KTT Cream Yellow vs. Outemu Dustproof Brown
An in-depth look at the KTT Cream Yellow and the Outemu Dustproof Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the KTT Cream Yellow linear switch to the Outemu Dustproof Brown tactile switch, it's clear that they offer distinct typing experiences. The Cream Yellow is praised for its bouncy and clacky sound, thanks to its shortened bottom-out distance, long-pole stem, and lengthened spring. On the other hand, the Dustproof Brown switch doesn't have any standout features in terms of sound. However, it offers a tactile typing experience. If you prefer a more satisfying keypress with the sensation of a physical bump, the Dustproof Brown might be the way to go. Conversely, if you enjoy a smoother, uninterrupted keystroke with an audible click, the Cream Yellow could be your choice. 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
50g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
58g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
pom
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
18mm spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
Both the KTT Cream Yellow and the Outemu Dustproof Brown utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffness of polycarbonate contributes to a clear and resonant sound, making it an ideal material for switches intended for use with RGB lighting. However, while both switches share this characteristic in their top housing, the Cream Yellow features a nylon bottom housing for a deeper and fuller sound profile, contrasting with the Dustproof Brown's polycarbonate bottom housing, which absorbs less sound and creates a duller and rounder sound.
The use of nylon in the Cream Yellow's bottom housing offers a unique sound experience compared to the Dustproof Brown's polycarbonate bottom housing. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing on the Cream Yellow switch. In contrast, the Dustproof Brown's polycarbonate bottom housing creates a duller and rounder sound, showcasing the impact that different housing materials can have on the overall sound and feel of a switch.
Overall, the split between the top and bottom housing materials in the Cream Yellow and Dustproof Brown switches highlights the importance of considering how each material contributes to the sound and feel of a switch. While both switches feature polycarbonate in their top housing for a sharper sound profile, the choice of nylon for the Cream Yellow's bottom housing adds a unique depth to the typing experience. Understanding the impact of different housing materials on sound and feel can help users choose a switch that best suits their preferences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Cream Yellow linear switch and the Outemu Dustproof Brown tactile switch, one can see that the Cream Yellow has a slightly lighter actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Dustproof Brown's 45 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Cream Yellow requires 58 grams, while the Dustproof Brown demands a heavier 65 grams. The Cream Yellow offers a more consistent typing experience with its medium actuation and bottom out forces, making it suitable for those who prefer a balanced feel. On the other hand, the Dustproof Brown provides a slightly lighter actuation force but a heavier bottom out force, appealing to users who enjoy a more substantial push feel while typing. Overall, the actuation and bottom out forces of these switches cater to different preferences, with the Cream Yellow being lighter overall and the Dustproof Brown being heavier due to its higher bottom out force. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual typing preferences and desired typing experience.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the KTT Cream Yellow linear switch and the Outemu Dustproof Brown tactile switch, it's clear that the Cream Yellow has a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Dustproof Brown has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. The Cream Yellow's 3.5 mm travel distance is ideal for those looking for a faster response time, particularly favored by gamers. On the other hand, the Dustproof Brown's 4 mm travel distance provides a deeper key press, which some users may find more satisfying. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference regarding the feel of the key press and the desired responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Cream Yellow has an MSRP of $2.75 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Cream Yellow for $2.55.
The Outemu Dustproof Brown 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 Cream Yellow linear switch is known for its distinctive clacky sound that is crisp, bright, and percussive. On the other hand, the Outemu Dustproof Brown tactile switch does not have a specific sound descriptor provided, so it is unknown how it compares in terms of sound. Keep in mind that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard housing and keycaps used.
Moving on to feel, the Cream Yellow switch is praised for its bouncy typing feel, thanks to its lengthened spring and unique stem design that provides a spring-like feedback sensation. In contrast, information on the feel of the Dustproof Brown tactile switch is not available. Therefore, it is unknown how it compares to the bouncy feel of the Cream Yellow switch.
In conclusion, the Cream Yellow linear switch offers a distinctively clacky sound and a bouncy typing feel, making it a popular choice for those who enjoy responsive and tactile feedback while typing. On the other hand, information on the sound and feel of the Outemu Dustproof Brown tactile switch is not provided, so it is uncertain how it compares to the Cream Yellow switch in these subjective qualities. If you are looking for a switch with similar characteristics to the Cream Yellow, it is recommended to try out different switches and consider factors such as sound, feel, and typing preferences to find the perfect fit for your mechanical keyboard setup.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the KTT Cream Yellow linear switch and the Outemu Dustproof Brown tactile switch, consider the following factors. If you are looking for a switch that offers a unique bouncy typing feel with a distinctively clacky sound, the Cream Yellow may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a slightly heavier bottom out force and are not as concerned with sound feedback, the Dustproof Brown may be more suitable for your typing preferences. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing habits and preferences to ensure that you choose the switch that best enhances your typing experience.
Mentioned in this article
