KTT Phalaenopsis vs. PH Studio Yoel
An in-depth look at the KTT Phalaenopsis and the PH Studio Yoel switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the KTT Phalaenopsis and the PH Studio Yoel. The Phalaenopsis is a tactile switch known for its light actuation force of 37g, making typing effortless and minimizing finger fatigue during long typing sessions. With a satisfying tactile bump at 50g, each keystroke is a delightful experience. On the other hand, the Yoel is a linear switch that offers a chewy typing experience and produces a bright and clacky sound profile. Both switches have their unique characteristics and appeal, with the Phalaenopsis being 'Bassy', 'Stepped', and 'Thocky', while the Yoel is categorized as 'Clacky', 'Creamy', 'High-pitched', 'Marbly', 'Polished', 'Silky', and 'Resonant'. Ultimately, choosing the best switch for you will depend on your preferences and typing style, so let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities to help you make an informed decision.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
37g
Actuation force
53g
Bottom-out force
50g
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
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm gold-plated spring
Spring
Single stage lengthened 20mm spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the KTT Phalaenopsis and PH Studio Yoel switches are quite similar in terms of the top housing being made of polycarbonate, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which leads to a more clear and resonant sound quality. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that will be used with RGB lighting, enhancing the overall aesthetics of the keyboard. However, the Yoel switch differs in that its bottom housing is made of POM, which creates a deeper and more muted sound profile compared to the Phalaenopsis's polycarbonate bottom housing.
While both switches have similar top housings made of polycarbonate, the key difference lies in their bottom housings. The Phalaenopsis utilizes polycarbonate for both its top and bottom housing, which results in a consistent sound profile throughout the keystroke. On the other hand, the Yoel switch's POM bottom housing creates a unique sound that is deeper and more muted, providing a different typing experience compared to the Phalaenopsis. This showcases how the choice of bottom housing material can significantly impact the overall sound and feel of a switch.
In terms of functionality, the top and bottom housings of a switch play crucial roles in determining the sound profile and typing feel. The qualities of the housing material are distributed between the top and bottom of the switch, influencing the sound when pressing down on a key and when releasing it. different as well. While the top housing impacts the sound when releasing a key, the bottom housing has more of an impact on the bottom-out sound and feel. This means that the choice of housing material for both the top and bottom of a switch can greatly affect the overall typing experience for the user.
Weight
The KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it ideal for those who prefer a lighter typing experience for extended periods of time. In contrast, the PH Studio Yoel linear switch has a heavier actuation force of 53 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, providing a more substantial typing feel for those who prefer a stronger push. While the Phalaenopsis is lighter in both actuation and bottom out force, the Yoel offers a medium resistance level. Those looking for a lighter typing experience should opt for the Phalaenopsis, while those seeking a heavier feel may prefer the Yoel. Despite the differences in force, both switches offer a distinct typing experience catering to different preferences.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch and the PH Studio Yoel linear switch, we can see that the Phalaenopsis has a longer travel distance of 4 mm compared to the Yoel's 3.2 mm. The Phalaenopsis offers a more traditional travel distance, while the Yoel provides a slightly shorter distance. Gamers may prefer the Yoel for its faster response time due to the shorter travel distance, while those who enjoy a more significant key press may opt for the Phalaenopsis. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Phalaenopsis has an MSRP of $4.73 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Phalaenopsis for $4.15.
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 KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch is best described as having a deep and rich bassy sound profile, with a thocky quality that provides a satisfying low-frequency "thud" when pressed. In contrast, the PH Studio Yoel linear switch offers a brighter and clacky sound, characterized by a sharp and snappy tone that resonates when keys bottom-out, providing a crisp and percussive auditory experience. These differences in sound can greatly impact the overall typing experience, providing users with a range of auditory feedback to suit their preferences.
When it comes to feel, the tactile Phalaenopsis switch is noted for its stepped sensation, offering a more mild tactile experience with distinct pre-travel and post-travel stages during key presses. On the other hand, the Yoel linear switch is described as creamy, polished, and silky, providing a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and effortless key travel. These variations in tactile feedback can greatly influence typing comfort and efficiency, catering to different preferences for keypress feedback.
In conclusion, the KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch and the PH Studio Yoel linear switch offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Phalaenopsis provides a deep and rich sound profile with a satisfying tactile bump, while offering a stepped tactile feel for a unique typing experience. In contrast, the Yoel delivers a bright and clacky sound with a creamy, polished, and silky smooth feel, enhancing the typing experience with smooth key travel and reduced friction. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and typing feedback to maximize typing enjoyment and comfort.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when choosing between the KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch and the PH Studio Yoel linear switch, your decision should be based on your personal preferences and typing style. If you enjoy a light actuation force and a satisfying tactile bump, the Phalaenopsis switch with its 50g bottom out force would be a great option for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium bottom out force and a bright, clacky sound profile, the Yoel linear switch might be more to your liking. Consider the sound and feel descriptions of each switch to determine which one aligns better with your typing preferences. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to what type of typing experience you are looking for.
Mentioned in this article
