KTT Cream Yellow vs. SP-Star Yanyu

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the KTT Cream Yellow and the SP-Star Yanyu. The Cream Yellow is known for its unique combination of a distinctively clacky sound and a bouncy typing feel. With its shortened bottom-out distance, long-pole stem, and lengthened spring, this switch provides satisfying audio feedback and creates a lively typing experience. On the other hand, the Yanyu switches offer a more delicate typing experience, making them suitable for those who spend long periods at the keyboard. Their material blend gives them a crisp sound profile, and they are categorized as neutral, mild, thocky, feathery, subtle, and polished. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can make the best decision for your specific needs.

By the numbers

KTT Cream Yellow Linear

SP-Star Yanyu Linear

$2.75

$2.55 per 10

$5.80

$5.40 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The housing materials of the KTT Cream Yellow and the SP-Star Yanyu provide distinct differences in sound and feel. The Cream Yellow utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate enhances clarity and resonance, making it ideal for those who value a precise and vibrant sound. Additionally, the Cream Yellow's nylon bottom housing adds depth and fullness to the typing experience, as nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a rounder and duller sound profile.

In contrast, the SP-Star Yanyu features a unique blend of Polymer nylon and UHMWPE for its top and bottom housing. This blend offers a pleasant sound profile that is not particularly sharp but leans towards the brighter side. The Yanyu's top housing contributes to the sound when releasing a key, providing a distinct auditory experience. Similarly, the Yanyu's bottom housing impacts the bottom-out sound and feel, ensuring a satisfying tactile response.

Despite their differences, there is one similarity between the Cream Yellow and Yanyu. Both switches feature a blend of nylon in their housing materials, albeit in different sections. This shared component leads to a deeper and fuller sound when typing on either switch. While the Cream Yellow's nylon bottom housing creates a rounder sound, the Yanyu's blend of Polymer nylon and UHMWPE in the bottom housing adds its own unique tonal qualities. Thus, users can expect similar results in terms of a more resonant and immersive typing experience with both switches.

Weight

When comparing the KTT Cream Yellow linear switch and the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch, one noticeable difference is in their actuation force. The Cream Yellow requires a force of 50 grams to trigger a keystroke, while the actuation force of the Yanyu is unknown. In terms of bottom out force, the Cream Yellow has a slightly heavier force of 58 grams, while the Yanyu has a lighter bottom out force of 43 grams. This makes the Cream Yellow switch a medium-weight option, providing a balance between a lighter typing experience and a more substantial push feel. On the other hand, the Yanyu switch leans towards the lighter side, allowing for comfortable extended typing sessions. It's important to consider these weight differences when deciding which switch is more suitable for individual preferences and typing needs.

Travel distance

The KTT Cream Yellow linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. Both of these travel distances fall within the range of traditional switch travel distances. The Cream Yellow offers a slightly shorter travel distance, which is preferred by gamers looking for faster response times. On the other hand, the Yanyu provides a slightly longer travel distance, making it ideal for those who enjoy a more tactile and satisfying typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and the specific needs of the user.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The Cream Yellow switch is best known for its distinctively clacky sound profile. When pressed, it produces a sharp and snappy sound that can be described as crisp, bright, and percussive. This is achieved through its shortened bottom-out distance and long-pole stem, which provide resonant audio feedback. Additionally, the Cream Yellow switch offers a uniquely bouncy typing feel due to its lengthened spring, giving the keys a lively and spring-like sensation.

In contrast, the Yanyu switch is described as having a more delicate typing experience. Its material blend gives it a crisp sound profile, but it is characterized as more neutral in terms of sound. It falls into a middle-ground zone with moderate actuation force requirements and a moderate sound profile, making it suitable for a wide range of users. Furthermore, the Yanyu switch can also produce a thocky sound, which is deep, rich, and highly satisfying.

When it comes to feel, the Cream Yellow switch is bouncy and provides a spring-like or elastic feedback sensation. This gives the keys a lively feel and offers a unique rebound when pressed. On the other hand, the Yanyu switch is described as mild, feathery, subtle, and polished. It offers a gentle and approachable typing experience, with qualities that stand in the safe middle-ground zone. The Yanyu switch's feathery characteristic makes it exceptionally light to press, reducing finger fatigue and making it comfortable for extended typing sessions.

In conclusion, the Cream Yellow and Yanyu switches offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Cream Yellow offers a clacky sound profile with a uniquely bouncy typing feel. In contrast, the Yanyu switch provides a more delicate typing experience with a crisp sound profile and the potential for a thocky sound. These switches cater to different preferences, with the Cream Yellow delivering a sharper and livelier typing experience, while the Yanyu offers a more neutral and gentle typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on the user's personal preference and desired typing feel and sound.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you are someone who values a unique and resonant audio feedback, along with a bouncy typing feel, the KTT Cream Yellow linear switch would be the ideal choice for you. With its medium bottom out force of 58 grams, it provides a clacky sound that is crisp, bright, and percussive. Additionally, the Cream Yellow switch has a lengthened spring that contributes to its bouncy and lively feel.

On the other hand, if you prefer a more delicate typing experience or often engage in long typing sessions, the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch is the better option. With its light bottom out force of 43 grams, it offers a crisp sound profile that is suitable for both beginners and advanced users. The Yanyu switch is described as having a mild and feathery feel, meaning it provides a gentle and comfortable typing experience with reduced finger fatigue.

Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences and typing requirements. Whether you prioritize a distinct audio feedback and bouncy feel or prefer a more delicate and comfortable typing experience, both the Cream Yellow and Yanyu switches offer unique qualities that cater to different needs.

Mentioned in this article

KTT Cream Yellow Linear

$2.75

$2.55 per 10

Learn more

SP-Star Yanyu Linear

$5.80

$5.40 per 10

Learn more