Gateron Luciola vs. Outemu Cream Yellow

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Luciola and the Outemu Cream Yellow are two popular options that cater to different preferences. The Gateron Luciola stands out with its unique feature of glowing in the dark, making it visually appealing. Known for its medium heft, smooth and bouncy typing feel, and a distinctive sound profile likened to a can of spray paint being shaken, the Luciola falls into categories such as 'Snappy', 'Clacky', and 'Buttery'. On the other hand, the Outemu Cream Yellow is a tactile switch that offers a different typing experience. While not particularly known for any standout feature, the Cream Yellow provides a different tactile feedback compared to the Luciola. It is important to consider your individual preferences when choosing between these switches, as the Luciola excels in providing a unique typing experience, while the Cream Yellow offers a different tactile feel. 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 Luciola Linear

Outemu Cream Yellow Tactile

$7.50

$6.50 per 10

$3.10 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The housing materials of the Gateron Luciola and the Outemu Cream Yellow switches offer different sound profiles, with the Luciola featuring a proprietary INK blend top and bottom housing that produces a high-pitched and clacky sound, while the Cream Yellow utilizes nylon for both the top and bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound. The Luciola's INK blend housing is described as pointed and relatively high-pitched, creating a satisfying thin sound, whereas the Cream Yellow's nylon housing is softer and absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound.

Although the top and bottom housings of the Luciola and Cream Yellow switches differ in material, they both have an impact on the overall sound profile of the switch. The Luciola's INK blend bottom housing contributes to the pointed and high-pitched sound, while the Cream Yellow's nylon bottom housing adds to the deeper and fuller sound. The top housing of each switch also plays a role, with the INK blend top housing of the Luciola producing a high-pitched sound when a key is released, and the nylon top housing of the Cream Yellow enhancing the overall sound quality when typing.

In summary, the housing materials of the Gateron Luciola and Outemu Cream Yellow switches offer unique sound profiles due to the different properties of their top and bottom housings. While the Luciola's proprietary INK blend housing produces a thinner and higher-pitched sound, the Cream Yellow's nylon housing creates a deeper and fuller sound. Despite these differences, both switches are designed to provide a satisfying typing experience with distinct sound characteristics.

Weight

When comparing the Gateron Luciola linear switch and the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch, the actuation force of the Cream Yellow is lighter at 45 grams compared to the Luciola's 55 grams. However, both switches have the same bottom out force of 60 grams, resulting in a similar typing experience once the keys are pressed all the way down. The lighter actuation force of the Cream Yellow may be preferred by those who type for long periods or engage in extended gaming sessions, as it requires less effort to activate each keystroke. On the other hand, the Luciola's heavier actuation force may appeal to users who prefer a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation force and typing style.

Travel distance

The Gateron Luciola linear switch has 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 Gateron Luciola has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Outemu Cream Yellow. The difference may not be significant, but for those who prefer a switch with a bit more depth, the Gateron Luciola might be the preferred option. On the other hand, the Outemu Cream Yellow may appeal to those who prefer a slightly shorter travel distance for a quicker response time. Both switches offer a balance between travel distance and responsiveness, so ultimately the choice between them will come down to personal preference.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The Gateron Luciola linear switch has a distinctive sound profile characterized as clacky, chirpy, marbly, and high-pitched, creating a sharp and percussive typing experience akin to a can of spray paint being shaken. In contrast, information on the sound profile of the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch is lacking. When it comes to feel, the Luciola switch is known for its snappy, buttery, and polished qualities, offering a responsive and fluid keystroke experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, details on the tactile feel of the Cream Yellow switch are not provided. Overall, while the Luciola linear switch boasts a unique sound and tactile profile, the lack of information on the Cream Yellow switch makes it difficult to directly compare the two. It's important to consider personal preferences in terms of typing sound and feel when selecting a mechanical keyboard switch to ensure a satisfying typing experience.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you are looking for a switch with a unique visual appeal, a medium keystroke resistance, a smooth and bouncy typing feel, and a clacky or chirpy sound profile, then the Gateron Luciola linear switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile switch with a medium bottom out force, but are not concerned with visual aesthetics or specific sound profiles, then the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch may be the more suitable option for you. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will come down to your individual preferences and priorities when it comes to typing experience.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Luciola Linear

$7.50

$6.50 per 10

Learn more

Outemu Cream Yellow Tactile

$3.10 per 10

Learn more