SP-Star Yanyu vs. PH Studio Yoel
An in-depth look at the SP-Star Yanyu and the PH Studio Yoel switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the SP-Star Yanyu and the PH Studio Yoel. The Yanyu is known for its delicate typing experience and crisp sound profile, making it ideal for those who type for long periods of time. On the other hand, the Yoel, manufactured by BSUN, offers a chewy typing experience with a bright and clacky sound profile that is satisfying and pronounced. While the Yanyu is categorized as 'Neutral', 'Mild', 'Thocky', 'Feathery', 'Subtle', and 'Polished', the Yoel is categorized as 'Clacky', 'Creamy', 'High-pitched', 'Marbly', 'Polished', 'Silky', and 'Resonant'. Both switches have their own unique qualities that cater to different preferences, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference. 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
43g
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
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold plated
Spring
Single stage lengthened 20mm spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the SP-Star Yanyu and the PH Studio Yoel, there are clear differences in the sound profiles they each offer. The Yanyu's Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend top housing provides a pleasant and brighter sound, while the Yoel's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper and crisper sound. This contrast in sound quality can significantly impact the typing experience for users who prefer a certain type of sound when using their keyboards.
Moving on to the bottom housing materials, the Yanyu's Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend offers a similarly pleasant sound profile to its top housing, which is on the brighter side. In comparison, the Yoel's POM bottom housing creates a deeper and relatively more muted sound. This difference in sound profile between the bottom housings of the two keyboards can influence the overall typing experience in terms of sound feedback and typing feel.
It is important to note that the housing materials of a keyboard play a significant role in determining the overall sound profile and typing experience. While the Yanyu and Yoel may have differences in their top and bottom housing materials, the blend of materials used in each keyboard is specifically chosen to create a unique sound profile that caters to the preferences of different users. Ultimately, whether you prefer the brighter sound of the Yanyu or the crisper sound of the Yoel, both keyboards offer distinct typing experiences based on their housing materials.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch and the PH Studio Yoel linear switch differ significantly. The Yanyu has a light actuation force of None grams, making it easier to trigger keystrokes, while the Yoel has a medium actuation force of 53 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience. The Yanyu also has a bottom out force of 43 grams, which is relatively light, whereas the Yoel has a bottom out force of 60 grams, making it slightly heavier. The lighter actuation and bottom out force of the Yanyu make it ideal for users who prefer a smoother typing experience, while the heavier forces of the Yoel cater to those who enjoy a more pronounced keystroke feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for typing force and feedback.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch and the PH Studio Yoel linear switch, it is evident that the Yanyu has a longer travel distance of 4 mm compared to the Yoel's 3.2 mm. The Yanyu's 4.0mm travel distance is more traditional, offering a more substantial depth when pressing down on the key. On the other hand, the Yoel's 3.2 mm travel distance is shallower, providing a quicker response time, which is preferred by gamers for its speed. However, some may find shorter travel distances to feel abrupt. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for depth and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The SP-Star Yanyu has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Yanyu for $5.40.
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 SP-Star Yanyu linear switch is characterized by a neutral and thocky profile, making it suitable for a wide range of users and purposes. The Yanyu's material blend offers a crisp sound when typing, providing a satisfying auditory experience without being too loud or disruptive. On the other hand, the PH Studio Yoel linear switch offers a clacky and high-pitched sound profile, which gives a bright and percussive sound with each key press. The Yoel's sound signature is more pronounced and resonant compared to the Yanyu, adding an extra level of tactile feedback for users who enjoy a more audible typing experience.
In terms of feel, the Yanyu switch provides a mild and feathery typing experience, offering a gentle resistance that is comfortable for extended typing sessions. The Yanyu's subtle and polished feel ensures smooth key travel and reduced friction, resulting in a sleek and refined typing experience. On the other hand, the PH Studio Yoel linear switch offers a creamy and polished typing sensation, providing a smooth and buttery feel with each keystroke. The Yoel's silky typing experience minimizes resistance and enhances overall smoothness, ideal for users looking for a luxurious tactile response.
Overall, the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch and the PH Studio Yoel linear switch offer unique subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Yanyu provides a more delicate and neutral typing experience with a crisp sound profile, the Yoel delivers a chewy and clacky typing sensation with a bright and resonant sound. Depending on personal preference for sound and feel, both switches offer distinct options for users seeking different tactile responses while typing. Ultimately, choosing between the Yanyu and Yoel switches will depend on individual preferences for sound and feel, ensuring a customized typing experience based on desired qualities.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding between the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch and the PH Studio Yoel linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a lighter typing experience with a crisp sound profile, the Yanyu switch with its lower bottom out force of 43 grams may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a slightly heavier typing feel with a bright and clacky sound profile, the Yoel switch with its 60 grams bottom out force might be more suitable. Consider your sound and feel preferences, as well as your typing habits, when selecting between these two switches. Ultimately, both switches offer distinctive qualities that cater to different typing preferences, so choose the one that best aligns with your needs and typing style.
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