Gateron Ink Yellow vs. Outemu Cream Yellow

Overview

When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Ink Yellow and the Outemu Cream Yellow offer two distinct options to consider. The Ink Yellow is a linear switch that is praised for its shorter travel distance, providing a typing experience that falls between that of a laptop and a standard mechanical keyboard. It is lauded for its smoothness and clackiness, making it a popular choice for those seeking a polished typing experience. On the other hand, the Cream Yellow is a tactile switch, although not much information is available about its specific characteristics. While the Ink Yellow is categorized as 'Neutral', 'Clacky', 'Mild', and 'Polished', the Cream Yellow's attributes remain undefined. Depending on whether you prefer a linear or tactile typing feel, each switch offers unique characteristics to consider. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Gateron Ink Yellow Linear

Outemu Cream Yellow Tactile

$7.50

$7.35 per 10

$3.10 per 10

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Housing materials

The Gateron Ink Yellow and Outemu Cream Yellow switches both offer unique housing materials that contribute to their overall sound profile. The Ink Yellow features a proprietary INK blend top housing that creates a pointed and high-pitched sound, while the Cream Yellow's nylon top housing produces a deeper and fuller sound. In terms of bottom housing, the Ink Yellow's proprietary INK blend offers a similar high-pitched sound profile, while the Cream Yellow's nylon bottom housing creates a rounder and duller sound. Despite these differences, both switches aim to provide a satisfying typing experience with distinct sound profiles.

The contrasting qualities of the housing materials can be felt when typing on the Gateron Ink Yellow and Outemu Cream Yellow switches. The INK blend top housing of the Ink Yellow results in a clacky and higher-pitched feel, while the Cream Yellow's nylon top housing offers a softer and more absorbing typing experience. Similarly, the differences in the bottom housing materials contribute to the overall sound and feel of the switches. The Ink Yellow's bottom housing emphasizes a high-pitched sound, while the Cream Yellow's nylon bottom housing creates a deeper and fuller sound profile.

While the housing materials of the Gateron Ink Yellow and Outemu Cream Yellow switches have distinct characteristics, they ultimately aim to enhance the typing experience in their own unique ways. The split between top and bottom housing allows for a balance of sound qualities when typing on these switches. Whether you prefer a sharper and clackier sound profile or a deeper and fuller sound, both switches provide options for enthusiasts seeking a satisfying typing experience. Overall, the choice between the Gateron Ink Yellow and Outemu Cream Yellow will depend on individual preferences for sound and feel.

Weight

In comparing the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch and the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch, it is evident that the Ink Yellow is heavier overall compared to the Cream Yellow. The actuation force of the Ink Yellow is 60 grams, while the Cream Yellow is lighter at 45 grams. Additionally, the bottom out force of the Ink Yellow is 67 grams, whereas the Cream Yellow is 60 grams. The Ink Yellow provides a more substantial typing experience with its medium-heavy weight, making it ideal for those who prefer a stronger push feel. On the other hand, the Cream Yellow offers a lighter typing experience, making it suitable for longer periods of typing or gaming sessions. Both switches have their own unique benefits based on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.

Travel distance

The Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 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 shorter travel distances, which are becoming more popular in the keyboard market, especially among gamers looking for quicker response times. Those who prefer a more immediate tactile feedback may opt for the Outemu Cream Yellow, as its slightly shorter travel distance could provide a faster keypress sensation. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Yellow offers a slightly longer travel distance, which may appeal to users who enjoy a more substantial keypress depth. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference for travel distance and tactile feedback.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch offers a neutral and clacky typing experience, making it suitable for a wide range of users and environments. On the other hand, the sound profile of the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch is unknown, so it's difficult to make a direct comparison. Keep in mind that the sound of a switch can be influenced by various factors, such as the keyboard's construction and the type of keycaps used.

In terms of feel, the Gateron Ink Yellow switch provides a mild and polished typing experience, offering a gentle and smooth key travel that appeals to a broad audience. Unfortunately, the specific feel of the Outemu Cream Yellow switch is not mentioned, so it's challenging to make a direct comparison in this aspect as well. Both switches may offer similar results in terms of typing comfort and smoothness, but without more information, it's hard to determine the exact differences between them.

Overall, the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch stands out for its neutral and clacky sound profile, as well as its mild and polished typing feel. While the specific sound and feel of the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch remain unknown, it's important to consider your personal preferences and typing needs when choosing between these two options. Ultimately, both switches may provide a satisfying typing experience, but it's always best to try them out for yourself to see which one suits you best.

Conclusion

In closing, when deciding between the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch and the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch, consider your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force and a smoother typing experience with a moderate sound profile, the Gateron Ink Yellow may be the best choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium bottom out force and a tactile typing experience, the Outemu Cream Yellow could be more suitable. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches depends on whether you prioritize smoothness and clackiness or tactility and a moderate typing experience. Choose the switch that aligns best with your typing preferences and needs.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Ink Yellow Linear

$7.50

$7.35 per 10

Learn more

Outemu Cream Yellow Tactile

$3.10 per 10

Learn more