Durock White Lotus vs. PH Studio Yoel
An in-depth look at the Durock White Lotus and the PH Studio Yoel switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, two standout contenders are the Durock White Lotus and the PH Studio Yoel. On one hand, the White Lotus offers a light tactile experience that is well-suited for those who type for long stretches, with a delicate tactility that strikes the perfect balance without overwhelming the user. The White Lotus also features customizable RGB lighting effects for a truly captivating typing experience. On the other hand, the Yoel linear switch by PH Studio delivers a chewy typing experience with a bright and clacky sound profile that is both satisfying and pronounced. While both switches have their unique appeal, the White Lotus is better for typists who prefer a subtle tactile feel, while the Yoel is ideal for those who enjoy a more pronounced clicky sound. 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
46g
Actuation force
53g
Bottom-out force
56g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Modified PC & UPE Blend
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 long spring
Spring
Single stage lengthened 20mm spring
Housing materials
The Durock White Lotus and PH Studio Yoel utilize different housing materials for both the top and bottom parts of the switch. The White Lotus features a modified PC & UPE Blend top housing, offering a unique and premium feel, while the PH Studio Yoel uses a polycarbonate top housing known for creating a sharper and higher-pitched sound profile. In terms of aesthetics, the White Lotus's clear top housing made of modified PC and UPE Blend provides a sleek look, whereas the Yoel's polycarbonate top housing allows for RGB lighting due to its translucency.
In terms of the bottom housing material, the White Lotus incorporates a nylon bottom housing, which is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile by absorbing more sound with its softer plastic composition. On the other hand, the PH Studio Yoel utilizes a POM bottom housing, resulting in a sound profile that is deep and muted. While the White Lotus's nylon bottom housing contributes to a more rounded sound, the Yoel's POM bottom housing enhances the overall sound experience with its unique characteristics.
It's important to note that the qualities of the top and bottom housing materials of these switches play a significant role in the overall sound and feel of typing. While the bottom housing material affects the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key, the top housing material influences the sound when releasing a key. Both the Durock White Lotus and PH Studio Yoel offer distinctive sound profiles and tactile experiences based on their housing materials, providing users with options to customize their typing experience based on their preferences.
Weight
The Durock White Lotus tactile switch has a lighter actuation force of 46 grams compared to the PH Studio Yoel linear switch, which has an actuation force of 53 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the White Lotus requires 56 grams while the Yoel needs 60 grams. This makes the White Lotus a lighter option overall, suitable for those who prefer a lighter typing experience. On the other hand, the Yoel provides a slightly heavier feel, which some may find more satisfying for a more substantial typing experience. Both switches offer a medium level of force for actuation and bottom out, ensuring a balanced typing feel for those who enjoy a moderate key press resistance. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Durock White Lotus tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the PH Studio Yoel linear switch has a travel distance of 3.2 mm. In this case, the Yoel switch has a shorter travel distance compared to the White Lotus. The White Lotus provides a bit more depth in travel distance, which may be preferred by those who enjoy a more substantial feel when pressing down on keys. On the other hand, the Yoel switch offers a quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance, making it a popular choice among gamers looking for faster input. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and the desired typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock White Lotus has an MSRP of $5.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the White Lotus for $4.57.
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 Durock White Lotus tactile switch is characterized by a low-pitched and neutral profile, offering a more bass-heavy and mellow tone that is suitable for various environments. On the other hand, the PH Studio Yoel linear switch is known for its clacky and high-pitched sound, which provides a crisp and bright auditory experience with a resonant and marbly quality. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel, the White Lotus switch is described as easy-to-press, mild, and subtle, offering a gentle resistance that enhances the typing experience with minimal force required for activation. Conversely, the Yoel switch provides a creamy, polished, and silky typing experience, with smooth and refined key travel that feels like gliding fingers effortlessly across the keys. Both switches offer a comfortable and enjoyable typing feel that caters to different preferences in terms of resistance and smoothness.
In conclusion, the Durock White Lotus tactile switch and the PH Studio Yoel linear switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the White Lotus provides a lighter and more balanced tactile experience with low-pitched sound and easy-to-press feel, the Yoel delivers a chewy and clacky typing experience with a bright and resonant sound profile. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference for sound and feel, but regardless of the option chosen, users can expect a high-quality typing experience with either switch.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you're looking for a light tactile switch with a medium-bottom-out force, the Durock White Lotus would be a great choice. It provides a delicate tactility that is perfect for work and extended typing sessions, while also offering vibrant RGB lighting effects for a mesmerizing keyboard setup. On the other hand, if you prefer a linear switch with a medium-bottom-out force and a bright, clacky sound profile, the PH Studio Yoel is the way to go. It delivers a chewy typing experience with a satisfying resonance at the bottom-out point. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches will depend on whether you prioritize tactility and RGB lighting effects (White Lotus) or a clacky sound profile and chewy typing experience (Yoel).
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