Wuque Studio WS Onion vs. PH Studio Yoel
An in-depth look at the Wuque Studio WS Onion and the PH Studio Yoel switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the WS Onion and PH Studio Yoel mechanical keyboard switches, it becomes evident that both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The WS Onion boasts a smooth keystroke feel with a neutral sound profile, making it perfect for those who enjoy a buttery and polished typing experience. On the other hand, the Yoel provides a chewy typing experience with a bright and clacky sound profile, appealing to individuals who prefer a creamy and resonant feel. 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
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
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
WS CL635 Gold Plated Stainless Spring
Spring
Single stage lengthened 20mm spring
Housing materials
Both the WS Onion and the Yoel utilize polycarbonate for their top housings, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate's stiffness, which enhances clarity and resonance in sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that plan to incorporate RGB lighting. However, when it comes to the bottom housing, the WS Onion features nylon, offering a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's softer plastic absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound compared to the relatively more muted sound produced by POM bottom housing in the Yoel.
Despite both the WS Onion and the Yoel utilizing polycarbonate for their top housing, the use of different materials for the bottom housing results in distinct sound profiles. The WS Onion's nylon bottom housing creates a deeper and fuller sound, while the Yoel's POM bottom housing offers a more muted sound. The split between the top and bottom housing materials means that the qualities of each material are felt differently when using the switches. The impact of the bottom housing is more noticeable during key presses, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing affects the sound when releasing a key.
While the WS Onion and the Yoel share the use of polycarbonate for their top housing, each switch incorporates a different material for the bottom housing, resulting in unique sound profiles. The WS Onion's nylon bottom housing delivers a deeper and fuller sound, thanks to its softer plastic that absorbs more sound. In contrast, the Yoel's POM bottom housing creates a more muted sound, giving it a distinct tonality. Regardless of these differences, both switches demonstrate the importance of housing materials in achieving a specific sound profile, showcasing the impact of material choice on the overall typing experience.
Weight
The Wuque Studio WS Onion linear switch and the PH Studio Yoel linear switch have differences in their actuation force and bottom out force. The actuation force of the WS Onion is None grams, while the Yoel has an actuation force of 53 grams. In terms of bottom out force, the WS Onion requires 63.5 grams, whereas the Yoel needs 60 grams. This means that the Yoel switch is lighter in both actuation force and bottom out force compared to the WS Onion switch. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may opt for the Yoel switch, as it allows for longer typing sessions without fatigue. However, for individuals who enjoy a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel, the WS Onion switch may be the preferred choice. Overall, the differences in actuation and bottom out forces between these two switches cater to varying preferences for typing and gaming experiences.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Wuque Studio WS Onion linear switch is 4 mm, while the PH Studio Yoel linear switch has a travel distance of 3.2 mm. The WS Onion has a slightly longer travel distance, which may appeal to those who prefer a deeper keypress feel. On the other hand, the Yoel offers a shorter travel distance, which can be advantageous for gamers looking for quicker response times. Both switches fall within the range of traditional and common travel distances, making them suitable options for different preferences. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on whether you prioritize a longer, more deliberate keypress or a shorter, snappier response.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Wuque Studio WS Onion has an MSRP of $7.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the WS Onion for $5.53.
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 WS Onion linear switch offers a neutral profile, suitable for a wide range of users and environments. On the other hand, the PH Studio Yoel switch provides a clacky and high-pitched sound, known for its sharp and resonant qualities. Depending on personal preference, the WS Onion would be more versatile in various settings, while the Yoel switch would cater to those who enjoy a more distinct and percussive typing experience. Both switches offer unique sound profiles that can be further enhanced or altered by the choice of keyboard and keycaps.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the WS Onion switch is described as providing a buttery and polished typing experience, with smooth and fluid keystrokes that offer a seamless and uniform sensation. In contrast, the Yoel switch is known for its creamy and polished feel, offering a smooth and buttery typing sensation that feels like effortlessly gliding across the keys. Both switches focus on providing a refined and smooth typing experience, with slight variations in the specific tactile feel they offer. Users who prefer a more fluid and uniform feel may lean towards the WS Onion, while those seeking a slightly more buttery sensation may opt for the Yoel switch.
In conclusion, the WS Onion and Yoel linear switches offer distinct sound and feel profiles that cater to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community. The WS Onion provides a versatile and neutral sound profile with a buttery and polished keystroke feel, suitable for various users and environments. On the other hand, the PH Studio Yoel switch delivers a clacky and high-pitched sound with a creamy and polished typing experience, appealing to those who enjoy a more distinct and buttery feel. Regardless of the choice between the two switches, users can expect a high-quality typing experience that can be further customized and enhanced by factors such as keycaps and keyboard configuration.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering whether to choose the WS Onion linear switch or the Yoel linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preference for sound and feel. If you prefer a neutral sound profile with a buttery smooth keystroke feel, then the WS Onion may be the better option for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a bright, clacky sound with a creamy or silky typing experience, then the Yoel linear switch might be more to your liking. Additionally, keep in mind the slight differences in bottom out force, with the WS Onion being slightly heavier at 63.5 grams compared to the Yoel at 60 grams. Overall, both switches offer unique qualities that can enhance your typing experience, so determining what factors are most important to you will help guide your decision between the two.
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