel distance
The Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 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 Milk Tea switch. The shorter travel distance of the Yoel switch may appeal to gamers looking for faster response times, as shorter distances are preferred for quicker keypresses. On the other hand, the Milk Tea switch offers a slightly longer travel distance, which may provide a more satisfying typing experience for those who prefer a deeper keypress sensation. Both switches offer different experiences in terms of travel distance, allowing users to choose based on their personal preferences.
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 Tea 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
In terms of sound, the Outemu Milk Tea switch is known for its lack of distinct sound profile information, whereas the PH Studio Yoel linear switch is characterized as producing a bright, clacky, high-pitched, marbly, and resonant sound when keys are pressed and reach the bottom-out point. The Yoel switch offers a satisfyingly pronounced and crisp auditory experience, which can enhance the overall typing feel for users who enjoy a more tactile and auditory typing experience.
When it comes to feel, the Milk Tea switch's subjective qualities are unknown, while the Yoel linear switch is described as providing a creamy, polished, and silky typing experience. The creamy sensation of the Yoel switch offers users a smooth and buttery feel while typing, akin to gliding their fingers effortlessly across the keys with minimal resistance. Additionally, the polished finish of the switch results in reduced friction and smooth key travel, enhancing the overall typing experience for users looking for a refined tactile sensation.
Overall, while the subjective qualities of the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch are not specified, the PH Studio Yoel linear switch stands out for its bright and clacky sound profile and creamy, polished, and silky tactile feel. Depending on personal preferences for sound and typing feel, users can expect a satisfying and enveloping typing experience with the Yoel switch, characterized by its pronounced sound and smooth tactile feedback. It's essential to consider factors such as keycap and keyboard choice to further customize and optimize the overall typing experience with either switch.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch and the PH Studio Yoel linear switch, your choice should be based on your preference for typing experience. If you enjoy a smooth and buttery typing feel with a sound profile that is resonant and high-pitched, then the Outemu Milk Tea may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a delectably chewy typing experience with a bright and clacky sound profile, then the PH Studio Yoel linear switch would be more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences, so it's important to consider what you prioritize in your typing experience when making your decision.
Mentioned in this article
