Gateron Jupiter Red vs. Outemu Cream Yellow
An in-depth look at the Gateron Jupiter Red 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 Jupiter Red and the Outemu Cream Yellow offer unique experiences for users. The Gateron Jupiter Red is a linear switch that provides a smooth and consistent keystroke, thanks to its single-stage spring and medium-heavy actuation. Its high-precision molds and softer backlight effects make it a popular choice for those who value a seamless typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Cream Yellow is a tactile switch, offering a different feel with a distinct bump in each keystroke. While the Cream Yellow's specific features are not detailed, tactile switches are generally favored by those who seek a more tactile feedback while typing. 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
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
60g
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
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Spring steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gateron Jupiter Red and the Outemu Cream Yellow switches both offer unique characteristics that affect the sound profile and typing experience. The Jupiter Red features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. In contrast, the Cream Yellow utilizes a nylon top housing, providing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition. While the Jupiter Red's polycarbonate top housing is ideal for showcasing RGB lighting with its translucency, the Cream Yellow's nylon top housing absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound.
Both the Jupiter Red and the Cream Yellow switches utilize nylon for their bottom housing, further enhancing the sound profile and typing experience. Nylon is known for its ability to absorb sound, creating a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to stiffer plastics. As a result, both switches offer a more muted and rounded sound when bottoming out the keys. The differences in the top and bottom housing materials of these switches highlight how each component plays a crucial role in shaping the overall sound profile and tactile feel of the switch.
Overall, while the Gateron Jupiter Red and the Outemu Cream Yellow switches feature different housing materials for their top and bottom components, they ultimately provide similar benefits in terms of sound profile and typing experience. The polycarbonate top housing of the Jupiter Red offers a sharper and crisper sound profile, while the nylon top housing of the Cream Yellow provides a deeper and fuller sound. Likewise, both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housing, enhancing the overall sound profile with its sound-absorbing properties. Whether you prefer a sharper sound profile with the Jupiter Red or a deeper sound profile with the Cream Yellow, both switches deliver a satisfying typing experience with their unique housing materials.
Weight
The Gateron Jupiter Red linear switch and the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch have identical actuation forces of 45 grams and bottom out forces of 60 grams, making them very similar in terms of force requirements. This means that users can expect a consistent typing experience from both switches, whether they prefer a lighter touch for extended typing sessions or a firmer push for a more pronounced typing feel. The medium weight of both switches strikes a balance between ease of use and tactile feedback, catering to a wide range of preferences. Ultimately, the decision between these switches may come down to other factors such as sound, key travel distance, or overall build quality.
Travel distance
Comparing the travel distance of the Gateron Jupiter Red linear switch and the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch, the Jupiter Red has a longer travel distance of 4 mm compared to the Cream Yellow's 3.3 mm. The longer travel distance on the Jupiter Red may provide a more substantial feel when pressing down on the keys, which could be preferred by those who like a deeper typing experience. On the other hand, the Cream Yellow's shorter travel distance may appeal to gamers or individuals seeking faster response times. Both switches offer different tactile experiences due to their varying travel distances, so selecting between the two ultimately depends on personal preference. Ultimately, if you prefer a more responsive feel, the Cream Yellow may be the better choice, whereas if you prefer a deeper actuation, the Jupiter Red may be more suitable.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Gateron Jupiter Red comes in at $2.80, whereas the Outemu Cream Yellow comes in at $3.10.
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
In terms of sound, the Gateron Jupiter Red linear switch offers a neutral sound profile, suitable for various levels of typists and environments. On the other hand, information on the sound profile of the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch is unknown. It is essential to consider other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used when assessing the sound produced by a switch.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Gateron Jupiter Red provides a polished, creamy, silky, and mild typing experience due to its smooth key travel and refined finish. This results in reduced friction and a sleek typing sensation that is comfortable for most users. Unfortunately, information on the tactile feel of the Outemu Cream Yellow switch is not available. Both switches may offer a smooth typing experience, but the specific details of the Cream Yellow switch's feel remain unknown.
Overall, while the Gateron Jupiter Red linear switch is praised for its seamless and consistent typing experience with a medium-heavy actuation force, the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch lacks available information on its sound and feel qualities. As such, it is advisable to consider the specific preferences and requirements of your typing experience before making a decision between these two switches. In the absence of concrete information on the Cream Yellow switch, opting for the Jupiter Red may provide a similar level of satisfaction based on the described qualities.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Gateron Jupiter Red linear switch and the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch, consider the following guidelines. If you prefer a smooth and uninterrupted keystroke with a medium-heavy actuation force, along with high-precision molds and softer backlight effects, the Jupiter Red would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you are looking for a switch that offers a buttery and creamy typing experience, with a bottom out force of 60 grams, the Cream Yellow might be more suitable for your preferences. Ultimately, it boils down to your personal typing style and the feel you are looking for in a mechanical keyboard switch. Choose wisely based on what aligns best with your typing preferences and needs.