Akko Rosewood vs. PH Studio Yoel

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Akko Rosewood and the PH Studio Yoel are two intriguing options that cater to different preferences while sharing the linear switch design that many users adore for its smooth keystrokes. The Rosewood switches are best known for their deep, satisfying thocky sound profile, enhanced by a thin layer of factory-applied lubricant, which creates a rich auditory experience right out of the box. This makes them ideal for users who appreciate a more muted, yet pleasing sound when typing. In contrast, the PH Studio Yoel switches, produced by BSUN, offer a delectably chewy typing experience that envelops the fingertips with each press. Their sound profile is notably bright and clacky, with a resonance at the bottom-out point that can be both pronounced and gratifying, appealing to those who enjoy a more vibrant acoustic feedback from their keystrokes. While both switches provide smooth linear action, the choice between the Rosewood's thocky embrace and the Yoel's lively clack depends on personal sound and feel preferences. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.

By the numbers

Akko Rosewood Linear

PH Studio Yoel Linear

$3.89

$3.11 per 10

$4.50

$4.10 per 10

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Housing materials

When examining the housing materials of the Akko Rosewood and the PH Studio Yoel, notable differences emerge in both sound quality and overall tactile experience. The Rosewood employs nylon for its top housing, a material celebrated for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon is softer than many other plastics, allowing it to absorb sound more effectively, which results in a rounder, more muted auditory experience. This characteristic quite starkly contrasts with the Yoel’s polycarbonate top housing, which produces a sharper, higher-pitched sound. The stiffer polycarbonate not only enhances the clarity of key presses but also resonates more brightly, making it particularly suited for applications where RGB lighting is a consideration, given its translucency.

In terms of the bottom housing, the Rosewood continues with nylon, maintaining a cohesive sound profile that echoes the qualities of its top housing. This consistent material choice reinforces the overall deep and full sound characteristic of the switch. Meanwhile, the Yoel features a POM bottom housing, which is known for its unique sound that leans towards a deeper and more muted tone. Although both switches utilize different materials for their bottom housings, the synergistic effect of the materials can shape the typing experience in different ways, where the Rosewood leans into muted richness, while the Yoel thrives on clarity and distinctiveness.

In considering how these two switches might yield similar results despite their distinct materials, it’s essential to recognize that the interaction between the top and bottom housings influences the overall auditory experience. For the Akko Rosewood, the soft textures of nylon in both the top and bottom contribute to a cohesive sound character, while for the PH Studio Yoel, the combination of polycarbonate and POM creates a balanced sound profile that is crisp yet subtly deep. Ultimately, while different in composition, both switches are designed to appeal to varying preferences in sound and feel, demonstrating that thoughtful engineering can lead to diverse auditory experiences even within different material frameworks.

Weight

When comparing the Akko Rosewood linear switch and the PH Studio Yoel linear switch, distinct differences in their actuation and bottom out forces highlight the unique characteristics of each option. The Rosewood switch features a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it more suitable for users who prefer a more relaxed typing experience, ideal for extended use during work or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Yoel switch has a heavier actuation force of 53 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, offering a more substantial tactile feedback that may appeal to those who enjoy a firmer push feel while typing. Consequently, the Rosewood switch is categorized as lighter, and the Yoel switch as heavier, indicating that users seeking a less strenuous typing experience might gravitate towards the former, whereas those desiring a greater force response may favor the latter.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Akko Rosewood linear switch and the PH Studio Yoel linear switch, there is a clear distinction between the two. The Rosewood has a travel distance of 4 mm, which aligns with the traditional travel distance preference among many users who enjoy a more pronounced feedback as they press down on the key. In contrast, the Yoel features a shorter travel distance of 3.2 mm, catering to those who favor quicker response times commonly sought after by gamers. This shorter distance offers a more immediate actuation, although some users might find it feels too abrupt. Therefore, if you’re looking for a switch that provides a more substantial and hearty depth, the Akko Rosewood is the better choice, while the PH Studio Yoel would be preferable for those prioritizing responsiveness and speed.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The Akko Rosewood linear switch is best known for its deep, satisfying thocky sound, characterized by a rich bass profile that resonates with a full-bodied tone with each keystroke. This pleasing auditory experience is further enhanced by a thin layer of factory-applied lubricant, which helps to dampen vibrations and enrich the overall sound quality. In contrast, the PH Studio Yoel linear switch is defined by a notably bright and clacky sound profile. When keys bottom out, the Yoel produces a pronounced resonance that adds a sharp and snappy element to the typing experience, creating a sound that is crisp and engaging. While both switches offer distinct auditory experiences, the Rosewood leans towards a deeper sound while the Yoel emphasizes a higher-pitched, more lively tone.

In terms of feel, the Rosewood switch is known for providing a smooth and enjoyable typing experience, although specific characteristics are not detailed. On the other hand, the Yoel switch boasts a delectably chewy sensation, described with terms like creamy, polished, and silky. These attributes suggest that the Yoel provides a buttery, almost luxurious typing experience aided by high-quality materials and lubricant. The combination of these features results in reduced friction and a seamless transition from key to key, allowing the user’s fingers to glide effortlessly across the keyboard. While the exact feel of the Rosewood switch might be less defined, it is likely that it also offers a pleasant tactile enjoyment suitable for various typing activities.

Ultimately, both the Akko Rosewood and the PH Studio Yoel linear switches provide unique auditory and tactile experiences that cater to different preferences. The Rosewood is ideal for those who appreciate a deeper, thocky sound, while the Yoel is perfect for enthusiasts who prefer a bright and clacky auditory signature. In terms of feel, the Yoel excels with its creamy and silky textures, offering an elegant typing experience. While the Rosewood's specific feel remains unspecified, it’s reasonable to expect a smooth experience, perhaps similar to the Yoel’s attributes. By choosing between these switches, users can enjoy distinct yet satisfying characteristics tailored to their typing style and sonic preferences.

Conclusion

To conclude, your choice between the Akko Rosewood linear switch and the PH Studio Yoel linear switch ultimately depends on your typing preferences and the experience you seek. If you favor a lighter actuation force, enjoy a deep and satisfying thocky sound straight out of the box, and are looking for a smooth typing feel enhanced by factory-applied lubricant, the Rosewood will suit you well. Its 50-gram bottom-out force makes it ideal for long typing sessions without fatigue, creating a delightful auditory and tactile experience that many users find appealing. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium actuation force with a unique, chewy typing experience, the Yoel switch is likely your best bet. Its 60-gram bottom-out force provides a bit more resistance which could feel more satisfying for some, especially when coupled with the bright and clacky sound profile that resonates as keys bottom out. The Yoel’s creamy and polished feel can elevate your typing to a whole new level, making every keystroke a pleasure. Ultimately, consider what attributes matter most to you—be it sound, feel, or actuation force—to make the best choice for your mechanical keyboard experience.

Mentioned in this article

Akko Rosewood Linear

$3.89

$3.11 per 10

Learn more

PH Studio Yoel Linear

$4.50

$4.10 per 10

Learn more