Gateron Silent Ink Black vs. PH Studio Yoel
An in-depth look at the Gateron Silent Ink Black and the PH Studio Yoel switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Gateron Silent Ink Black and PH Studio Yoel both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Silent Ink Black is ideal for those looking for a quieter typing experience, as it provides a cushiony bottom-out feel with minimal audio feedback. On the other hand, the Yoel is perfect for individuals who enjoy a more tactile and audible typing experience, with a bright and clacky profile that provides a satisfying resonance when keys reach the bottom-out point. 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
60g
Actuation force
53g
Bottom-out force
70g
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
Proprietary INK blend
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Color coated
Spring
Single stage lengthened 20mm spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Silent Ink Black and the PH Studio Yoel, it is evident that they offer distinct sound profiles. The Silent Ink Black's proprietary INK blend top housing is known for its pointed and relatively high-pitched sound, described as clacky. In contrast, the Yoel's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. While both materials provide a satisfying sound experience, the use of polycarbonate in the Yoel switch offers a more resonant and clear tone, particularly suitable for RGB lighting enthusiasts.
Moving on to the bottom housing materials, the contrast between the Silent Ink Black's proprietary INK blend and the Yoel's POM is striking. The INK blend in the Silent Ink Black contributes to a high-pitched and clacky sound. On the other hand, the POM bottom housing in the Yoel switch produces a deeper and more muted sound profile. This highlights how a switch's bottom housing can significantly impact the overall sound and feel of typing, with the Yoel providing a unique and pleasing experience compared to the Silent Ink Black.
Overall, while the Gateron Silent Ink Black and the PH Studio Yoel switches may differ in their housing materials, both offer distinctive sound profiles that cater to different preferences. The INK blend top housing in the Silent Ink Black produces a more high-pitched and clacky sound, while the polycarbonate top housing in the Yoel results in a sharper and crisper tone. Additionally, the POM bottom housing in the Yoel switch offers a deeper and more muted sound compared to the INK blend in the Silent Ink Black. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound and typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch and the PH Studio Yoel linear switch, it is clear that the Silent Ink Black is the heavier switch. The Silent Ink Black has an actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams, while the Yoel has an actuation force of 53 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams. This means that the Silent Ink Black requires more force to both actuate and bottom out compared to the Yoel switch. For those who prefer a more substantial typing experience, the Silent Ink Black may be the preferred choice due to its heavier force requirements. However, for those who prefer a lighter typing experience for extended periods of time, the Yoel switch may be more suitable. In both cases, users can expect a similar typing experience based on the actuation force and bottom out force of each switch.
Travel distance
The Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the PH Studio Yoel linear switch has a travel distance of 3.2 mm. The Yoel switch has a shorter travel distance, making it ideal for those seeking a faster response time, such as gamers. On the other hand, the Silent Ink Black switch offers a slightly longer travel distance, which may provide a more satisfying keypress for some users who prefer a bit more depth. Both switches offer a different feel in terms of travel distance, so choosing between them depends on personal preference for response time and keypress feel. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches comes down to individual preference for travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Silent Ink Black has an MSRP of $8.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Ink Black for $8.35.
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 Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch is best suited for environments where quiet typing is a priority. With a muted sound profile, this switch produces softer and quieter keystrokes compared to regular mechanical switches. On the other hand, the PH Studio Yoel linear switch offers a more clacky and high-pitched sound with a satisfying resonance upon bottoming out. The Yoel switch provides a bright and crisp typing experience that may appeal to those who enjoy a more pronounced and resonant sound while typing.
When it comes to feel, both the Silent Ink Black and the Yoel switches offer a smooth and refined typing experience. The Silent Ink Black switch provides a silky and polished feel, offering minimal resistance and a cushion-like bottom-out feel. Similarly, the Yoel switch is described as creamy and polished, providing a buttery smooth sensation when typing. With factory lubrication or high-quality materials contributing to the smoothness of both switches, users can expect a comfortable and enjoyable typing experience with either option.
Overall, the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch and the PH Studio Yoel linear switch each offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Silent Ink Black excels in providing a quieter typing experience with its muted sound profile and cushion-like feel, the Yoel switch delivers a more pronounced and satisfying clacky sound with a creamy and polished typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for sound and typing experience. Regardless of the choice, both switches offer a high-quality typing experience with smooth key travel and minimal resistance.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a quieter typing experience with a cushiony bottom-out feel, the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch is the way to go. This switch is ideal for environments where noise level is a concern, offering a muted sound profile and silky typing feel. On the other hand, if you prefer a brighter, clackier sound profile with a chewy typing experience, the PH Studio Yoel linear switch might be more suitable for you. The Yoel switch provides a satisfying and pronounced resonance when keys reach their bottom-out point, creating a unique auditory experience. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches will depend on your preference for sound and feel during typing.
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