Keygeek Keylin vs. Outemu Cream Yellow

Overview

When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switches, enthusiasts often find themselves weighing the differences between options like the Keygeek Keylin and the Outemu Cream Yellow. The Keygeek Keylin, a linear switch, is celebrated for its smooth keypresses and rich acoustics, offering users a premium typing experience that many find appealing for both gaming and typographical tasks. In contrast, the Outemu Cream Yellow features a tactile response, providing satisfying feedback with each press, which can enhance the overall typing experience for those who appreciate a bit of resistance and a pronounced actuation point. Both switches have their unique advantages: the Keylin for its fluidity and noise profile that suits quieter environments, and the Cream Yellow for its tactile feedback that many prefer for typists who crave assurance in their keystrokes. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can determine which switch might best suit your personal typing style and preferences.

By the numbers

Keygeek Keylin Linear

Outemu Cream Yellow Tactile

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

$3.10 per 10

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Housing materials

The housing materials of both the Keygeek Keylin and the Outemu Cream Yellow exhibit similarities that stem from their respective nylon top and bottom housings. Both switches utilize nylon as the primary material for their housings, which is a well-regarded choice in the keyboard community for its ability to enhance the auditory experience. The description provided for both the Keylin and Cream Yellow indicates that typing on nylon switches elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is a result of nylon's softer nature compared to harder plastics, allowing it to absorb more sound and produce a duller and rounder auditory signature, leading to a more pleasant typing experience.

Despite these similarities, the potential impact of how different combinations of housing materials could affect the overall sound profile is noteworthy. If the Keylin and Cream Yellow switches had differing housing materials for the top or bottom sections, we would expect that the unique attributes of each would contribute distinctly to the sound and feel of the switch. For instance, the bottom housing typically governs the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, while the top housing largely influences the sound upon key release. Therefore, if the switches were to feature variations in their housing, users might notice differences when completing keystrokes, resulting in either subtle or pronounced variations in acoustics that could alter the overall typing experience.

However, since both the Keygeek Keylin and Outemu Cream Yellow are constructed primarily from identical nylon materials for both their top and bottom housings, users will likely achieve a similar typing experience with both switches. The consistency in material means that, regardless of the specific design or branding, the auditory characteristics and tactile feedback will remain comparable. This implies that users seeking a consistent sound and feel profile can rest assured—the nylon used in both switches will foster a similar deep and full acoustic response, allowing them to enjoy a comparable typing experience whether they choose the Keylin or the Cream Yellow.

Weight

When comparing the Keygeek Keylin linear switch and the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch, there are notable differences in both actuation force and bottom out force. The Keylin switch features a light actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, making it suitable for prolonged typing sessions due to its ease of activation. In contrast, the Outemu Cream Yellow switch requires a heavier actuation force of 45 grams and has a bottom out force of 60 grams, offering a more substantial feel for users who prefer a firmer keypress. As a result, the Keylin switch is the lighter option, while the Cream Yellow is the heavier choice. Users looking for a lighter switch to reduce fatigue during long periods of use would benefit from the Keylin, whereas those who enjoy a stronger push feel should consider the Cream Yellow for its more pronounced resistance.

Travel distance

The Keygeek Keylin linear switch features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. This means that the Keylin switch has a slightly longer travel distance, which may provide a deeper and more satisfying feel for users who prefer a more hearty depth when typing or gaming. Conversely, the Cream Yellow's shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm may appeal to those who prioritize responsiveness and faster key presses, especially in gaming scenarios. Overall, if you gravitate towards switches with a deeper feel, the Keylin would be the better choice; for a quicker response and a potentially sharper action, the Cream Yellow would be more suitable.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Keygeek Keylin linear switch is noted for its rich acoustics that contribute to a more engaging typing experience. The Cream Yellow, on the other hand, does not have a specific sound profile available, which makes it difficult to compare directly. However, both switches will ultimately produce sound variations influenced by the keyboard's construction, including the material of the board and the type of keycaps used, so they may achieve similar results in practical applications.

When considering feel, the Keylin linear switch is praised for its exceptional smoothness, providing a seamless and satisfying typing experience. In contrast, the Cream Yellow is categorized as a tactile switch but lacks detailed descriptions about its specific feel characteristics. This means while both switches may offer distinct tactile sensations suited for different preferences, the exact experience of the Cream Yellow is less defined, making it impossible to draw a comprehensive comparison at this time.

In conclusion, the Keygeek Keylin linear switch stands out for its rich sound and smooth typing feel, which many typists seek for a premium experience. Meanwhile, the Outemu Cream Yellow, while recognized as a tactile switch, lacks detailed information about its sound and feel characteristics. Depending on your preferences, if you’re looking for a more defined auditory and tactile experience, the Keylin would be the preferred choice, but exploring the Cream Yellow could still yield satisfactory results despite the unknowns.

Conclusion

To conclude, your choice between the Keygeek Keylin linear switch and the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch ultimately depends on your preferences for typing feel and actuation force. If you prefer a smoother, lighter typing experience with a bottom-out force of just 48 grams, the Keylin switch would be an excellent fit for you. Its premium construction and engaging acoustics make for a pleasurable typing experience, especially if you're looking for a silent option for both gaming and everyday tasks. On the other hand, if you enjoy a more pronounced tactile feedback when typing, the Cream Yellow's 60-gram actuation force might be more suitable for you. Although it lacks the high-end features of the Keylin, its medium force provides a balanced feel that can enhance your typing precision, making it well-suited for tasks that require careful input. So, consider what aspects are most important to you—whether it’s the smoothness and lightness of the Keylin or the tactile response of the Cream Yellow—and make your decision accordingly.

Mentioned in this article

Keygeek Keylin Linear

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

Learn more

Outemu Cream Yellow Tactile

$3.10 per 10

Learn more