Outemu Silent Yellow vs. PH Studio Yoel
An in-depth look at the Outemu Silent Yellow and the PH Studio Yoel switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When looking at two linear mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Silent Yellow and the PH Studio Yoel, it's important to consider the different characteristics and qualities they each offer. The Silent Yellow is known for its silent operation, making it a great choice for those who prefer a quiet typing experience. On the other hand, the Yoel by PH Studio provides a more tactile and audible typing experience with its bright and clacky profile, adding a satisfying resonance to each keystroke. While the Silent Yellow may be favored for its silent operation, the Yoel stands out for its unique tactile feedback and distinct sound profile. 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
60g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.20 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
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Single stage lengthened 20mm spring
Housing materials
Both the Outemu Silent Yellow and the PH Studio Yoel feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The use of polycarbonate in these housings results in a more clear and resonant sound, making them ideal choices for switches intended for use with RGB lighting. Additionally, the translucent nature of polycarbonate enhances the visual appeal of these switches. Despite both switches having the same top housing material, they differ in their bottom housings, with the Silent Yellow using a nylon bottom housing and the Yoel incorporating a POM bottom housing.
The Silent Yellow's nylon bottom housing offers a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Yoel's POM bottom housing. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, POM housings in the Yoel create a unique and pleasing sound profile that is on the deeper side and relatively more muted. The difference in bottom housing material contributes significantly to the overall sound and feel of each switch when pressed.
While the top and bottom housings of the Outemu Silent Yellow and the PH Studio Yoel may differ, the qualities each housing material brings to the switch are split between the top and bottom parts. When using these switches, the bottom housing material will impact the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the keys, while the top housing material will affect the sound when releasing a key. Despite these differences, both switches offer distinct sound profiles and tactile feedback, providing a unique typing experience for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch and the PH Studio Yoel linear switch, it is apparent that the Yoel switch is the lighter option. The Silent Yellow has a higher actuation force of 65 grams compared to the Yoel's 53 grams, making it more strenuous to trigger a keystroke. In terms of bottom out force, the Silent Yellow is also heavier at 80 grams, while the Yoel requires 60 grams for bottoming out. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Yoel switch for longer typing sessions, while those who enjoy a more substantial push feel may opt for the Silent Yellow for a more deliberate typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for typing force.
Travel distance
The Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, making it a more traditional option compared to the PH Studio Yoel linear switch, which has a shorter travel distance of 3.2 mm. Generally, gamers tend to prefer shorter travel distances like the Yoel for quicker response times, while those who enjoy a more substantial key press may opt for the Silent Yellow. Both switches offer different tactile experiences due to their varying travel distances, with the Yoel providing a quicker and shallower press, and the Silent Yellow offering a more deliberate and deeper feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference in terms of 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 Outemu Silent Yellow comes in at $3.10 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 Outemu Silent Yellow switch is best known for its silent operation, making it a popular choice for those who prefer a quieter typing experience. On the other hand, the PH Studio Yoel switch is characterized by a bright and clacky sound profile, with a satisfying and pronounced resonance when keys reach their bottom-out point. If you prefer a quieter typing experience, the Silent Yellow switch would be the better option, whereas if you enjoy a more audible and tactile feedback, the Yoel switch would be more suitable.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the information available for the Silent Yellow switch is unknown. However, the PH Studio Yoel switch is described as providing a creamy, polished, and silky typing experience. These qualities indicate that the Yoel switch offers a smooth and refined keypress, with reduced friction and effortless keystrokes. If you prefer a more luxurious and smooth typing experience, the Yoel switch would be the preferable choice based on the available information.
Overall, while the Outemu Silent Yellow and PH Studio Yoel switches offer different sound and feel profiles, they each have their own unique qualities that cater to different preferences. If you prioritize a silent typing experience, the Silent Yellow switch would be the ideal choice. On the other hand, if you enjoy a tactile and audible feedback with a smooth and polished feel, the PH Studio Yoel switch would be the better option. Ultimately, both switches have their merits, and the choice between them would depend on your personal preference for sound and feel in a mechanical keyboard switch.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch and the PH Studio Yoel linear switch, consider your preferences for typing feel and sound. If you prefer a heavier bottom-out force and a quieter typing experience, the Silent Yellow may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a medium bottom-out force and a more tactile and resonant typing experience with a clacky sound profile, the Yoel switch could be the ideal option. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to personal preference and the type of typing experience you are seeking. So, take into account your typing habits and preferences to make the best choice for your mechanical keyboard setup.
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