Kailh Plum vs. PH Studio Yoel
An in-depth look at the Kailh Plum and the PH Studio Yoel switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Kailh Plum and the PH Studio Yoel offer distinct typing experiences. The Plum, a tactile switch, stands out for its unique combination of weightiness without a significant tactile bump. On the other hand, the Yoel, a linear switch, provides a chewy typing experience with a bright and clacky sound profile. The Plum is categorized as 'Neutral', 'Mild', 'Stepped', while the Yoel is described as 'Clacky', 'Creamy', 'High-pitched', 'Marbly', 'Polished', 'Silky', 'Resonant'. If you prefer a switch with a hefty feel and subtle tactility, the Plum may be your best choice. However, if you enjoy a smooth, clacky typing experience with pronounced resonance, the Yoel could be the perfect fit for you. Keep in mind that these are just general pointers, and further exploration is necessary to determine the best switch for your specific needs and preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
53g
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
1.70 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.20 mm
Factory lubed
No
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 housing materials of the Kailh Plum and PH Studio Yoel switches both utilize polycarbonate in their top housing, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which creates a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it an ideal choice for switches intended for use with RGB lighting. However, the Plum features a nylon bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound compared to the Yoel's POM bottom housing, which offers a more muted sound profile on the deeper side.
While both switches share the benefits of using polycarbonate in their top housing, the differences in their bottom housing materials provide distinct sound profiles. The Plum's nylon bottom housing absorbs more sound due to its softer nature, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Yoel's POM bottom housing creates a unique and pleasing sound profile that leans towards the deeper side with a more muted tone. These differences in bottom housing materials contribute to the overall typing experience and the sound produced when using these switches.
The split between the bottom and top housing materials of these switches means that each housing material brings different qualities to the typing experience. When pressing down on a key, the bottom housing's impact on the bottom-out sound and feel is more noticeable. In contrast, the top housing has a greater influence on the sound produced when releasing a key. This division of qualities between the top and bottom housing materials highlights the importance of selecting the right combination of materials to achieve the desired sound profile and typing experience in mechanical keyboards.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Plum tactile switch and the PH Studio Yoel linear switch, it is clear that the Plum has a heavier bottom out force at 70 grams compared to the Yoel's 60 grams. However, the Yoel has a lighter actuation force of 53 grams, while the actuation force of the Plum is unknown. This means that the Yoel may provide a lighter typing experience when initially pressing the keys, while the Plum offers a more substantial feel when fully pressing down. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Yoel, while those who prefer a heavier push feel may opt for the Plum. Overall, selecting between these two switches will depend on personal preference in terms of typing comfort and key responsiveness.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Kailh Plum tactile switch is 3.6 mm, while the PH Studio Yoel linear switch has a travel distance of 3.2 mm. Both switches fall in the shorter travel distance range, making them ideal for those looking for a quicker response time. Gamers especially may prefer these shorter travel distances for faster reaction times during gameplay. However, some users may find the shorter travel distance to feel too abrupt, preferring a deeper key press. In this case, the Plum switch with the longer travel distance may be more suitable. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for key feel and responsiveness.
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 Kailh Plum comes in at $6.25 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 Kailh Plum tactile switch is known for its neutral profile, which means it has a moderate actuation force requirement and a moderate sound profile suitable for various users and purposes. On the other hand, the PH Studio Yoel linear switch has a clacky and high-pitched sound profile, characterized by a bright and pronounced resonance when keys bottom out. While the Plum offers a more mellow and neutral sound experience, the Yoel provides a sharper and more percussive auditory feedback.
When it comes to feel, the Plum tactile switch is described as having a mild feel, offering a gentle typing experience compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. It has a unique weightiness without a huge tactile bump, providing a more approachable typing feel. On the other hand, the Yoel linear switch is known for its creamy and polished feel, offering a smooth and buttery typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. The Yoel envelops fingertips with each keystroke and provides a silky sensation, enhancing the overall typing experience.
In conclusion, the Kailh Plum tactile switch stands out for its unique weightiness and neutral sound profile, offering a moderate typing experience suitable for a wide range of users. On the other hand, the PH Studio Yoel linear switch excels in providing a delectably chewy typing experience with its clacky and high-pitched sound profile, accompanied by a creamy and polished feel for a smooth and refined typing sensation. Both switches offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel, catering to different preferences and typing styles. Ultimately, the choice between the Plum and Yoel switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you prefer a switch with a heavier bottom out force and a unique tactile feel, the Kailh Plum tactile switch would be a great choice for you. The Plum offers a medium-heavy bottom out force of 70 grams and a neutral sound profile, making it suitable for a wide range of users. On the other hand, if you enjoy a smoother and lighter typing experience with a lower bottom out force, the PH Studio Yoel linear switch may be more to your liking. With a bottom out force of 60 grams and a creamy, polished feel, the Yoel delivers a delightful typing experience with a bright and clacky sound profile. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches will depend on your personal preferences for typing feel, sound, and actuation force.
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