Dareu Sky V3 vs. PH Studio Yoel
An in-depth look at the Dareu Sky V3 and the PH Studio Yoel switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Dareu Sky V3 and the PH Studio Yoel are both linear mechanical keyboard switches, offering unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences. The Sky V3 is praised for its neutral sound signature and medium-light weight, providing a comfortable and precise typing experience suitable for enthusiasts and professionals. In contrast, the Yoel by PH Studio delivers a chewy typing experience with a bright and clacky sound profile that is both satisfying and pronounced. While the Sky V3 is characterized as 'Neutral', 'Subdued', and 'Mild', the Yoel is described as 'Clacky', 'Creamy', 'High-pitched', 'Marbly', 'Polished', 'Silky', and 'Resonant'. Both switches have their own unique qualities that make them appealing choices for different preferences. 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
N/A
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
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
Gold-plated spring
Spring
Single stage lengthened 20mm spring
Housing materials
Both the Dareu Sky V3 and the PH Studio Yoel feature polycarbonate top housings, which result in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate being a stiffer plastic that allows for a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that plan to utilize RGB lighting. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing of both switches ensures a similar sound experience with a focus on clarity and brightness.
However, the bottom housings of the two switches differ, with the Sky V3 featuring a nylon bottom housing and the Yoel using a POM bottom housing. Nylon bottom housings create a deeper and fuller sound profile by absorbing more sound with its softer plastic material. On the other hand, POM bottom housings in the Yoel result in a pleasing and unique sound that is on the deeper side and relatively more muted. This contrast in bottom housing materials leads to a varied typing experience between the two switches, with the Sky V3 offering a duller and rounder sound compared to the Yoel's more muted yet unique sound profile.
Overall, the combination of polycarbonate top housings and different bottom housing materials in the Sky V3 and Yoel switches showcases how the housing materials play a significant role in determining the sound profile and typing experience. While both switches feature polycarbonate top housings for a clear and resonant sound, the differing bottom housing materials in nylon and POM contribute to distinct sound characteristics such as deeper and fuller sound in the Sky V3 versus a more muted and unique sound in the Yoel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound profiles and typing feel.
Weight
The Dareu Sky V3 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. The bottom out force of the Sky V3 is unknown, while the Yoel has a bottom out force of 60 grams, indicating a slightly heavier feel when fully pressed. For those who prefer a lighter touch when typing for extended periods, the Sky V3 may be the better choice. However, if a more substantial typing experience is desired, the Yoel with its heavier actuation and bottom out forces would be more suitable. Both switches have their advantages, with the Sky V3 offering a lighter touch and the Yoel providing a more substantial feel. Ultimately, the decision between the two will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
The Dareu Sky V3 linear switch has a travel distance of 4 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 Sky V3 switch. The shorter travel distance of the Yoel switch might appeal to gamers looking for faster response times, while the longer travel distance of the Sky V3 switch may provide a more satisfying depth when typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on individual preference for key feel and responsiveness. If you prefer a shorter travel distance for quicker typing or gaming, the Yoel switch may be the better option. However, if you prefer a longer travel distance for a more substantial key press, the Sky V3 switch might be more suitable.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Dareu Sky V3 has an MSRP of $7.78 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sky V3 for $4.76.
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 Dareu Sky V3 linear switch offers a neutral and subdued sound profile, making it suitable for a wide range of typing preferences without being too loud or distracting. On the other hand, the PH Studio Yoel linear switch is described as clacky, high-pitched, marbly, and resonant, providing a bright and satisfying typing experience with a pronounced key press sound. If you prefer a more subtle sound while typing, the Sky V3 might be more suitable for you, whereas if you enjoy a more vibrant and percussive typing sound, the Yoel switch would be a better choice.
When it comes to feel, the Dareu Sky V3 switch is characterized as mild, offering a gentle and approachable typing experience with moderate characteristics that cater to a wide range of users. In contrast, the PH Studio Yoel switch is described as creamy, polished, and silky, providing a smooth and buttery typing sensation that feels refined and luxurious. If you prefer a more subtle typing experience, the Sky V3 may be more appealing, while the Yoel switch would be perfect for those who enjoy a silky and polished feel while typing.
Overall, choosing between the Dareu Sky V3 linear switch and the PH Studio Yoel linear switch ultimately depends on personal preference in terms of sound and feel. The Sky V3 offers a neutral and subdued sound with a mild typing feel, perfect for those looking for a comfortable and versatile typing experience. On the other hand, the Yoel switch provides a bright and clacky sound with a creamy, polished, and silky feel, ideal for users who enjoy a more vibrant and luxurious typing sensation. Both switches offer high-quality performance, so you can expect similar results in terms of durability and responsiveness regardless of your choice.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Dareu Sky V3 linear switch or the PH Studio Yoel linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your preference in typing experience. If you prioritize a neutral sound profile with a moderate actuation force and a comfortable typing feel, the Sky V3 would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a bright and clacky sound profile with a delectably chewy typing experience and a medium bottom out force, the Yoel switch would be more suitable for your preferences. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences, so it's important to consider what qualities you value most in a keyboard switch when making your decision.
Mentioned in this article
