Kailh Sage vs. PH Studio Yoel
An in-depth look at the Kailh Sage and the PH Studio Yoel switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Kailh Sage and PH Studio Yoel offer distinct and unique typing experiences. The Sage is a clicky switch that provides a heavy weight and sharp clickiness, giving typists an invigorating and crunchy feel while typing. On the other hand, the Yoel is a linear switch that delivers a chewy typing experience with a bright and clacky sound profile. Its creamy and polished feel, along with a satisfying resonance upon bottoming out, sets it apart as a smooth and silky option. Choosing between the two ultimately depends on personal preference and typing style; 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
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 Kailh Sage and PH Studio Yoel switches both feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a relatively stiff plastic, leading to a clear and resonant sound. Aesthetically, the translucent nature of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that plan to use RGB lighting. However, the Sage's nylon bottom housing produces a deeper and fuller sound compared to the Yoel's POM bottom housing, which creates a more muted sound. This difference in bottom housing material will affect the overall sound profile and typing experience of the switches.
In terms of sound profile, the Kailh Sage's nylon bottom housing brings a duller and rounder sound due to its softer nature, while the PH Studio Yoel's POM bottom housing creates a deeper and more muted sound. This difference in bottom housing material plays a significant role in the overall typing experience and sound feedback of the switches. Both switches feature unique qualities that cater to different preferences in sound and feel. While the top housings are both polycarbonate and contribute to a sharp and clear sound, it is the bottom housing material that truly shapes the overall sound profile and typing experience of each switch.
When comparing the Kailh Sage and PH Studio Yoel switches, it is evident that the choice of bottom housing material significantly impacts the sound profile and typing experience. The Sage's nylon bottom housing produces a deeper and fuller sound, while the Yoel's POM bottom housing creates a more muted sound. However, both switches share the use of polycarbonate in their top housings, resulting in a similar sharp and clear sound profile. Ultimately, the combination of different housing materials in the Sage and Yoel switches offers users a variety of options to tailor their typing experience to their preferences, whether they prefer a sharper, crisper sound or a deeper, more muted sound.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Sage clicky switch and the PH Studio Yoel linear switch, it is evident that there are significant differences between the two. The Sage has an actuation force of None grams, making it difficult to determine the exact force required to trigger a keystroke, while the Yoel has a specified actuation force of 53 grams. In terms of bottom out force, the Sage requires 70 grams, which is medium-heavy, while the Yoel only requires 60 grams, which is considered medium. This makes the Yoel the lighter option in terms of both actuation and bottom out force, making it a suitable choice for those who prefer a lighter typing experience. On the other hand, the Sage is heavier and may be preferred by those who enjoy a more substantial typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing force and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Kailh Sage clicky switch is 3.6mm, while the PH Studio Yoel linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.2mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are becoming increasingly popular, particularly among gamers looking for faster response times. The shorter travel distance of the Yoel switch may appeal to those seeking quick and precise keystrokes, while the slightly longer travel distance of the Sage switch could provide a more satisfying feeling of key depth for some users. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences 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 Sage 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 Sage clicky switch offers a crunchy typing experience with its heavy weight and sharp clickiness, reminiscent of stepping on piles of crisp autumn leaves. On the other hand, the PH Studio Yoel linear switch provides a clacky sound profile with a bright and percussive resonance when keys bottom out. The Yoel switch also features a high-pitched and marbly sound, creating a satisfying typing experience. Ultimately, the sound produced by each switch is influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Kailh Sage switch is known for being invigorating with pronounced feedback and a sharp tactile bump, providing a snappy and reactive typing sensation. In contrast, the PH Studio Yoel switch delivers a creamy and polished typing experience, offering smooth and buttery key presses with reduced friction and seamless key travel. The Yoel switch is described as silky, enhancing the overall smoothness of typing and minimizing resistance during key presses, creating a luxurious typing experience.
Overall, the Kailh Sage clicky switch and the PH Studio Yoel linear switch offer distinct qualities in both sound and feel. The Sage switch provides a heavy and crunchy clicky typing experience, while the Yoel switch offers a bright and clacky sound profile with a creamy and polished feel. Depending on personal preference and typing style, users can choose between the sharp and invigorating feedback of the Sage switch or the smooth and buttery typing sensation of the Yoel switch. It is important to consider all aspects of a switch, including sound and feel, when selecting the right mechanical keyboard switch for your needs.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Kailh Sage clicky switch and the PH Studio Yoel linear switch, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and typing style. If you enjoy a heavier typing experience with a sharp and crisp clicky sound, the Sage switch may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth and buttery typing feel with a bright and clacky sound profile, the Yoel linear switch might be more to your liking. Consider factors such as bottom-out force, sound characteristics, and tactile feedback to determine which switch aligns best with your preferences. Ultimately, both switches offer unique typing experiences, so choose the one that best suits your needs and preferences.
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