Huano Sakura vs. PH Studio Yoel
An in-depth look at the Huano Sakura and the PH Studio Yoel switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the Huano Sakura and PH Studio Yoel offer distinct experiences that cater to different typing preferences. The Sakura switch is celebrated for its feather-light touch, making it an ideal choice for those who engage in long typing sessions, as it combines a gentle actuation force with medium acoustics for more comfortable use. On the other hand, the Yoel switch, manufactured by BSUN, provides a delectably chewy experience that envelops the fingertips with every keystroke, producing a bright and clacky sound profile, which some users find delightfully resonant and satisfying. While both switches are linear, their unique characteristics create different typing experiences. The Sakura excels in offering a smooth and easy feel, perfect for extended use, whereas the Yoel's pronounced sound and tactile feedback may appeal more to enthusiasts who enjoy a more engaging auditory experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that's right for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
35g
Actuation force
53g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
POK
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
23mm single-stage spring
Spring
Single stage lengthened 20mm spring
Housing materials
The Huano Sakura and PH Studio Yoel switches employ different materials in their top housings, which leads to distinct sound profiles and tactile experiences. The Sakura features a POK top housing, renowned for its exceptional durability and low coefficient of friction, ensuring a smooth typing experience. With a coefficient of friction measuring at 0.04, it offers a slight edge over the Yoel's polycarbonate top housing, which, while slightly higher-pitched and sharper due to its stiffer nature, provides a more resonant sound profile. In this case, while both materials contribute to the overall switch experience, POK leans towards a smoother, clackier response, whereas polycarbonate emphasizes brightness and clarity, especially beneficial in RGB setups due to its translucency.
When examining the bottom housing materials, the differences continue with the Sakura utilizing nylon, offering a deeper and more muted sound profile, whilst the Yoel opts for POM. The nylon used in the Sakura's bottom housing provides a fuller auditory experience due to its ability to absorb sound better than harder plastics. In contrast, POM produces a unique sound that is also on the deeper side, but with a more muted character compared to nylon. These contrasting materials affect not only the quality of the sounds produced when a key is pressed but also influence the overall feel of the switch during typing. As such, the choice of nylon in Sakura provides a rounder sound, while POM in the Yoel offers a different tone that is distinct, yet also satisfying.
Ultimately, while the Huano Sakura and PH Studio Yoel switches utilize different materials for their housings, the distinct qualities of each material contribute to an engaging typing experience. The mix of POK and nylon in the Sakura emphasizes smoothness and fullness, while the Yoel's combination of polycarbonate and POM prioritizes crispness and clarity. If we consider the same set of switches with mixed housing materials, a similar end result could be achieved in type feel and sound profile; however, the characteristics would manifest differently depending on which material is in the top or bottom housing. Therefore, each switch has its unique nuances, providing users with a variety of options tailored to their auditory preferences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Huano Sakura and PH Studio Yoel linear switches, significant differences emerge. The Huano Sakura features a lighter actuation force of 35 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it an ideal choice for those who prefer a lighter typing experience, conducive to longer typing sessions or extended gaming periods. In contrast, the PH Studio Yoel switch has a heavier actuation force of 53 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, providing a more substantial feel that may appeal to users who favor a stronger push. Consequently, the Sakura is the lighter option, while the Yoel is heavier. This difference in force may affect user preference based on typing style and comfort, with the Sakura offering a gentler touch and the Yoel delivering a firmer response. Both switches provide distinct tactile experiences, helping users select according to their needs.
Travel distance
The Huano Sakura linear switch and the PH Studio Yoel linear switch exhibit differing travel distances, with the Sakura measuring 3.6 mm and the Yoel at 3.2 mm. This means that the Sakura switch has a longer travel distance, offering a more pronounced key feel, which some users may find more satisfying for typing or gaming purposes. On the other hand, the Yoel, with its shorter travel distance, is likely to provide quicker response times, making it a suitable choice for gamers who prioritize speed and efficiency. Those who favor a more responsive keystroke may prefer the Yoel, while individuals who appreciate a more substantial depth might opt for the Sakura. Thus, the choice between these two switches will ultimately depend on individual preferences regarding 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 Huano Sakura comes in at $3.50 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
The sound profile of the Huano Sakura linear switch is characterized by medium acoustics. While exact descriptors aren’t provided, it's ideal for those who prefer a balanced auditory experience, making it suitable for extended typing sessions without being overly distracting. In contrast, the PH Studio Yoel linear switch produces a bright and clacky sound. This switch generates a sharp and snappy sound upon activation, with a high-pitched and resonant quality that delivers a clean and satisfying auditory feedback, especially at the bottom-out point. Thus, if sound is a critical factor for your typing experience, the Yoel offers a livelier tone compared to the more subdued Sakura.
When it comes to feel, the Sakura switch is noted for its feather-light touch, which can contribute to a pleasant typing experience, particularly over long periods. However, specifics about its tactile sensation are less detailed. On the other hand, the Yoel switch is celebrated for its delectably chewy typing experience. This switch offers a creamy, polished, and silky feel, allowing the fingers to glide smoothly over the keys. Such a tactile response enhances the overall typing sensation and minimizes resistance, making each keystroke feel effortless. Therefore, the Yoel arguably presents a more luxurious tactile quality than the Sakura.
In conclusion, while the Huano Sakura linear switch provides a more muted auditory profile with a light touch, the PH Studio Yoel linear switch stands out with its pronounced clacky sound and rich, creamy feel. If you prefer a lively sound and an indulgent typing experience, the Yoel will be your go-to option. Conversely, if you lean towards a more balanced sound and lighter key feel for long typing sessions, the Sakura switch is a commendable choice. Ultimately, the right switch will hinge on your personal preferences for sound and tactility.
Conclusion
To sum up, choosing between the Huano Sakura and the PH Studio Yoel linear switches ultimately hinges on your personal preferences and typing style. If you prioritize a lighter touch and enjoy long typing sessions without fatigue, the Sakura switch is an excellent choice due to its 45-gram bottom-out force and satisfactory medium acoustics. You’ll find that its soft keystrokes lend themselves well to a fluid typing experience, making it perfect for those who type extensively throughout the day. On the other hand, if you seek a more pronounced typing feedback and a richer auditory experience, the Yoel switch, with its 60-gram bottom-out force and clacky, resonant sound profile, may be the better option for you. The creamy feel of the Yoel provides a unique tactile enjoyment with every keystroke, making it ideal for users who appreciate a bit of resistance and a satisfying auditory reward while typing. Ultimately, both switches offer distinct advantages, so consider what aspects of typing—like weight and sound you value more—to guide your decision.
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