TTC Speed Silver vs. PH Studio Yoel
An in-depth look at the TTC Speed Silver and the PH Studio Yoel switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the TTC Speed Silver and PH Studio Yoel mechanical keyboard switches, both being linear switches, we see some key differences in their characteristics. The Speed Silver is renowned for its fast and precise typing experience, thanks to its light-medium resistance and reduced travel distance that allows for quick actuation. On the other hand, the Yoel switch by PH Studio offers a chewy typing experience with a bright and clacky sound profile that resonates satisfyingly upon bottoming out. While the Speed Silver is categorized as 'Neutral', 'Mild', and 'Polished', the Yoel boasts attributes such as 'Clacky', 'Creamy', 'High-pitched', 'Marbly', 'Polished', 'Silky', and 'Resonant'. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preferences and typing style. 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
45g
Actuation force
53g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
1.08 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
The housing materials of the TTC Speed Silver and the PH Studio Yoel switches both utilize polycarbonate for the top housing, creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate's stiffness, which leads to a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that plan to use RGB lighting. However, the bottom housing materials differ, with the Speed Silver featuring a nylon bottom housing for a deeper and fuller sound, while the Yoel utilizes a POM bottom housing for a more muted and deeper sound profile.
Although both the Speed Silver and the Yoel switches use polycarbonate for their top housing, the differences in their bottom housing materials result in unique sound profiles. The nylon bottom housing of the Speed Silver provides a deeper and fuller sound, while the POM bottom housing of the Yoel creates a pleasing and unique sound that is on the deeper side and relatively more muted. These differences in bottom housing materials showcase how the choice of housing material can impact the overall sound and feel of a switch.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in switches plays a crucial role in determining the sound profile and feel of typing. While both the TTC Speed Silver and the PH Studio Yoel switches achieve a sharp, higher-pitched sound with their polycarbonate top housing, the differences in their bottom housing materials result in distinct sound profiles. Whether you prefer a deeper and fuller sound with nylon or a more muted and unique sound with POM, understanding how different housing materials contribute to the overall typing experience is key in selecting the right switch for your needs.
Weight
The TTC Speed Silver linear switch and the PH Studio Yoel linear switch both offer a smooth typing experience, but with slight differences in actuation and bottom out forces. The Speed Silver has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Yoel's 53 grams, making it easier to trigger keystrokes with a lighter touch. However, the Speed Silver also has a slightly higher bottom out force of 55 grams, while the Yoel requires 60 grams to fully press down. This means that the Yoel provides a bit more resistance during typing, giving a more substantial feel to the keystrokes. Overall, if you prefer a lighter typing experience, the Speed Silver may be the better option, while those who enjoy a bit more resistance may prefer the Yoel.
Travel distance
The TTC Speed Silver linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 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, which are often preferred by gamers for faster response times. The Speed Silver offers a slightly longer travel distance, which may provide a more solid feeling when actuating the switch compared to the Yoel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference regarding travel distance and how it impacts typing or gaming experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Speed Silver has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Speed Silver for $4.58.
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 Speed Silver linear switch offers a neutral sound profile that is suitable for a variety of users and environments. On the other hand, the PH Studio Yoel linear switch provides a clacky and high-pitched sound that is crisp and percussive, creating a more pronounced and satisfying auditory experience. The Speed Silver's sound is more moderate and versatile, while the Yoel's sound is more distinct and resonant, catering to those who enjoy a sharper and brighter click. Both switches offer unique sound characteristics, so the choice between them ultimately depends on personal preference and the desired typing experience.
In terms of feel, the TTC Speed Silver switch provides a mild and polished typing experience, offering a gentle and refined tactile sensation. The PH Studio Yoel switch, on the other hand, delivers a creamy and polished feel that is smooth and buttery, allowing fingers to effortlessly glide across the keys with ease. Both switches offer a level of smoothness and refinement in their feel, enhancing the overall typing experience and minimizing resistance during key presses. Whether you prefer a more subtle and gentle feel or a smoother and buttery sensation, both switches offer unique tactile feedback that can cater to different typing styles and preferences.
In conclusion, the TTC Speed Silver linear switch and the PH Studio Yoel linear switch offer distinct sound and feel qualities that cater to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community. The Speed Silver provides a neutral sound and a mild tactile feel, while the Yoel offers a clacky sound and a creamy tactile feel. Both switches excel in their own aspects, offering users a choice between a more versatile and moderate typing experience with the Speed Silver or a more distinct and satisfying typing experience with the Yoel. Ultimately, the decision between these switches will come down to personal preference in sound and feel, as both switches provide a high-quality typing experience with their own unique characteristics.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the TTC Speed Silver linear switch and the PH Studio Yoel linear switch, consider your typing preferences and priorities. If you value a fast and precise typing experience with a light-medium level of resistance, the Speed Silver may be the optimal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a chewy typing experience with a bright and clacky sound profile, the Yoel switch could be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on factors such as typing speed, sound preference, and overall typing feel. Both switches offer unique characteristics, so it's essential to determine which features align best with your typing style and preferences.