Outemu Silent Grey vs. PH Studio Yoel
An in-depth look at the Outemu Silent Grey and the PH Studio Yoel switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch to the PH Studio Yoel linear switch, it's clear that both offer unique typing experiences. The Silent Grey is revered for its quiet and highly tactile feedback, providing a satisfying yet silent keystroke for those looking for a seamless typing experience. On the other hand, the Yoel linear switch, manufactured by BSUN, offers a chewy typing sensation with a bright and clacky sound profile that resonates upon bottoming out keys. While the Silent Grey is ideal for those seeking a tactile typing experience, the Yoel is perfect for individuals who enjoy a more pronounced and resonant keypress. 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
65g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.20 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
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
The Outemu Silent Grey and the PH Studio Yoel both feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the stiffness of the material. This results in a more clear and resonant sound, making them ideal for switches with RGB lighting. However, while both switches have polycarbonate top housings, the Yoel also has a POM bottom housing, which creates a deeper and more muted sound profile compared to the Silent Grey's nylon bottom housing. This difference in bottom housing material affects the overall sound and feel of the switches.
In terms of sound profile, the Silent Grey's nylon bottom housing is known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound when typing. The nylon material, being softer, absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound profile. In contrast, the Yoel's POM bottom housing creates a unique and pleasing sound that is on the deeper side and relatively more muted. This highlights how the choice of bottom housing material can significantly impact the overall sound experience of a switch. Despite both switches having similar polycarbonate top housings, their different bottom housing materials provide distinct sound characteristics.
The division of housing materials between the bottom and top of a switch plays a key role in determining the overall sound and feel of the switch. When typing on a switch with different top and bottom housing materials, the qualities of each material will be felt accordingly. The bottom housing has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing affects the sound when releasing a key. This means that the choice of housing materials in both the top and bottom of a switch can greatly influence the typing experience, with each material bringing its own unique sound profile to the overall switch design.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch and the PH Studio Yoel linear switch, it is evident that the Silent Grey has a lighter actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Yoel's actuation force of 53 grams. However, when it comes to the bottom out force, the Silent Grey is heavier at 65 grams compared to the Yoel's 60 grams. This means that the Silent Grey provides a lighter initial press but requires more force to fully press down, providing a more substantial typing experience. On the other hand, the Yoel offers a slightly heavier initial press but requires less force for a full press, which may be preferred for longer typing sessions. Both switches fall into the medium category in terms of force required, so users can expect similar results in terms of typing feel, with slight differences in the weight of the key press.
Travel distance
The Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the PH Studio Yoel linear switch has a travel distance of 3.2 mm. This means that the Yoel switch has a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Silent Grey switch. The traditional travel distance is 4 mm, making the Silent Grey switch fall into the more standard category. Gamers may prefer the Yoel switch for its faster response times due to the shorter travel distance. However, those who prefer a more substantial keypress might opt for the Silent Grey switch with its longer travel distance. In terms of preference, it ultimately comes down to individual comfort and typing style, as both switches offer their own unique advantages.
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 Silent Grey 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 Silent Grey switch provides a quiet typing experience with a satisfying tactile bump and smooth keystroke, making it ideal for those who prefer silent switches. On the other hand, the PH Studio Yoel linear switch offers a bright and clacky sound profile, producing a sharp and snappy sound when pressed. The Yoel adds a resonance at the bottom-out point, creating a pronounced auditory experience that can be quite satisfying for users seeking a more pronounced and lively sound profile.
When it comes to feel, the Outemu Silent Grey switch offers a tactile typing experience with a pronounced bump, providing a satisfying key press with each stroke. The PH Studio Yoel linear switch, on the other hand, delivers a chewy typing experience that envelops fingertips with every press. The Yoel is described as creamy, polished, and silky, offering a smooth and refined typing sensation that allows fingers to glide effortlessly across the keys.
Taking all the available information into consideration, individuals looking for a quiet and tactile typing experience may prefer the Outemu Silent Grey switch, while those seeking a bright and clacky sound profile with a smooth and buttery typing sensation may lean towards the PH Studio Yoel linear switch. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, ensuring that users will find a switch that suits their typing style and preferences. Ultimately, whether opting for the Silent Grey or the Yoel, users can expect a satisfying and enjoyable typing experience that meets their individual needs.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch and the PH Studio Yoel linear switch, consider the type of typing experience you prefer. If you prioritize a quiet and highly tactile typing experience with a pronounced bump and smooth keystroke, the Silent Grey switch is the way to go. On the other hand, if you enjoy a delectably chewy typing experience with a bright and clacky sound profile, the Yoel switch may be more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, the choice between these switches comes down to personal preference in sound and feel, so choose the one that aligns best with your typing style and preferences.
Mentioned in this article
