Keygeek Keygeek Raw vs. Outemu Cream Yellow
An in-depth look at the Keygeek Keygeek Raw and the Outemu Cream Yellow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Keygeek Raw and the Outemu Cream Yellow offer distinct options for different preferences. The Keygeek Raw stands out with its unique material blend of Nylon, UMPE, and Silicon, resulting in a creamy yet lightweight switch that provides a slightly textured feel. Ideal for enthusiasts who enjoy hand-lubing their switches, the Keygeek Raw is categorized as textured, mild, neutral, and subtle. On the other hand, the Outemu Cream Yellow doesn't have a specific standout feature but is still a solid choice for those looking for a tactile switch. While the Cream Yellow may not have the same unique material blend as the Keygeek Raw, it offers a different tactile typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
57.5g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
pom
Top housing material
Nylon & UPE blend
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
UMPE & Si blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Keygeek Raw and the Outemu Cream Yellow both feature nylon in their top housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. This is due to nylon being a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound. The exclusive UMPE & Si blend bottom housing of the Keygeek Raw adds a unique touch to the switch, possibly impacting the bottom-out sound and feel when typing. In contrast, the Cream Yellow also utilizes nylon in its bottom housing, contributing to the overall sound profile of the switch.
While both switches share the use of nylon in their housing materials, the Keygeek Raw stands out with its exclusive UMPE & Si blend bottom housing, offering a distinct typing experience. This blend may provide a different feel and sound when compared to the Cream Yellow's nylon bottom housing. However, since nylon is known for creating a softer and fuller sound profile, users can expect a similar typing experience in terms of sound quality from both switches. The impact of the housing materials on the overall sound and feel of the switches may vary, but the nylon component ensures a consistent depth and richness in sound.
The split qualities of the housing materials in the Keygeek Raw and Outemu Cream Yellow switches highlight how the top and bottom housings contribute differently to the typing experience. The bottom housing's impact on the bottom-out sound and feel can vary between the UMPE & Si blend in the Keygeek Raw and the nylon in the Cream Yellow. Conversely, the top housing's influence on the sound when releasing a key may also differ between the two switches. Despite these differences, the use of nylon in both switches ensures a certain level of sound absorption and richness, resulting in a similar overall sound profile for both switches.
Weight
When comparing the Keygeek Keygeek Raw linear switch and the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch, it is evident that the actuation force and bottom out force play a significant role in determining the typing experience. The Keygeek Raw has a lighter actuation force of None grams, making it ideal for those who prefer a light and effortless keystroke. On the other hand, the Outemu Cream Yellow has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams, providing a more defined tactile feedback. In terms of bottom out force, the Keygeek Raw requires 57.5 grams to bottom out, while the Cream Yellow requires 60 grams. Both switches fall within the medium range, offering a balance between typing comfort and responsiveness. Ultimately, those seeking a lighter touch may lean towards the Keygeek Raw, while those who enjoy a more pronounced keystroke may prefer the Outemu Cream Yellow.
Travel distance
The Keygeek Raw linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, slightly longer than the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch with a travel distance of 3.3 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them popular among gamers for their quick response times. The Keygeek Raw may provide a slightly deeper keypress feel compared to the Cream Yellow due to its slightly longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference for keypress depth and response time.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Keygeek Keygeek Raw has an MSRP of $5.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Keygeek Raw for $3.51.
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 Keygeek Raw switch offers a neutral profile that strikes a balance between actuation force and sound level, making it versatile for various environments and user preferences. On the other hand, details about the sound profile of the Outemu Cream Yellow switch are unknown, so it is difficult to make a direct comparison in this aspect. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard layout and keycaps used.
As for the feel of the switches, the Keygeek Raw is praised for its slightly textured feel out of the box, providing a unique tactile experience that some enthusiasts may appreciate. The switch also offers a mild typing experience, making it suitable for a wide range of users. On the contrary, information regarding the tactile feel of the Outemu Cream Yellow switch is unavailable, preventing a direct comparison in this area. The absence of specific details limits the ability to gauge how the Cream Yellow switch might feel to users.
In conclusion, the Keygeek Raw linear switch stands out for its unique material blend, creamy yet lightweight construction, and slightly textured feel, making it a great starting point for enthusiasts who prefer hand-lubing switches. While details about the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch are lacking, newcomers looking for a versatile switch with a balanced sound profile and gentle typing experience may find the Keygeek Raw to be a suitable option. In the absence of specific information about the Cream Yellow switch, choosing the Keygeek Raw could yield similar results in terms of sound and feel qualities. Ultimately, personal preference and typing style will play a significant role in determining which switch is the best fit for each individual user.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Keygeek Keygeek Raw linear switch or the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a slightly textured feel and enjoy hand-lubing your switches, the Keygeek Raw may be the better option for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a moderate actuation force and a switch with a neutral sound profile, the Cream Yellow may suit your needs better. Consider the material blend of the Keygeek Raw and the bottom out force of both switches to make an informed decision based on your individual preferences. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on what factors are most important to you in a mechanical keyboard switch.