Huano Strawberry Latte vs. PH Studio Yoel

Overview

When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, gamers and typists alike often find themselves weighing the benefits of various options. The Huano Strawberry Latte is celebrated for its super smooth operation, thanks to the latest molds from Huano, offering a balanced sound profile that strikes a middle ground—not too quiet yet not overly resonant. This linear switch provides a satisfying typing experience that many users appreciate for its smoothness. On the other hand, the PH Studio Yoel, crafted by BSUN, offers a delectably chewy typing experience that envelopes your fingertips with each press. Its bright and clacky sound profile, characterized by a satisfying resonance when keys bottom out, makes it a distinct choice for those who enjoy a more pronounced auditory feedback. While both switches fall into the linear category, their unique characteristics cater to different user preferences—smoothness with the Strawberry Latte versus a more clacky and engaging feel with the Yoel. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.

By the numbers

Huano Strawberry Latte Linear

PH Studio Yoel Linear

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

$4.50

$4.10 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When examining the housing materials used in the Huano Strawberry Latte and the PH Studio Yoel, it becomes apparent that they differ significantly, particularly in their top housings. The Strawberry Latte utilizes a POK top housing, which is celebrated for its durability and smoothness, with a coefficient of friction of 0.04. This material offers a strong, shock-resistant profile, enhancing the overall tactile experience and providing switches with a distinctively smooth and clacky sound. In contrast, the Yoel employs a polycarbonate top housing that prioritizes sound clarity. Polycarbonate’s stiffer nature leads to a sharper and higher-pitched sound profile, contributing to a more resonant experience when the key is released. While both materials are engineered for optimal performance, their attributes create different auditory experiences during usage.

In terms of their bottom housings, the Huano Strawberry Latte features nylon, a material known for its classic application in switch housing. Nylon’s softer composition allows it to absorb sound effectively, creating a deeper and fuller acoustic profile that contrasts with the more muted sound of the PH Studio Yoel’s POM bottom housing. POM provides its own unique sound characteristics, yielding a rich, low-frequency sound that complements the tactile experience of the switch. While both the nylon and POM offer distinct auditory sensations—from the round depth of the nylon to the more muted quality of POM—they each play a critical role in defining the overall sound and feel of the switches.

Even though the housing materials of the Strawberry Latte and the Yoel are not the same, they can still produce complementary outcomes in terms of switch performance. The different characteristics of the top and bottom housings ensure that even with distinct materials, the user experience can be tailored to individual preferences. Specifically, the POK top housing of the Strawberry Latte and the polycarbonate top housing of the Yoel will both excel in their own right—creating smooth and articulate sounds, albeit with distinctive tonal qualities. Similarly, the combination of nylon and POM provides varied depth and resonance to the switch sound. Users can appreciate the contrast in auditory profiles, benefiting from the unique strengths brought by each combination while achieving similar levels of functionality and enjoyment.

Weight

When comparing the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch to the PH Studio Yoel linear switch, there are notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Strawberry Latte features a lighter actuation force of 35 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it an excellent option for those who prefer a gentler touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Yoel offers a more substantial feel with a heavier actuation force of 53 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, which appeals to users who favor a firmer key press for a more defined typing experience. Consequently, for users seeking a lighter option, the Strawberry Latte is the clear choice, while those wanting a stronger feedback should opt for the Yoel, as its heavier forces provide a more robust sensation when typing.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch and the PH Studio Yoel linear switch, we find that the Strawberry Latte has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, whereas the Yoel measures at 3.2 mm. This makes the Huano Strawberry Latte the longer option, providing a deeper keypress that may appeal to users seeking a more substantial feel during typing or gaming. On the other hand, the Yoel, with its shorter 3.2 mm travel distance, offers a more responsive experience, aligning well with gamers who favor quicker actuation and rapid key presses. Ultimately, the choice between these switches comes down to personal preference: if one values a more pronounced depth, the Strawberry Latte will be preferred, while those seeking faster response times may gravitate towards the Yoel.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Huano Strawberry Latte switch provides a balanced audio experience, characterized as neither too quiet nor overly resonant. This allows for a typing sound that is pleasant and unobtrusive, making it suitable for both home and office settings. In contrast, the PH Studio Yoel switch has a bright and clacky sound profile, producing a sharp and snappy experience that many may find engaging. When bottoming out, the Yoel creates a pronounced resonance, adding a satisfying auditory feedback that marks each keystroke distinctly. This divergence in sound results in the Strawberry Latte being more subdued, while the Yoel offers a much more pronounced auditory signature, ideal for enthusiasts who appreciate a very recognizable sound.

When it comes to feel, the Strawberry Latte switch's characteristics are not explicitly detailed, leaving some aspects of its tactile response open to interpretation. Meanwhile, the Yoel switch is lauded for its delectably creamy typing experience, with descriptors such as "creamy," "polished," and "silky" all emphasizing a smooth, almost luxurious typing sensation. This level of refinement suggests that the Yoel provides reduced friction and a pleasing glide, allowing fingers to effortlessly transition across keys. The difference in tactile feedback may appeal to users seeking that premium feeling with every keystroke, a factor that is less defined in the Strawberry Latte's description.

In summation, while both switches offer unique qualities, the Huano Strawberry Latte stands out with its balanced sound profile, providing an attractive option for users favoring a more understated auditory experience. Conversely, the PH Studio Yoel excels in offering a brighter, more clacky sound along with a luxurious, creamy tactile feedback. If you're looking for similarities, it’s important to note that sound and feel are influenced by various factors including the keyboard construction and keycap material; thus, an optimal configuration can yield enjoyable results from either switch depending on individual preference. Ultimately, selecting between these two switches will come down to the desired auditory and tactile experience you’re seeking in your mechanical keyboard.

Conclusion

To conclude, choosing between the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch and the PH Studio Yoel linear switch largely depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a lighter switch with a smooth and balanced sound profile, the Strawberry Latte is the way to go. Its 45-gram bottom-out force makes it suitable for extended typing sessions without fatigue, providing a seamless experience that many users find enjoyable for both gaming and productivity. Conversely, if you enjoy a more tactile and pronounced auditory feedback, the Yoel offers a 60-gram bottom-out force that delivers a satisfying and clacky sound at each keystroke, enhancing the tactile feel of your typing with its creamy and polished texture. The Yoel's bright resonance may also suit those who appreciate a more vibrant aural experience. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches should reflect whether you prioritize lightness and smoothness or a more robust auditory and tactile engagement in your mechanical keyboard experience.

Mentioned in this article

Huano Strawberry Latte Linear

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

Learn more

PH Studio Yoel Linear

$4.50

$4.10 per 10

Learn more