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Gateron Beer vs. Outemu Cream Yellow

An in-depth look at the Gateron Beer and the Outemu Cream Yellow switches—which one is the best fit for you?

Overview

When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Beer and the Outemu Cream Yellow both offer unique features to consider. The Gateron Beer tactile switch is characterized by its mesmerizing translucent green color, reminiscent of a Tsingtao beer bottle. Known for its lightweight and stepped tactility, the Beer switch provides a subtle feel with a characteristic clacky sound. On the other hand, the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch stands out for its simplicity, lacking any specific defining features. While the Beer switch is labeled as 'Clacky', 'Easy-to-press', 'Stepped', the Cream Yellow switch remains undefined, leaving room for exploration. 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

38g

Actuation force

45g

Bottom-out force

50g

Bottom-out force

60g

Pre-travel

2.00 mm

Pre-travel

2.00 mm

Total travel

3.40 mm

Total travel

3.30 mm

Factory lubed

Yes

Factory lubed

Yes

Stem construction

Standard

Stem construction

Standard

Stem material

POM

Stem material

pom

Top housing material

Polycarbonate

Top housing material

Nylon

Bottom housing material

Polycarbonate

Bottom housing material

Nylon

Mount type

PCB (5-pin)

Mount type

PCB (5-pin)

Spring

22mm lengthened gold-plated spring

Spring

Stainless steel

Housing materials

The housing materials of the Gateron Beer and the Outemu Cream Yellow switches offer different sound profiles and aesthetics. The Beer's polycarbonate top and bottom housings create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound due to the stiffness of the plastic. This material is also ideal for RGB lighting as it is translucent. In contrast, the Cream Yellow's nylon top and bottom housings produce a deeper and fuller sound as the softer plastic absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound profile. While both materials offer distinct sound qualities, the Beer's polycarbonate housing is better suited for a sharper and clearer sound, while the Cream Yellow's nylon housing provides a deeper and fuller typing experience.

Despite their differences, the housing materials of the Gateron Beer and Outemu Cream Yellow switches play a significant role in shaping the overall typing experience. The polycarbonate top housing of the Beer switch contributes to a sharper and crisper sound when pressing down on the keys, while the nylon top housing of the Cream Yellow switch creates a deeper and fuller sound profile. Similarly, the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Beer enhances the bottom-out sound and feel, while the nylon bottom housing of the Cream Yellow offers a rounder sound when releasing a key. These contrasting qualities highlight how the choice of housing material can impact the overall typing feel and sound of a switch.

In conclusion, while the Gateron Beer and Outemu Cream Yellow switches both offer unique sound profiles and aesthetics, the choice between the polycarbonate and nylon housing materials ultimately depends on personal preference. The polycarbonate housing of the Beer provides a sharper and clearer sound, ideal for those seeking a crisp typing experience, especially with RGB lighting. On the other hand, the Cream Yellow's nylon housing offers a deeper and fuller sound, perfect for those who prefer a more muted typing experience. Regardless of the choice, understanding how each housing material contributes to the overall typing feel and sound is crucial in selecting the right switch for individual preferences.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch, it is evident that the Beer is lighter in both categories. The Beer has an actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Cream Yellow has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams. This means that the Beer requires less force to trigger a keystroke and also exerts less pressure when pressing all the way down compared to the Cream Yellow. For individuals who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Beer would be the favorable choice, as it allows for longer typing sessions without causing fatigue. On the other hand, the Cream Yellow provides a more substantial typing experience with its slightly heavier actuation and bottom out forces. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches comes down to personal preference in terms of typing feel and force exertion.

Travel distance

The travel distance of the Gateron Beer tactile switch is 3.4 mm, while the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. Both switches fall within the range of the shorter travel distances that are becoming increasingly popular, especially among gamers seeking quicker response times. Choosing between the two switches would largely depend on personal preference - if you prefer a slightly deeper key press, the Gateron Beer may be the better option, whereas if you favor a slightly shallower press for faster typing or gaming, the Outemu Cream Yellow may be more suitable. Ultimately, both switches offer similar results and can provide a satisfying typing experience depending on individual preferences.

Price comparison

Which switch is more bang for your buck?

The Gateron Beer has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Beer for $4.59.

The Outemu Cream 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

When it comes to sound, the Gateron Beer tactile switch is known for its characteristic clacky sound, which is sharp, snappy, and percussive. On the other hand, the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch's sound qualities are unknown. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.

Moving on to feel, the Gateron Beer tactile switch is praised for being easy-to-press, requiring minimal force to activate, thus reducing finger fatigue during long typing sessions. Additionally, it offers a stepped tactility, providing a more subtle feel compared to switches with a continuous curve of round tactility. In contrast, the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch's feel characteristics are unknown.

Taking into consideration the available information, it can be said that the Gateron Beer tactile switch offers a light and easy typing experience with a clacky sound profile. On the other hand, the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch's qualities remain unknown. Due to the lack of information on the Cream Yellow switch, it's challenging to provide a direct comparison between the two. However, if you enjoy a light keypress and a clacky sound, the Gateron Beer tactile switch may be a suitable option for you. Remember to consider your personal preferences and typing style when choosing the right switch for your mechanical keyboard.

Conclusion

To sum up, when deciding between the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch, you should choose the Beer if you prefer a lighter bottom out force of 50 grams, enjoy a refreshingly lightweight feel with stepped tactility, and appreciate a clacky sound signature while typing. On the other hand, you should opt for the Cream Yellow if you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force of 60 grams and value a switch with no specific standout features in terms of design, sound, or feel. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for typing experience and sound profile.

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