Outemu Silver vs. PH Studio Yoel
An in-depth look at the Outemu Silver and the PH Studio Yoel switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Outemu Silver and PH Studio Yoel mechanical keyboard switches, it becomes evident that both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Outemu Silver is a linear switch known for its smooth keystrokes and precise actuation, making it ideal for fast-paced gaming and typing tasks. On the other hand, the PH Studio Yoel, also a linear switch, stands out for its delectably chewy typing experience and bright, clacky profile, creating a satisfying sound when keys are pressed. While the Outemu Silver excels in providing a straightforward and reliable typing experience, the PH Studio Yoel offers a more tactile and resonant 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
45g
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
Both the Outemu Silver and PH Studio Yoel switches feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the material's stiffness. The use of polycarbonate also allows for RGB lighting to shine through, adding an aesthetic appeal to the switches. However, the bottom housing of the Silver is made of nylon, giving it a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound compared to the sharper sound produced by the polycarbonate top housing. Conversely, the Yoel switches feature a POM bottom housing, creating a unique and pleasing deeper sound profile that is relatively more muted than the nylon bottom housing of the Silver.
While both the Silver and Yoel switches utilize polycarbonate top housings for a similar sound profile and visual appeal with RGB lighting, the difference lies in their bottom housings. The Silver's nylon bottom housing provides a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer nature, while the Yoel's POM bottom housing offers a unique and pleasing deeper sound that is more muted. This contrast in bottom housing materials gives each switch its own distinct sound profile and feel, depending on whether you are pressing the key down or letting it go. The split between the top and bottom housing materials showcases the importance of both in creating the overall sound and tactile experience of a switch.
In conclusion, the choice of housing materials in switches like the Outemu Silver and PH Studio Yoel plays a significant role in determining the sound profile and feel of the switches. The polycarbonate top housings in both switches create a sharp and crisp sound, especially when combined with RGB lighting. However, the difference in bottom housing materials results in a variation in sound depth and fullness. The use of nylon in the Silver provides a deeper sound profile, while the POM in the Yoel produces a more muted yet pleasing sound. Understanding the impact of each housing material on the overall typing experience is essential for keyboard enthusiasts looking to customize their setup to suit their preferences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Silver linear switch and the PH Studio Yoel linear switch, it is evident that the Yoel switch has a heavier actuation force of 53 grams compared to the Silver switch's 45 grams. However, the Silver switch has a heavier bottom out force of 65 grams compared to the Yoel switch's 60 grams. Overall, both switches fall within the medium to medium-heavy range of force. The Silver switch provides a lighter actuation force but a heavier bottom out force, making it suitable for those who prefer a lighter touch but still want a solid feel when typing. On the other hand, the Yoel switch offers a slightly heavier actuation force, providing a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a bit more resistance. In both cases, the user can expect a consistent and reliable typing experience based on their preference for force.
Travel distance
The Outemu Silver linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the PH Studio Yoel linear switch has a travel distance of 3.2 mm. The Silver switch has a longer travel distance, making it better suited for those who prefer a deeper, more substantial key press. On the other hand, the Yoel switch has a shorter travel distance, which is ideal for individuals who prioritize faster response times, such as gamers. Both switches offer different tactile experiences based on their travel distances, so choosing between the two ultimately depends on personal preference. If you prefer a more responsive feel, the Yoel switch would be the better option, but if you enjoy a more solid key press, the Silver switch would be more suitable. Ultimately, both switches offer distinct advantages depending on individual 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 Silver 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 Silver linear switch is known for a sound profile that is currently unknown. On the other hand, the PH Studio Yoel linear switch is characterized by a bright and clacky sound that resonates satisfyingly upon bottoming out. The Yoel switch offers a sharper and more pronounced auditory experience, which can be quite satisfying for those who enjoy a more distinctive typing sound.
Moving onto the feel of the switches, the Outemu Silver's tactile sensation remains undisclosed. Conversely, the PH Studio Yoel linear switch is described as providing a creamy, polished, and silky typing experience. This suggests that the Yoel switch offers a smooth and buttery feel that allows fingers to glide effortlessly across the keys, indicating a potentially delightful typing experience for users who appreciate a refined tactile sensation.
Overall, while the subjective qualities of the Outemu Silver linear switch remain unknown, the PH Studio Yoel linear switch stands out for its bright and clacky sound profile and creamy, polished, and silky feel. Depending on personal preferences for sound and feel, users can expect to experience a distinct typing experience with the Yoel switch, emphasizing a delectably chewy typing sound and a smooth, refined tactile sensation. Ultimately, both switches may provide similar results depending on individual typing preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Outemu Silver linear switch and the PH Studio Yoel linear switch, consider the bottom out force and the typing experience you desire. If you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force and a more neutral typing experience, the Outemu Silver might be the better choice for you. However, if you enjoy a lighter bottom out force and a tactile typing experience with a bright and clacky sound profile, the PH Studio Yoel could be the perfect switch for you. Ultimately, your decision should be based on personal preference and the specific typing experience you are looking for.
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