Gateron Smoothie vs. PH Studio Yoel
An in-depth look at the Gateron Smoothie and the PH Studio Yoel switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Gateron Smoothie and the PH Studio Yoel. The Gateron Smoothie is lauded for its all-POM construction that provides a thocky sound signature, exceptional smoothness, and a light touch, all at an affordable price point. On the other hand, the PH Studio Yoel, crafted by BSUN, offers a chewy typing experience with a distinctive clacky sound profile that resonates satisfyingly upon bottoming out. While the Smoothie is characterized by a buttery and low-pitched feel, the Yoel stands out with its bright and high-pitched typing experience. Both switches offer a silky smooth feel, but the Smoothie leans towards a subdued and creamy touch, while the Yoel's feel is more polished and marbly. When making a decision between the two, it ultimately comes down to personal preferences in sound, feel, and typing experience. 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
3.60 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
22mm extended double-stage spring
Spring
Single stage lengthened 20mm spring
Housing materials
Overall, the housing materials of the Gateron Smoothie and the PH Studio Yoel switches offer unique sound profiles and tactile experiences. The Smoothie's POM top and bottom housings create a deeper, more muted sound profile, providing a pleasant typing experience. On the other hand, the Yoel's polycarbonate top housing gives a sharper, higher-pitched sound, while its POM bottom housing delivers a deeper, more muted feel. This contrast in sound profiles allows users to choose a switch based on their preferred typing experience.
Despite their differences, both switches offer a pleasing and unique sound profile due to their respective housing materials. The use of POM in the Smoothie's housing provides a deeper sound, while the use of polycarbonate in the Yoel's housing creates a sharper, crisper sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate in the Yoel allows for RGB lighting to shine through, adding an aesthetic appeal to the switch. Ultimately, whether a user prefers a deeper, muted sound profile or a sharper, crisper sound profile will determine which switch is more suitable for their typing preferences.
In terms of tactile feedback, the housing materials of the Gateron Smoothie and the PH Studio Yoel switches also play a significant role. The bottom housing of each switch influences the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key, while the top housing affects the sound when letting go of a key. This split in tactile qualities allows for a more dynamic typing experience, as users can feel and hear the impact of both housing materials while typing. Overall, the housing materials of these switches offer a balanced combination of sound profile and tactile feedback for an enjoyable typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Smoothie linear switch and the PH Studio Yoel linear switch, there are noticeable differences. The Gateron Smoothie has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams, making it easier to trigger keystrokes compared to the Yoel with a heavier actuation force of 53 grams. However, the Smoothie lacks information on its bottom out force, while the Yoel has a bottom out force of 60 grams, indicating a firmer push feel when fully pressing the key. Some may prefer the lighter actuation force of the Smoothie for extended typing sessions or gaming, while others may gravitate towards the heavier push feel of the Yoel for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Gateron Smoothie linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the PH Studio Yoel linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.2 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are becoming increasingly popular, especially among gamers looking for fast response times. The Smoothie offers a bit more depth with its 3.6 mm travel distance, making it a good choice for those who prefer a more substantial feel when typing or gaming. On the other hand, the Yoel's 3.2 mm travel distance provides a slightly quicker actuation, which may be preferred by those seeking a more responsive keypress. Ultimately, the choice between the two will come down to personal preference for travel distance and key feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron 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 Smoothie for $2.60.
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 Smoothie linear switch has a thocky, low-pitched, and subdued profile, offering a deep, rich, and satisfying sound when pressed. On the other hand, the PH Studio Yoel linear switch provides a bright and clacky sound, with a resonance that is sharp, crisp, and pronounced, especially at the bottom-out point of the keystroke. The sound experience of the Smoothie leans towards a more bass-heavy and mellow tone, while the Yoel delivers a higher-pitched and resonant sound profile. Ultimately, your preference for sound will depend on whether you prefer a deeper thocky tone or a brighter and clacky sound when typing.
When it comes to feel, both the Gateron Smoothie and the PH Studio Yoel linear switches are described as offering a buttery, creamy, and silky typing experience. These descriptors imply a smooth and fluid keystroke sensation, with effortless and uniform typing feedback. The switches are engineered to provide a seamless and enjoyable typing experience, with minimal resistance when pressing and releasing keys. Whether you choose the Smoothie or the Yoel, you can expect a luxurious and satisfying typing feel that is smooth, refined, and comfortable for long typing sessions.
Overall, the Gateron Smoothie linear switch and the PH Studio Yoel linear switch offer distinct sound and feel profiles for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. The Smoothie provides a thocky and low-pitched sound with a buttery and creamy typing feel, while the Yoel delivers a bright and clacky sound with a buttery and polished typing sensation. Both switches aim to enhance the typing experience with their unique characteristics, catering to different preferences in sound and feel. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on whether you prioritize a deep, rich sound or a bright, snappy sound, and whether you prefer a smooth and buttery typing experience. You can expect similar results in terms of typing comfort and satisfaction with either switch, as they both offer a premium typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Gateron Smoothie linear switch and the PH Studio Yoel linear switch, consider your preferences for bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel. If you prefer a switch with no specified bottom out force and a thocky, low-pitched, and subdued sound signature, along with a buttery, creamy, or silky typing experience, the Gateron Smoothie may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a medium bottom out force of 60 grams, a bright, clacky, high-pitched, marbly, and resonant sound profile, along with a creamy, polished, or silky typing feel, then the PH Studio Yoel could be the perfect fit for your typing needs. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for key feel, sound, and force requirements. Choose the switch that best aligns with your typing style and preferences to enhance your overall typing experience.
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