KTT Hyacinth vs. PH Studio Yoel
An in-depth look at the KTT Hyacinth and the PH Studio Yoel switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the KTT Hyacinth and PH Studio Yoel both offer unique and appealing features. The Hyacinth stands out for its 3.5mm travel distance, aimed at providing a comfortable typing experience without the harsh bottoming-out feeling commonly associated with longer stem switches. With a single-stage elongated spring and a focus on tactile feedback and user comfort, the Hyacinth is classified as 'Neutral', 'Silky', and 'Subtle'. On the other hand, the Yoel by PH Studio sets itself apart with its chewy typing experience and bright, clacky sound profile, offering a satisfying and pronounced resonance upon bottoming out. Categorized as 'Clacky', 'Creamy', 'High-pitched', 'Marbly', 'Polished', 'Silky', and 'Resonant', the Yoel is a popular choice for those who appreciate a more distinctive typing 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
45g
Actuation force
53g
Bottom-out force
56g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm spring
Spring
Single stage lengthened 20mm spring
Housing materials
The KTT Hyacinth and PH Studio Yoel both feature polycarbonate top housings, which are known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This material is relatively stiff, leading to a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, its translucency makes polycarbonate especially useful for switches designed with RGB lighting in mind. However, while the Hyacinth also features a nylon bottom housing, which elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic nature, the Yoel utilizes a POM bottom housing, resulting in a unique and more muted sound on the deeper side.
In terms of sound profiles, the top housings of both the Hyacinth and Yoel play a significant role in the sound that is produced when a key is pressed and released. The polycarbonate top housing of both switches contributes to a more distinctive and clear sound, especially when combined with RGB lighting effects. However, the differences arise in the bottom housings; while the Hyacinth's nylon bottom housing absorbs more sound and creates a duller, rounder sound upon bottoming out a key, the Yoel's POM bottom housing generates a deeper and more muted sound overall.
Overall, the choice between the KTT Hyacinth and PH Studio Yoel may come down to personal preference in terms of sound profile. Both switches utilize polycarbonate top housings known for their sharp and crisp sound, but the difference in bottom housings results in varying levels of depth and fullness in the overall sound produced. Whether you prefer a more resonant and clear sound with a softer bottom housing like the Hyacinth, or a unique and muted sound with a POM bottom housing like the Yoel, each switch offers a distinct typing experience based on the combination of materials used.
Weight
The KTT Hyacinth linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the PH Studio Yoel linear switch, which has an actuation force of 53 grams. This means that the Hyacinth may feel more responsive and easier to type on for longer periods of time. In terms of bottom out force, the Hyacinth requires 56 grams of force, while the Yoel needs 60 grams. This makes the Yoel slightly heavier to press all the way down on. Both switches fall into the medium-light to medium category, but the Hyacinth leans towards the lighter side for those who prefer a gentler typing experience. If you prefer a slightly stronger push feel, the Yoel may be the better choice for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out force weights.
Travel distance
The KTT Hyacinth linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the PH Studio Yoel linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.2 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them ideal for those seeking quicker response times, such as gamers. However, the slight difference in travel distance may result in a slightly different feel when typing or gaming. The Hyacinth may offer a bit more depth in feeling compared to the Yoel, which could feel slightly more abrupt. 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 KTT Hyacinth has an MSRP of $4.03 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Hyacinth for $3.75.
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 KTT Hyacinth linear switch offers a neutral sound profile that is suitable for a wide variety of users and environments. This switch aims to provide a moderate actuation force requirement without being too loud or too quiet, making it versatile for different typing preferences. On the other hand, the PH Studio Yoel linear switch is known for its clacky and high-pitched sound profile, delivering a crisp and bright noise with each key press. The Yoel switch offers a more pronounced and satisfying auditory experience compared to the Hyacinth, making it ideal for those who enjoy a more lively sound while typing.
When it comes to feel, the Hyacinth switch is described as silky and subtle, offering an exceptionally smooth typing experience with gentle resistance. This switch aims to enhance the overall smoothness of typing while minimizing resistance when pressing and releasing keys, providing a comfortable and effortless typing feel. In contrast, the Yoel switch is characterized as creamy and polished, offering a buttery and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. The Yoel switch provides a silky sensation, allowing users to glide their fingers across the keys with ease for a luxurious typing experience.
Overall, the KTT Hyacinth linear switch prioritizes a balanced tactile feedback and user comfort with its 3.5mm travel distance and single-stage elongated spring design, offering a neutral sound profile and silky typing feel. On the other hand, the PH Studio Yoel linear switch emphasizes a chewy typing experience with its bright and clacky sound profile, along with a creamy and polished feel for smooth and refined key presses. Both switches have their unique qualities that cater to different preferences, so choosing between the two would depend on whether you prioritize a balanced and subtle typing experience with the Hyacinth or a lively and luxurious feel with the Yoel.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the KTT Hyacinth linear switch and the PH Studio Yoel linear switch, consider the following guidelines based on your preferences. Choose the Hyacinth if you value a medium-light bottom out force, a 3.5mm travel distance to prevent hard bottoming-out, and a consistent force curve with a neutral sound profile and a silky typing feel. On the other hand, opt for the Yoel if you prefer a slightly higher bottom out force, a bright and clacky sound profile with options for high-pitched, marbly, or resonant sounds, and a creamy or polished typing feel that offers smooth and buttery key presses. Ultimately, the decision between these switches depends on your desired typing experience and sound preference.
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