Haimu Viola Tricolor vs. PH Studio Yoel
An in-depth look at the Haimu Viola Tricolor and the PH Studio Yoel switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Haimu Viola Tricolor and the PH Studio Yoel offer distinct typing experiences worth considering. The Viola Tricolor is known for its tactile feedback, providing a satisfying sensation without being overly pronounced. With a thuddy and punchy sound profile, these switches strike a perfect balance between tactility and user comfort. On the other hand, the Yoel linear switch from PH Studio offers a different experience, with a chewy typing sensation that envelops fingertips with each press. Known for its bright and clacky sound profile, the Yoel delivers a pronounced resonance upon bottoming out keys. While the Viola Tricolor is accented, bassy, and invigorating, the Yoel is clacky, creamy, high-pitched, marbly, polished, silky, and resonant. Both switches have their unique characteristics that cater to different preferences in typing. 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
N/A
Actuation force
53g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 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
Dual-staged gold-plated spring
Spring
Single stage lengthened 20mm spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Haimu Viola Tricolor and the PH Studio Yoel both utilize polycarbonate for the top housing, creating a sharp, high-pitched, and crisp sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which enhances clarity and resonance in sound production. The translucency of polycarbonate also makes it ideal for RGB lighting effects in the switches. However, while both switches share this feature, they differ in their bottom housing materials. The Viola Tricolor's nylon bottom housing produces a deeper and fuller sound, thanks to nylon's softer composition that absorbs more sound. In contrast, the Yoel's POM bottom housing provides a unique and pleasing sound profile that is deeper and more muted.
The choice of bottom housing material in the Viola Tricolor and the Yoel greatly influences the typing experience and sound produced by the switches. With nylon bottom housing in the Viola Tricolor, typists can expect a deeper and fuller sound when pressing down on the keys, enhancing the overall typing experience. In comparison, the POM bottom housing of the Yoel creates a sound profile that is deeper and more muted, offering a different typing sensation. While the top housing material affects the sound when releasing a key, the bottom housing plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel of each switch.
In summary, while both the Haimu Viola Tricolor and the PH Studio Yoel utilize polycarbonate for their top housing to produce a sharp and clear sound profile, they diverge in their choice of bottom housing material. The Viola Tricolor's nylon bottom housing creates a deeper and fuller sound, whereas the Yoel's POM bottom housing produces a unique and muted sound. These differences in housing materials ultimately result in varying typing experiences and sound profiles for each switch, catering to different preferences among keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch and the PH Studio Yoel linear switch, it is evident that both switches offer a different typing experience. The Viola Tricolor has no specified actuation force, making it unknown, while the bottom out force is relatively heavier at 63.5 grams. On the other hand, the Yoel has a lighter actuation force of 53 grams and a slightly lighter bottom out force of 60 grams. This means that the Viola Tricolor provides a more substantial typing experience due to its higher bottom out force, while the Yoel offers a lighter touch for extended typing sessions. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference, with some gravitating towards the heavier feel of the Viola Tricolor and others preferring the lighter touch of the Yoel.
Travel distance
The Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, making it slightly longer than the PH Studio Yoel linear switch, which has a travel distance of 3.2 mm. The Viola Tricolor allows for a bit more travel before bottoming out compared to the Yoel, providing a slightly more cushioned feel when typing or gaming. However, the Yoel's shorter travel distance may appeal to those seeking quicker response times and a more immediate tactile feedback. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are becoming increasingly popular, with the Viola Tricolor offering a bit more depth compared to the Yoel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference for the feel and response of the key press.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Haimu Viola Tricolor has an MSRP of $6.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Viola Tricolor for $3.09.
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 Haimu Viola Tricolor switch is known for its bassy and low-pitched characteristics, providing a deeper and richer sound profile during key presses. On the other hand, the PH Studio Yoel linear switch is characterized by a clacky, high-pitched, marbly, and resonant sound profile, offering a sharp and crisp auditory experience. While the Viola Tricolor delivers a thuddy and punchy sound with a balanced tactility, the Yoel produces a bright and clacky resonance that is satisfying and pronounced. Ultimately, the sound produced by each switch will also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard layout, board design, and the specific keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Viola Tricolor switch is known for its accented and invigorating feedback, providing a medium tactile sensation that is neither overwhelming nor subtle. On the other hand, the PH Studio Yoel linear switch offers a creamy, polished, and silky typing experience, with smooth and buttery key presses that glide effortlessly under the fingertips. The Viola Tricolor strikes a perfect balance between providing a satisfying feedback and a snappy sensation, while the Yoel envelops fingertips with a luxurious and refined typing feel. The choice between these switches will ultimately come down to personal preference in tactile response and typing experience.
Overall, the Haimu Viola Tricolor tacticle switch and the PH Studio Yoel linear switch offer distinct sound and feel characteristics that cater to different preferences in keyboard switches. While the Viola Tricolor provides a balanced and moderately tactile typing experience with a bassy sound profile, the Yoel delivers a bright and clacky resonance coupled with a smooth and silky feel. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on whether the user prefers a deeper sound with tactile feedback or a crisp sound with a smooth typing experience. Both switches offer unique qualities that can enhance the overall typing experience based on individual preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch and the PH Studio Yoel linear switch, consider the characteristics that best suit your preferences. If you prioritize a thuddy and punchy sound profile with pronounced tactility and a medium-heavy bottom out force, the Viola Tricolor is the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a bright and clacky sound profile with a medium bottom out force, along with a smooth and buttery typing experience, the Yoel may be more to your liking. Ultimately, the decision comes down to whether you value a tactile typing experience with a distinct sound or a linear feel with a satisfying resonance.
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