TTC Gold Red vs. Outemu Cream Yellow
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Red and the Outemu Cream Yellow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the TTC Gold Red linear switch and the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch, there are some key differences to consider. The Gold Red offers a smooth typing experience with a light-medium level of resistance, perfect for those who prefer a snappy sound profile without being overwhelming. On the other hand, the Cream Yellow provides a tactile feedback that some users may find more satisfying during typing. While both switches have their own unique characteristics, such as the Gold Red being categorized as 'Thocky', 'Low-pitched', 'Neutral', 'Mild', 'Silky', 'Subtle', 'Polished' and the Cream Yellow's categorization being unknown, it ultimately comes down to personal preference. 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
43g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the TTC Gold Red and the Outemu Cream Yellow, we can see that both switches use nylon for their bottom housing. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, which absorbs more sound than harder plastics. This results in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches with a nylon bottom housing. However, the Gold Red uses polycarbonate for its top housing, creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic that leads to a more clear and resonant sound, making it especially useful for switches with RGB lighting.
While both the Gold Red and Cream Yellow switches share a nylon bottom housing, the Cream Yellow differs by using a nylon top housing as well. This means that the Cream Yellow switch offers a consistent sound profile with a deeper and fuller tone throughout. In contrast, the Gold Red has a polycarbonate top housing, providing a contrasting sharp and crisp sound profile when compared to the Cream Yellow. The use of different materials for the top and bottom housings in the Gold Red allows for a split in the qualities each housing material brings to the switch, impacting both the bottom-out sound and the sound when releasing a key.
Overall, the choice between the TTC Gold Red and the Outemu Cream Yellow will depend on the sound profile preferences of the user. The Gold Red offers a unique combination of polycarbonate top housing for a sharp and clear sound, coupled with a nylon bottom housing for a deeper tone. On the other hand, the Cream Yellow provides a consistent deep and full sound profile throughout, thanks to its use of nylon for both top and bottom housings. Ultimately, whether one prefers a sharper and crisper sound or a deeper and fuller sound will determine the preferred switch between these two options.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Gold Red linear switch and the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch, we can see that the actuation force of the Gold Red is slightly lighter at 43 grams compared to the Cream Yellow's 45 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Gold Red requires 50 grams while the Cream Yellow needs 60 grams, making the Gold Red overall lighter in terms of both actuation and bottom out force. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Gold Red for longer typing sessions or extended gaming sessions. In contrast, the Cream Yellow provides a more substantial typing experience with a slightly heavier actuation and bottom out force, giving users a more tactile and satisfying typing feel. Both switches offer a unique typing experience, with the Gold Red being lighter overall and the Cream Yellow providing a more solid and tactile feel.
Travel distance
The TTC Gold Red linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. In this case, the Cream Yellow has a shorter travel distance compared to the Gold Red. The Gold Red with its 4 mm travel distance provides a bit more depth for those who prefer a more substantial feel when pressing down on a key, while the Cream Yellow offers a quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance. Both switches offer their own advantages depending on individual preferences, with the Gold Red offering a longer travel distance and the Cream Yellow providing a shorter travel distance resulting in faster response times. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance when typing or gaming.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Gold Red has an MSRP of $5.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gold Red for $3.28.
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 TTC Gold Red linear switch is known for its thocky and low-pitched profile, offering a deep and satisfying sound when typing. The neutral sound profile makes it versatile for various settings, whether you're a beginner or an expert user. On the other hand, information on the sound profile of the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch is unknown. Remember, the sound of a switch can be influenced by factors such as the keyboard itself and the keycaps installed.
Moving on to the feel, the Gold Red switch provides a mild and silky typing experience, offering a smooth and refined feel with minimal resistance. The subtle and polished qualities of these switches make them suitable for a wide range of users and environments. On the other hand, the tactile feedback and overall feel of the Cream Yellow switch are not specified. If you are looking for a similar smooth and polished typing experience with a light-medium level of resistance, the Gold Red linear switch might be a good option.
In conclusion, the TTC Gold Red linear switch excels in providing a buttery smooth typing experience with a pleasing sound profile and gentle resistance. While the qualities of the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch are not explicitly mentioned, if you are seeking a versatile switch with a neutral sound and silky feel, the Gold Red switch is a reliable choice. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on personal preference and the specific typing experience you are looking to achieve.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the TTC Gold Red linear switch and the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch, consider your preference for bottom out force. If you prefer a lighter actuation force, the Gold Red with 50 grams may be more suitable for you. The Gold Red also offers a thocky and low-pitched sound profile, along with a mild, silky, subtle, and polished feel. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier actuation force of 60 grams, the Cream Yellow may be a better option. Keep in mind that the Cream Yellow does not have a defined sound or feel profile mentioned, so it is important to test it out for yourself to see if it meets your typing preferences. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing style and preferences for sound and feel.
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