Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie vs. PH Studio Yoel
An in-depth look at the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie and the PH Studio Yoel switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie and the PH Studio Yoel both offer unique typing experiences that cater to different preferences. The Sea Salt Smoothie is celebrated for its medium weight and exceptional smoothness, providing a satisfyingly thocky sound profile that enhances the tactile experience while remaining affordable. In contrast, the Yoel switch from PH Studio, manufactured by BSUN, is known for its delectably chewy feel, enveloping users' fingertips in a plush typing experience. With a bright and clacky sound that resonates satisfyingly upon bottoming out, the Yoel appeals to those who enjoy a more pronounced auditory feedback. Whether you’re drawn to the smooth, muted thock of the Sea Salt Smoothie or the lively, resonant click of the Yoel, each switch brings something distinct to the table. 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
48g
Actuation force
53g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Total travel
3.20 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Ly
Top housing material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm extended double-stage spring
Spring
Single stage lengthened 20mm spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie and the PH Studio Yoel, we can observe distinct differences in their top housings. The Sea Salt Smoothie features a POM (Polyoxymethylene) top housing, which contributes to a sound profile that is deeper and more muted, offering a unique auditory experience that many users find appealing. In contrast, the Yoel utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, known for its ability to produce a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. With polycarbonate being a stiffer plastic, it enhances clarity and resonation, making the key presses feel more defined and responsive. This divergence in materials results in differing auditory qualities, making each switch suitable for varying preferences in typing experience and sound.
Examining the bottom housings reveals a notable similarity between the two models. Both the Sea Salt Smoothie and the Yoel feature POM as their bottom housing material. This shared material means that both switches deliver a sound profile that is deep and more muted, ensuring a pleasantly unique auditory experience regardless of the switch's top housing. With the bottom housing playing a pivotal role in the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, users of either model can expect to enjoy a consistent and satisfying tactile response. The combination of the two switches results in a similar auditory and tactile experience when pressing down the keys, despite their different top housing materials.
Ultimately, while the top housings of the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie and the PH Studio Yoel diverge in sound characteristics due to the differing materials, the shared POM bottom housing provides a common auditory foundation. Users seeking a deeper and more muted sound can appreciate the Sea Salt Smoothie's POM top housing, while those looking for a sharper, more resonant sound might prefer the polycarbonate upper of the Yoel. Regardless, the muted and pleasing sound from the POM bottom housing ensures that both switches provide enjoyable key presses, demonstrating that one can achieve similar results in terms of overall feel despite variations in top housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch and the PH Studio Yoel linear switch, notable differences emerge in their actuation force. The Sea Salt Smoothie requires an actuation force of 48 grams, making it the lighter option, ideal for users who may prefer a gentler touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Yoel switch has a higher actuation force of 53 grams, appealing to those who favor a stronger push for a more substantial typing experience. However, the bottom out force of the Sea Salt Smoothie is unknown, while the Yoel switch has a defined bottom out force of 60 grams. This suggests that once the Yoel is engaged fully, it provides more resistance than the Sea Salt Smoothie, making the Sea Salt Smoothie feel softer overall. Ultimately, those looking for lighter, smoother keystrokes may gravitate towards the Sea Salt Smoothie, whereas those who enjoy a firmer response may prefer the Yoel.
Travel distance
The Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the PH Studio Yoel linear switch features a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.2 mm. This means that the Sea Salt Smoothie provides a more pronounced key press, which can be preferable for those who enjoy a hearty depth in their typing experience. On the other hand, the Yoel’s shorter travel distance may appeal to gamers seeking rapid response times, as it allows for quicker actuation. While the Sea Salt Smoothie is considered a bit more traditional in terms of travel distance, the Yoel's compactness aligns with current trends favoring efficiency and speed. Therefore, if you prioritize a more responsive feel, the switch with the shorter distance, the Yoel, would be the better choice, whereas those who prefer a more substantial typing experience might opt for the longer-travel Sea Salt Smoothie.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sea Salt Smoothie for $2.70.
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
In terms of sound, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie switch is recognized for producing a thocky sound profile that strikes a balance between depth and clarity. This thocky sound can create an engaging auditory experience that many enthusiasts find satisfying, particularly for those who enjoy a lower-pitched, more resonant tone when typing. On the other hand, the PH Studio Yoel switch is characterized by a bright and clacky sound, known for its sharp, percussive quality. This translates into a more high-pitched auditory presence that can be quite pronounced as keys bottom out, providing a distinctly crisp and lively typing experience. While both switches offer enjoyable sounds, the Sea Salt Smoothie leans towards a deeper resonance, while the Yoel delivers a brighter, more energetic tone.
When it comes to the feel, the Sea Salt Smoothie switch is celebrated for its smooth and refined typing experience, though its specific characteristics remain unspecified in the current context. In contrast, the Yoel switch is described as creamy and silky, providing a buttery smooth feel that allows fingers to glide effortlessly across the keys. The sensation of typing on the Yoel is enhanced by its polished nature, minimizing friction and resistance. This results in a delightful tactile experience that many users find appealing as they type, contrasting with the unspecified qualities of the Sea Salt Smoothie, which are expected to still provide a pleasant typing experience.
In conclusion, both the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie and the PH Studio Yoel linear switches have distinct strengths in sound and feel. The Smoothie offers a thocky sound that is more subdued and deeper, while the Yoel presents a bright and clacky auditory experience. In terms of feel, the Yoel excels with its creamy and silky typing sensation, whereas the Sea Salt Smoothie's specific tactile qualities remain undecided but are expected to be smooth as well. Overall, whether you are drawn to the rich thock of the Sea Salt Smoothie or the lively clack of the Yoel, both switches promise excellent performance and satisfaction, with different auditory and tactile experiences to suit varying typing preferences.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie and the PH Studio Yoel linear switch ultimately depends on your typing style and auditory preferences. If you're seeking a smooth and satisfying typing experience with a thocky sound profile, the Sea Salt Smoothie is an excellent option. It excels in providing a refined touch without excessive noise, making it perfect for quieter environments or prolonged typing sessions. On the other hand, if you prefer a more pronounced auditory feedback with a crisp and clacky sound, the Yoel switch is the way to go. Its medium actuation force and unique, chewy feel create a pleasurable and engaging typing experience, ideal for those who enjoy a more tactile sensation while typing. Therefore, consider what matters most to you—whether it’s the soothing stability of the Sea Salt Smoothie or the lively resonance of the Yoel—and choose accordingly to enhance your mechanical keyboard experience.
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