TTC Silent Red vs. PH Studio Yoel
An in-depth look at the TTC Silent Red and the PH Studio Yoel switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the TTC Silent Red and the PH Studio Yoel mechanical keyboard switches, there are distinct characteristics that set each apart. The Silent Red switch offers a smooth and quiet typing experience, making it ideal for office or shared living spaces where noise may be a concern. With its consistent feel and padded bottom-out for added comfort, the Silent Red is categorized as 'Buttery', 'Mild', 'Muted', and 'Polished'. On the other hand, the Yoel switch provides a unique chewy typing sensation with a bright and clacky sound profile that resonates satisfyingly upon bottoming out. Categorized as 'Clacky', 'Creamy', 'High-pitched', 'Marbly', 'Polished', 'Silky', and 'Resonant', the Yoel switch offers a different tactile experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these 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
63.5g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 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
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
Both the TTC Silent Red and the PH Studio Yoel utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffer nature of polycarbonate, which enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound produced. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that incorporate RGB lighting. However, while both switches share this top housing material, the Yoel offers a POM bottom housing for a deeper and more muted sound profile, in contrast to the Silent Red's nylon bottom housing, which produces a fuller sound.
The nylon bottom housing of the TTC Silent Red provides a deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound than harder plastics. This results in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches with nylon housings. On the other hand, the PH Studio Yoel's POM bottom housing creates a unique and pleasing sound that leans towards the deeper side with a more muted tone. The difference in bottom housing materials between the two switches showcases how material composition can significantly impact the overall sound and feel of a switch.
Overall, the choice between the TTC Silent Red and the PH Studio Yoel will come down to personal preference in sound profile. While both switches feature polycarbonate top housings for a sharp and clear sound, the differing bottom housing materials offer distinct sound characteristics. Whether you prefer the deeper and fuller sound of nylon or the unique and muted tone of POM, each switch provides a different typing experience based on its housing materials. Regardless of these differences, both switches showcase how the combination of top and bottom housing materials can influence the overall sound profile of a mechanical keyboard.
Weight
The TTC Silent Red linear switch and the PH Studio Yoel linear switch have distinct differences in their actuation force and bottom out force. The TTC Silent Red has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Yoel's heavier 53 grams. However, the Silent Red has a heavier bottom out force of 63.5 grams compared to the Yoel's 60 grams, making it a medium-heavy switch. Weight is important to consider when choosing a switch, as a lighter actuation force may be preferred for long typing sessions or gaming, while a heavier bottom out force may provide a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The TTC Silent Red linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the PH Studio Yoel linear switch has a travel distance of 3.2 mm. In this case, the Yoel switch has a shorter travel distance compared to the Silent Red switch. The Silent Red switch falls within the range of shorter travel distances, which are favored by gamers for faster response times. On the other hand, the Yoel switch offers a slightly deeper travel distance, which may provide a more satisfying typing experience for those who prefer a bit more depth in their key presses. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and typing feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Silent Red has an MSRP of $5.28 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Red for $4.38.
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
When it comes to sound, the TTC Silent Red linear switch is known for its muted profile, providing a softer and quieter typing experience ideal for office or shared living spaces. In contrast, the PH Studio Yoel linear switch offers a bright and clacky sound that is crisp, sharp, and satisfyingly resonant at the bottom-out point. The Silent Red will give you a more subdued and gentle typing sound, while the Yoel will offer a more pronounced and vibrant auditory experience. Depending on your preference for sound, you can choose between the two switches to cater to your specific needs.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the TTC Silent Red switch is described as buttery and mild, providing a smooth and consistent typing experience from top to bottom with a padded bottom-out feel for maximum comfort. On the other hand, the PH Studio Yoel switch is characterized as creamy and polished, offering a silky and refined typing sensation with reduced friction and smooth key travel. If you prefer a softer and more effortless keystroke, the Silent Red would be the better choice, whereas if you enjoy a more luxurious and refined typing experience, the Yoel switch would be more suitable for you.
In conclusion, if you are looking for a quieter and gentler typing experience, the TTC Silent Red linear switch would be the ideal choice with its muted sound profile and smooth feel. On the other hand, if you prefer a more vibrant and satisfying sound with a creamy and polished typing sensation, the PH Studio Yoel linear switch would be more to your liking. Both switches offer their own unique qualities, so depending on your personal preferences and typing style, you can achieve similar results in terms of sound and feel by selecting the switch that aligns best with your preferences.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the TTC Silent Red linear switch and the PH Studio Yoel linear switch, consider your preference for sound and feel. If you prioritize a quiet and comfortable typing experience, the Silent Red switch would be the ideal choice with its muted sound profile and cushioned bottom-out feel. On the other hand, if you enjoy a more pronounced and resonant typing sound with a smooth and buttery feel, the Yoel switch would be a great option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for sound and key feel to ensure an enjoyable typing experience.
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