Durock Sea Glass vs. PH Studio Yoel
An in-depth look at the Durock Sea Glass and the PH Studio Yoel switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Durock Sea Glass and PH Studio Yoel both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Sea Glass stands out with its pastel colors and proprietary material blend, providing a dry, wispy typing experience with a distinct airiness. Despite their 62g bottom-out force, these switches feel weightless and produce a uniquely hollow sound signature. On the other hand, the Yoel switch by PH Studio offers a chewy typing experience with a bright and clacky sound profile. Each press envelops fingertips and creates a satisfying resonance at the bottom-out point. While the Sea Glass is known for its frictionless and mild typing experience, the Yoel excels in being clacky, creamy, and high-pitched. Ultimately, the choice between these switches comes down to personal preference - 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
45g
Actuation force
53g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.20 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
P3+
Stem material
Ly
Top housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Single stage lengthened 20mm spring
Housing materials
Both the Durock Sea Glass and the PH Studio Yoel switches offer unique housing materials that contribute to their overall sound profiles. The Sea Glass utilizes a Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend for both its top and bottom housings, creating a pleasant and bright sound profile. On the other hand, the Yoel features a polycarbonate top housing that produces a sharper and crisper sound, particularly well-suited for RGB lighting effects. However, the Yoel's POM bottom housing creates a deeper and more muted sound profile, offering a different auditory experience compared to the Sea Glass.
While the Sea Glass and Yoel switches both offer distinct housing materials for their top and bottom housings, they each provide a unique tactile and auditory experience. The Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend of the Sea Glass results in a bright and pleasant sound profile, while the polycarbonate and POM materials used in the Yoel offer a sharper and deeper sound, respectively. These differences in housing materials contribute to the overall feel and sound of each switch, catering to different preferences for keyboard enthusiasts seeking a specific typing experience.
In terms of functionality, the housing materials used in the Durock Sea Glass and PH Studio Yoel switches play a crucial role in determining the overall typing experience. The bottom housing material impacts the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing a key, while the top housing material influences the sound when releasing a key. This split in housing materials for each switch allows for a thoughtful design that ensures users can enjoy a balanced and satisfying typing experience, whether they prefer a brighter, sharper sound like the Sea Glass or a deeper, more muted sound like the Yoel.
Weight
The Durock Sea Glass linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the PH Studio Yoel linear switch, which has a heavier actuation force of 53 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Sea Glass requires a heavier force of 62 grams while the Yoel requires a slightly lighter force of 60 grams. Overall, both switches fall into the medium range in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Sea Glass for its lighter actuation force, while those who enjoy a more substantial typing feel may prefer the Yoel with its heavier actuation force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preferences and typing style.
Travel distance
The Durock Sea Glass linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8mm, while the PH Studio Yoel linear switch has a travel distance of 3.2mm. In this case, the Yoel switch has a shorter travel distance compared to the Sea Glass switch. The shorter travel distance of the Yoel switch may appeal to gamers looking for faster response times, while the slightly longer travel distance of the Sea Glass switch may provide a more satisfying depth when typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and typing feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock Sea Glass has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sea Glass for $4.87.
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
The Durock Sea Glass linear switch is characterized by a uniquely hollow sound signature, providing users with a typing experience that emanates dryness, wispiness, and airiness. Despite the 62g bottom-out force, these switches offer a weightless feel that defies expectations, showcasing a smooth and frictionless nature. On the other hand, the PH Studio Yoel linear switch delivers a chewy typing experience that envelops fingertips with each press. Sound-wise, the Yoel produces a bright and clacky profile, with a satisfying resonance at the bottom-out point. While the Sea Glass switch leans towards a hollow sound, the Yoel offers a brighter and more resonant typing experience.
In terms of feel, the Durock Sea Glass switch is known for its frictionless nature, providing an extremely smooth and effortless typing experience. Users can expect a light and feathery feel that minimizes resistance during key presses, offering a fluid travel and reducing finger fatigue. In contrast, the PH Studio Yoel switch offers a creamy and polished typing experience, with a smooth and refined finish that enhances the overall smoothness of typing. Both switches provide a comfortable typing experience, but the Sea Glass leans towards a lighter and easier-to-press feel, while the Yoel offers a silky sensation with reduced friction and smooth key travel.
Overall, the Durock Sea Glass linear switch and the PH Studio Yoel linear switch offer distinct typing experiences in terms of sound and feel. The Sea Glass is characterized by a hollow sound and a frictionless feel, providing a weightless and easy-to-press typing experience. In contrast, the Yoel produces a bright and clacky sound with a creamy and polished feel, offering a more resonant and silky typing sensation. Depending on personal preferences for sound and feel, users can choose between these two switches to achieve their desired typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Durock Sea Glass linear switch and the PH Studio Yoel linear switch, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and typing experience. If you prefer a switch with a weightlessness that defies expectations, a distinct dryness, and a hollow sound signature, then the Sea Glass may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a delectably chewy typing experience, a bright and clacky sound profile, and switches that feel creamy and polished, then the Yoel switch might be more suited to your tastes. Consider your sound and feel preferences when making your decision between these two unique switches to ensure a typing experience that aligns with your preferences and needs.
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