PH Studio Yoel vs. TTC Yunhai
An in-depth look at the PH Studio Yoel and the TTC Yunhai switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switches plays a crucial role in shaping your typing experience, and two popular options are the PH Studio Yoel and the TTC Yunhai, both linear switches that cater to different preferences. The PH Studio Yoel, manufactured by BSUN, is celebrated for its uniquely chewy typing feel and distinctive sound profile, characterized as bright and clacky, providing a pronounced resonance that many find both satisfying and engaging. On the other hand, the TTC Yunhai switch offers a lighter actuation force, which creates a gently effortless typing experience coupled with a deep, rounded sound, appealing to those who prefer a softer touch. While the Yoel switch may attract users looking for tactile feedback and an energetic sound, the Yunhai is an excellent choice for typists who favor ease of use and a more subdued auditory experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your typing style and personal preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
53g
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.50 mm
Total travel
3.20 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Ly
Stem material
POK
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Single stage lengthened 20mm spring
Spring
23mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The PH Studio Yoel and the TTC Yunhai switches employ distinct housing materials that significantly influence their sound profiles and aesthetics. The Yoel features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for its stiffer composition that produces a sharper, higher-pitched sound. In contrast, the Yunhai incorporates a nylon top housing, recognized for its softer texture that generates a deeper, fuller sound profile. The translucency of polycarbonate not only enhances sound clarity but also complements RGB lighting, making it a visually appealing choice. On the other hand, the nylon top housing's more muted sound character might offer a different aesthetic experience during usage, reflecting a more traditional approach.
When it comes to the bottom housings, the differences continue with the Yoel utilizing a POM bottom housing and the Yunhai opting for another nylon bottom housing. POM is often appreciated for producing a unique, deeper sound that is relatively more muted compared to the nylon sound profile, which similarly generates a deeper and fuller tone. This difference in materials highlights how the bottom housing contributes significantly to the overall sound experience during typing. Although both switches employ nylon bottom housings, the POM undulates a distinct auditory quality that may appeal to users seeking a specific type of auditory feedback from their switches.
Despite these differences, the design philosophy behind each switch targets the creation of a cohesive sound experience, albeit through varying material properties. When the top and bottom housings of each switch are taken into consideration, they interact to create layered sound profiles. For instance, while the Yoel’s combination of polycarbonate and POM may yield a high-pitched sound on release balanced by a muted response on bottoming out, the Yunhai maintains consistency with its nylon materials at both ends, providing a unified auditory characteristic throughout keypresses. Thus, while users can expect different sound experiences overall, the fundamental mechanics align in their goal to optimize the tactile and acoustic feedback of each switch.
Weight
When comparing the PH Studio Yoel linear switch and the TTC Yunhai linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Yoel features an actuation force of 53 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, which categorizes it as a medium-weight switch. In contrast, the Yunhai has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it a more suitable choice for users who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. This difference means that typists who favor a more substantial typing experience should lean towards the heavier Yoel switch, while those seeking a more effortless keystroke may find the Yunhai switch preferable. Ultimately, with the Yoel being the heavier option and the Yunhai being the lighter one, they can cater to different user preferences regarding typing fatigue and tactile feedback.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the PH Studio Yoel linear switch and the TTC Yunhai linear switch, the differences are quite clear. The Yoel has a travel distance of 3.2 mm, while the Yunhai measures somewhat longer at 3.6 mm. This makes the Yoel the shorter option, providing a more responsive feel that could be advantageous for gamers who prioritize quick key presses. In contrast, the Yunhai's greater depth might appeal to users who prefer a more substantial tactile experience while typing or gaming, as the longer travel distance tends to feel less abrupt. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches will depend on personal preference regarding responsiveness versus key depth.
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 TTC Yunhai has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Yunhai for $5.99.
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 PH Studio Yoel linear switch stands out with its bright and clacky profile. This switch produces a pronounced resonance at the bottom-out point that is both satisfying and sharp, giving a crisp auditory feedback that can enhance the typing experience. The high-pitched and marbly characteristics contribute to a clean and percussive sound, making every keystroke feel engaging and vibrant. In comparison, the TTC Yunhai switch lacks a detailed description of its sound profile; however, its deep and rounded sound suggests a softer, more subdued auditory experience.
As for the feel, the Yoel linear switch excels with its exceptionally smooth and creamy typing sensation. Users can expect a buttery glide with each keystroke, aided by the polished finish that minimizes friction and enhances the overall experience. The silky feel of the Yoel makes typing effortless and enjoyable. The TTC Yunhai switch has no specific descriptors regarding its tactile feel, leaving this quality unknown. However, its incredibly light actuation force indicates a gentle and low-resistance experience, ideal for those who prefer a less strenuous typing style.
In summary, the PH Studio Yoel linear switch offers a bright and clacky sound profile along with a creamy, polished feel that many typists find appealing. Meanwhile, the TTC Yunhai switch boasts a deep sound and lightweight actuation, making it suitable for typists seeking a gentler experience, though details on the feel remain unspecified. While sound and feel characteristics diverge between the two switches, both aim to provide pleasant keystrokes, appealing to different preferences within the mechanical keyboard community.
Conclusion
To sum up, your choice between the PH Studio Yoel and the TTC Yunhai linear switches hinges on your personal preferences for typing experience and acoustic profile. If you favor a medium bottom-out force that gives a more tactile feedback, along with a bright, clacky sound that resonates with every keystroke, the Yoel switch would be an excellent fit. It provides a creamy and polished feel, making it particularly enjoyable for those who appreciate a smooth, buttery typing experience coupled with an engaging auditory signature. On the other hand, if you prefer an extremely light touch for effortless typing and enjoy a subdued, rounded sound profile, the Yunhai switch would be your go-to option. Its lower actuation force and gentle feedback make it ideal for extended typing sessions, where comfort is paramount. Ultimately, assess your typing style and sound preferences to select the switch that best enhances your mechanical keyboard experience.
Mentioned in this article
