Dareu Violet Gold Pro vs. PH Studio Yoel
An in-depth look at the Dareu Violet Gold Pro and the PH Studio Yoel switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting a mechanical keyboard switch, the choice between a tactile and a linear switch can drastically impact your typing experience. The Dareu Violet Gold Pro, known for its medium tactility and light touch, offers a balanced typing experience with a neutral sound signature, making it a popular choice for those seeking a Goldilocks tactile option. On the other hand, the PH Studio Yoel linear switch provides a satisfyingly chewy typing experience with a bright and clacky sound profile that resonates upon bottoming out. While the Violet Gold Pro is categorized as 'Stepped' and 'Neutral', the Yoel is characterized by qualities such as 'Clacky', 'Creamy', and 'Resonant'. 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
N/A
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
Gold-plated spring
Spring
Single stage lengthened 20mm spring
Housing materials
Both the Dareu Violet Gold Pro and the PH Studio Yoel feature polycarbonate top housings, which are known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which leads to a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is especially useful for RGB lighting effects. However, while both switches have polycarbonate top housings, the Violet Gold Pro has a nylon bottom housing, which elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Yoel's POM bottom housing, which produces a relatively more muted sound.
One key difference between the Dareu Violet Gold Pro and the PH Studio Yoel is their bottom housing materials. The Violet Gold Pro uses a nylon bottom housing, which absorbs more sound due to its softer plastic composition, resulting in a duller and rounder sound profile. On the other hand, the Yoel features a POM bottom housing, which creates an incredibly pleasing and unique deep sound. This distinction in bottom housing materials impacts the overall sound profile of the switches, with the Violet Gold Pro offering a fuller sound compared to the Yoel's more muted tone.
While both the Violet Gold Pro and the Yoel have polycarbonate top housings that contribute to a sharp and clear sound profile, their differences lie in the bottom housing materials. The Violet Gold Pro's nylon bottom housing provides a deep and full sound, while the Yoel's POM bottom housing creates a unique, deeper, and more muted sound. The qualities of each housing material are split between the top and bottom of the switch, impacting the overall sound experience depending on whether the key is pressed or released.
Weight
The Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the PH Studio Yoel linear switch, which has a heavier actuation force of 53 grams. In terms of bottom out force, the Yoel switch also has a heavier force of 60 grams, while the Violet Gold Pro's bottom out force is unknown. This means that the Yoel switch would provide a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel, while the Violet Gold Pro would be better suited for those who prefer a lighter typing experience. Both switches have their own advantages, with the Yoel switch being better for those who need a heavier force for typing, while the Violet Gold Pro would be suitable for longer typing sessions where a lighter touch is preferred.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch and the PH Studio Yoel linear switch, it is evident that the Violet Gold Pro has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8mm compared to the Yoel's 3.2mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, with the Yoel being even shorter. Gamers may lean towards the Yoel for its faster response time due to the shorter travel distance, while those who prefer a more substantial key press may opt for the Violet Gold Pro. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for key press depth and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Dareu Violet Gold Pro has an MSRP of $7.73 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Violet Gold Pro 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
When it comes to sound, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro offers a neutral sound profile, making it suitable for a variety of environments and users. On the other hand, the PH Studio Yoel linear switch delivers a bright and clacky sound that is crisp and percussive, creating a satisfying auditory experience with each keystroke. If you prefer a more moderate sound, the Violet Gold Pro would be the way to go, while the Yoel provides a more pronounced and energetic typing sound.
In terms of feel, the Violet Gold Pro is described as offering a stepped tactile sensation, giving users a two-stage typing experience with a mild bump that can be felt in both the pre-travel and post-travel of the keystroke. On the other hand, the Yoel linear switch is characterized by a creamy and polished feel, providing a smooth and buttery typing experience that enhances the overall typing feel with minimal resistance. If you prefer a more nuanced tactile experience, the Violet Gold Pro would be the choice, while the Yoel offers a luxurious and gliding sensation with each press.
Overall, if you are looking for a balanced typing experience with a neutral sound profile and a stepped tactile feel, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro would be a great option. On the other hand, if you prefer a bright and clacky sound with a creamy and polished typing feel that enhances the overall smoothness of each keystroke, the PH Studio Yoel linear switch would be the way to go. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, ensuring that you will get a satisfying typing experience regardless of your choice.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a tactile switch with a balanced typing experience and a neutral sound profile, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro would be a great choice. The light touch and medium tactility make it suitable for various typing preferences. On the other hand, if you prefer a linear switch with a bright and clacky sound profile, the PH Studio Yoel would be more suitable for you. The chewy typing experience and pronounced resonance at the bottom-out point make it a unique option for those looking for a distinct typing feel. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize tactility and balance or a bright and clacky typing experience.
Mentioned in this article
