KTT Wine Red vs. PH Studio Yoel
An in-depth look at the KTT Wine Red and the PH Studio Yoel switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the KTT Wine Red and the PH Studio Yoel are both solid options to consider. The KTT Wine Red is loved for its pillowy light feel and rich sound profile, offering a bassy and low-pitched typing experience. On the other hand, the PH Studio Yoel, manufactured by BSUN, provides a chewy typing experience with a bright and clacky sound profile, categorized as clacky, creamy, high-pitched, marbly, polished, silky, and resonant. While the Wine Red offers a more deep and rich typing experience, the Yoel provides a vibrant and satisfying resonance with each keystroke. 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
44g
Actuation force
53g
Bottom-out force
55g
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
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Ly
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Progressive spring
Spring
Single stage lengthened 20mm spring
Housing materials
The KTT Wine Red and PH Studio Yoel both feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the material's stiffness. This results in a clear and resonant sound, making it ideal for switches that will be used with RGB lighting. On the other hand, the Wine Red's polycarbonate bottom housing also contributes to the overall sound profile, emphasizing the impact on the bottom-out sound and feel. In contrast, the Yoel's POM bottom housing produces a deeper and more muted sound, creating a unique auditory experience.
While both switches share the use of polycarbonate top housings, each brings a different material to the bottom housing, resulting in distinct sound profiles. The split qualities between the top and bottom housings determine the overall sound when pressing down on a key and releasing it. The polycarbonate bottom housing in the Wine Red complements the top housing's crisp sound, enhancing the overall typing experience. Conversely, the Yoel's POM bottom housing offers a contrasting deeper sound, providing a unique tactile feel when typing.
In summary, the KTT Wine Red and PH Studio Yoel showcase how different housing materials can impact the sound and feel of mechanical keyboard switches. While both switches utilize polycarbonate for the top housing, their bottom housings vary in material, resulting in distinct sound profiles. The Wine Red emphasizes a sharper and crisper sound, with the bottom housing playing a significant role in the typing experience, while the Yoel offers a deeper and more muted sound, creating a unique auditory sensation. Understanding the impact of housing materials on switch performance can help enthusiasts choose the best option for their specific typing preferences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Wine Red linear switch and the PH Studio Yoel linear switch, it is evident that the Wine Red is lighter in both aspects. The Wine Red has an actuation force of 44 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, making it a medium-light switch. In contrast, the Yoel has an actuation force of 53 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, placing it in the medium category. For those who prefer a lighter touch, the Wine Red would be the preferred choice due to its lower actuation and bottom out forces. On the other hand, individuals who prefer a more substantial typing experience may gravitate towards the Yoel switch with its heavier forces. Both switches provide a different typing experience, catering to the varied preferences of users based on actuation and bottom out force requirements.
Travel distance
The KTT Wine Red linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, making it a more traditional choice compared to the PH Studio Yoel linear switch, which has a travel distance of 3.2 mm. The Wine Red offers a slightly longer travel distance, providing a more substantial depth when pressing down on the key. On the other hand, the Yoel switch offers a shorter travel distance, appealing to gamers and individuals seeking faster response times. Both switches have their advantages depending on personal preference, with the Wine Red offering a more traditional feel and the Yoel catering to those who prefer a shorter, snappier response. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for travel distance and key feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
The KTT Wine Red comes in at $2.71 per 10 switches.
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 KTT Wine Red linear switch offers a bassy and low-pitched sound profile, providing a deep and rich auditory experience during key presses. On the other hand, the PH Studio Yoel linear switch delivers a clacky, high-pitched, marbly, and resonant sound profile, creating a bright and sharp sound that resonates with each keystroke. Depending on your preference for sound, the Wine Red will offer a more bass-heavy and mellow tone, while the Yoel will provide a sharper and more percussive sound. Keep in mind that the sound produced by a switch is also influenced by the keyboard board and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the subjective qualities of the Wine Red linear switch are not specified, but the PH Studio Yoel linear switch is described as creamy, polished, and silky. This indicates that the Yoel switch offers a smooth and buttery typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel, allowing for a seamless and effortless keystroke. Whether you prefer a pillowy light type feel with the Wine Red or a creamy and silky typing sensation with the Yoel, both switches offer unique tactile experiences that cater to different preferences.
Overall, the KTT Wine Red and PH Studio Yoel linear switches provide distinct sound and feel qualities that cater to different preferences. While the Wine Red offers a deep and rich sound profile with an unspecified typing feel, the Yoel delivers a bright and clacky sound with a creamy and silky typing experience. Depending on whether you prioritize sound or feel in your typing experience, you can choose between the more bass-heavy Wine Red or the sharper and smoother Yoel switch. In either case, both switches promise a satisfying and immersive typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the KTT Wine Red linear switch and the PH Studio Yoel linear switch, consider the following guidelines. If you enjoy a pillowy light typing feel with a deep and rich sound profile, then the Wine Red may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a chewy typing experience with a bright and clacky sound profile that resonates satisfyingly, then the Yoel switch might be more to your liking. Additionally, if you prefer a bassy and low-pitched sound profile, the Wine Red is the way to go, whereas if you lean towards a clacky, high-pitched, marbly, or resonant sound profile, the Yoel would suit you better. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your preferences for typing feel and sound experience.