Akko V3 Silver Pro vs. PH Studio Yoel
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Silver Pro and the PH Studio Yoel switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Akko V3 Silver Pro and PH Studio Yoel both stand out as top contenders in the linear switch category. The Akko V3 Silver Pro is tailored for gamers, offering a smooth keystroke with a pleasing bassy sound, light actuation force, and shortened travel distance for optimal speed and precision. On the other hand, the PH Studio Yoel provides a chewy typing experience with a bright and clacky sound profile, offering a satisfying resonance upon bottoming out keys. Each switch has its unique characteristics and advantages, making them suitable for different preferences and needs. 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
40g
Actuation force
53g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
13.8mm spring
Spring
Single stage lengthened 20mm spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Akko V3 Silver Pro and the PH Studio Yoel, it is evident that both keyboards utilize polycarbonate for their top housings. This material is known for creating a sharp, high-pitched, and crisp sound profile due to its stiffness. Additionally, polycarbonate is renowned for its translucency, making it ideal for RGB lighting effects. Therefore, users can expect similar sound profiles and visual aesthetics when using either of these keyboards.
However, the key point of differentiation lies in the bottom housing materials. The V3 Silver Pro employs nylon for its bottom housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's softer nature absorbs more sound, creating a rounder and duller sound when compared to polycarbonate. On the other hand, the Yoel utilizes POM for its bottom housing, producing a unique and pleasing sound profile that leans towards the deeper side and is relatively muted. This contrast in bottom housing materials can significantly impact the overall typing experience on each keyboard.
Ultimately, the choice between the V3 Silver Pro and the Yoel will come down to personal preference in sound profiles. While both keyboards share the benefits of polycarbonate top housings, their distinct bottom housing materials offer varying typing experiences. Whether you prefer a deeper, fuller sound with nylon or a unique, muted sound with POM will determine which keyboard best suits your typing style and preferences. Nonetheless, both keyboards promise high-quality construction and performance, ensuring a satisfying typing experience regardless of the material differences.
Weight
The Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams compared to the PH Studio Yoel linear switch, which has a heavier actuation force of 53 grams. When it comes to the bottom out force, the V3 Silver Pro requires 45 grams, while the Yoel needs 60 grams before bottoming out. This means that the V3 Silver Pro offers a lighter typing experience overall, making it more suitable for extended typing sessions or gaming. In contrast, the Yoel switch provides a more substantial typing experience due to its heavier forces. However, both switches offer a smooth linear feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for typing force and how long one intends to use the keyboard.
Travel distance
The Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, slightly longer than the PH Studio Yoel linear switch which has a travel distance of 3.2 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, with the Akko V3 being slightly longer. Gamers looking for faster response times may prefer the Yoel switch with its slightly shorter travel distance, while those who prefer a more substantial key press may lean towards the Akko V3. In general, both switches offer a shorter travel distance compared to traditional switches, catering to the preference of those who prioritize speed and efficiency in their typing or gaming experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Akko V3 Silver Pro has an MSRP of $4.22 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the V3 Silver Pro for $3.10.
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 Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch offers a bassy and pleasing sound profile, characterized by a low-pitched tone that is gentle on the ears. On the other hand, the PH Studio Yoel linear switch delivers a bright and clacky sound that resonates satisfyingly upon bottoming out. The Yoel switch provides a more pronounced and sharp auditory experience compared to the V3 Silver Pro. Both switches offer unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences, with the V3 Silver Pro leaning towards a smoother bassy tone and the Yoel providing a crisper and more resonant sound.
Moving on to feel, the Akko V3 Silver Pro switch boasts an easy-to-press and low-impact typing experience, with a creamy and feathery sensation that enhances typing comfort and reduces finger fatigue. The smooth and polished finish of the V3 Silver Pro switch contributes to its overall sleek typing feel. Similarly, the PH Studio Yoel switch also offers a creamy and polished typing experience, promising a buttery smooth sensation that glides effortlessly across the keys. The silky feel of the Yoel switch further minimizes resistance during key presses, ensuring a comfortable typing experience for extended use.
In conclusion, the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch and the PH Studio Yoel linear switch each have their unique sound and feel characteristics that cater to different preferences. The V3 Silver Pro offers a bassy and easy-to-press typing experience, while the Yoel delivers a bright and clacky sound with a creamy and silky typing feel. Depending on personal preferences for sound and typing sensation, both switches provide an enjoyable and responsive typing experience that will satisfy gamers and typists alike. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will come down to individual preference for sound and feel, as both switches offer high-quality performance in their own right.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when deciding between the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch and the PH Studio Yoel linear switch, consider the specific features and qualities that align with your preferences and needs. If you prioritize a light actuation force and shortened travel distance for a gaming-focused experience, the V3 Silver Pro may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you seek a delectably chewy typing experience with a bright and clacky sound profile, the Yoel switch could be more to your liking. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your individual typing style, preferences for sound and feel, and intended usage of the keyboard. Choose the switch that best complements your typing experience and enhances your overall satisfaction with your mechanical keyboard.
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