KTT Sea Salt Lemon vs. PH Studio Yoel
An in-depth look at the KTT Sea Salt Lemon and the PH Studio Yoel switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the KTT Sea Salt Lemon and the PH Studio Yoel mechanical keyboard switches, it's evident that both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Sea Salt Lemon stands out for its buttery smooth typing experience, thanks to its progressive spring and dry-lube design, making it a great choice for those who prefer a low-pitched and mild linear switch. On the other hand, the PH Studio Yoel offers a chewy typing experience with a bright and clacky sound profile, appealing to those who enjoy a high-pitched and resonant switch. 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
53g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
13mm progressive spring
Spring
Single stage lengthened 20mm spring
Housing materials
Both the KTT Sea Salt Lemon and the PH Studio Yoel feature polycarbonate top housings, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The use of polycarbonate in the housing materials of both switches contributes to a more clear and resonant sound profile. Additionally, polycarbonate is known for its translucency, making it ideal for switches that plan on utilizing RGB lighting. This similarity in housing material ensures that both switches offer a consistent and high-quality sound experience.
However, where the two switches differ is in their bottom housing materials. The Sea Salt Lemon utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon is known for being a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound compared to polycarbonate. On the other hand, the Yoel features a POM bottom housing, which produces a unique sound profile that is on the deeper side and relatively more muted. This contrast in bottom housing materials gives each switch its own distinct sound signature.
When comparing the two switches, it is important to consider how the qualities of the top and bottom housing materials interact to create the overall sound profile of each switch. The bottom housing material has a more significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when the switch is pressed, while the top housing material affects the sound when the key is released. By understanding how the top and bottom housing materials work together, users can appreciate the nuances of each switch's sound profile and tailor their typing experience to their preferences.
Weight
The KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch is lighter in actuation force compared to the PH Studio Yoel linear switch, with the Sea Salt Lemon requiring 45 grams and the Yoel needing 53 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Sea Salt Lemon is still lighter at 53 grams compared to the Yoel at 60 grams. Both switches provide a medium typing experience, with the Sea Salt Lemon leaning towards the lighter side while the Yoel is slightly heavier. For those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing sessions or gaming, the Sea Salt Lemon would be a suitable choice. On the other hand, individuals who enjoy a more substantial typing experience may prefer the slightly heavier actuation and bottom out force of the Yoel switch. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches would depend on personal preference for typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
The KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch and the PH Studio Yoel linear switch have different travel distances, with the Sea Salt Lemon having a travel distance of 4 mm and the Yoel having a travel distance of 3.2 mm. The Sea Salt Lemon is the longer of the two, offering a more traditional travel distance, while the Yoel is shorter, making it more suitable for gamers looking for faster response times. For those who prefer a more tactile feel and a deeper press, the Sea Salt Lemon may be the better option. In contrast, the Yoel provides a more compact and snappy typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference and the type of typing experience you prefer.
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 KTT Sea Salt Lemon comes in at $2.80 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 KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch is known for its low-pitched and neutral sound profile, providing a bass-heavy and mellow tone that is suitable for a variety of environments and users. On the other hand, the PH Studio Yoel linear switch offers a clacky and high-pitched sound, creating a sharp, bright, and resonant typing experience that is satisfying and pronounced. The choice between the two sound profiles depends on personal preference and the overall setup of the keyboard.
In terms of feel, the Sea Salt Lemon is described as mild, offering a gentle typing experience that is approachable to most users. In comparison, the PH Studio Yoel switch is characterized as creamy, polished, and silky, providing a smooth and buttery sensation with reduced friction and smooth key travel. The decision on feel mainly hinges on whether one prefers a mild and safe typing experience or a more luxurious and refined feel while typing.
Considering the information presented, it is evident that the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch and the PH Studio Yoel linear switch offer contrasting subjective qualities in both sound and feel. Those looking for a smooth and buttery typing experience with a bright and clacky sound may prefer the Yoel switch, while individuals seeking a mellow and neutral sound with a gentle typing feel could opt for the Sea Salt Lemon switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preferences in sound and feel, as both switches offer unique and desirable qualities for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose KTT's Sea Salt Lemon linear switch or PH Studio's Yoel linear switch, you should take into account your preferences for typing experience. If you prefer a medium-light bottom out force and a smooth, buttery typing experience with a neutral, low-pitched sound profile, the Sea Salt Lemon may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium bottom out force with a chewy, clacky typing feel and a high-pitched, resonant sound profile, the Yoel switch could be more to your liking. Ultimately, your decision should be based on which typing experience and sound profile align best with your personal preferences.
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