Durock Medium Tactile vs. Outemu Cream Yellow
An in-depth look at the Durock Medium Tactile and the Outemu Cream Yellow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Durock Medium Tactile and the Outemu Cream Yellow both offer unique features to consider. The Durock Medium Tactile is celebrated for its pronounced yet balanced tactility and jelly-like sound signature, making it a popular choice for those who enjoy a tactile typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Cream Yellow lacks any standout features in terms of description but is still favored by some users. While the Durock Medium Tactile offers an accented, stepped, mild, and polished typing experience, the Cream Yellow remains undefined in these categories. Ultimately, the decision of which switch to choose will depend on personal preference and typing style. 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
N/A
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
65g
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
Gold-plated spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Durock Medium Tactile and the Outemu Cream Yellow switches, it becomes evident that there are notable differences between the two. The Medium Tactile features a polycarbonate top housing, which offers a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its relatively stiffer nature. In contrast, the Cream Yellow utilizes a nylon top housing, providing a deeper and fuller sound profile as nylon is known for being a softer plastic that absorbs more sound. These distinctions in material contribute to unique typing experiences for users of each switch.
Moving on to the bottom housing of the switches, both the Durock Medium Tactile and the Outemu Cream Yellow utilize nylon as their material of choice. This classic switch housing material results in a deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon's softness allows for sound absorption and a duller, rounder sound. While both switches share the same bottom housing material, the different top housing materials of polycarbonate and nylon offer contrasting sound profiles, showcasing how variations in housing materials can impact the overall feel and sound of a mechanical keyboard switch.
In instances where the top and bottom housings of a switch differ, the qualities of each housing material are distinctly experienced during typing. The bottom housing plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed, while the top housing influences the sound when a key is released. This separation of qualities between the top and bottom housing materials highlights how important it is to consider all aspects of a switch's construction when seeking a specific typing experience. While the Durock Medium Tactile and Outemu Cream Yellow may offer similar results due to their shared nylon bottom housing, the contrasting polycarbonate and nylon top housing materials contribute to distinct sound profiles and typing feels for users to consider.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Medium Tactile switch and the Outemu Cream Yellow switch, we see that the Cream Yellow has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Medium Tactile's unknown force. However, the Medium Tactile has a heavier bottom out force of 65 grams, while the Cream Yellow has a slightly lighter bottom out force of 60 grams. Both switches fall under the category of medium-weight switches, with the Cream Yellow leaning towards the lighter side and the Medium Tactile leaning towards the heavier side. This means that the Cream Yellow may provide a slightly lighter typing experience, making it ideal for longer typing sessions, while the Medium Tactile offers a more substantial typing experience with its heavier bottom out force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for typing feel and desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The Durock Medium Tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Outemu Cream Yellow switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. In this case, the Cream Yellow has a shorter travel distance compared to the Durock Medium Tactile. The difference may not seem significant, but it can impact the overall typing experience. Gamers might prefer the Cream Yellow for its faster response time due to the shorter travel distance, while those who prefer a more substantial feel when typing may opt for the Durock Medium Tactile with its longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock Medium Tactile has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Medium Tactile for $4.25.
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 Durock Medium Tactile switch is well-loved for its jelly-like sound signature, providing a unique auditory experience for typists. On the other hand, the sound profile of the Outemu Cream Yellow switch is unknown, so it is difficult to make a direct comparison in this aspect. Keep in mind that the sound produced by a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard housing and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Durock Medium Tactile switch offers an accented tactility that strikes a balance between being noticeable without being overwhelming or subtle. This makes it a popular choice among those looking for a tactile switch that provides a distinct typing experience. In contrast, the feel of the Outemu Cream Yellow switch is unknown, so it is challenging to provide a comparison in this regard.
Overall, both the Durock Medium Tactile and Outemu Cream Yellow switches have unique qualities that cater to different preferences among mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. While the Durock switch is praised for its pronounced yet balanced tactility and jelly-like sound, the Cream Yellow's specific characteristics remain a mystery. If you enjoy a tactile switch with a noticeable bump in your typing experience, the Durock Medium Tactile could be a satisfying option. However, for those intrigued by the unknown qualities of the Outemu Cream Yellow switch, experimenting with it may yield similar or different results depending on personal preference. Ultimately, the best way to determine which switch is right for you is to try them out firsthand and see which one resonates with your typing style and preferences.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering whether to choose the Durock Medium Tactile or the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch, you should opt for the Durock Medium Tactile if you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force and a pronounced yet balanced tactility with a jelly-like sound signature. This switch is ideal for those looking for an accented, stepped, mild, and polished typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Cream Yellow is more suitable if you prefer a lighter bottom out force and are looking for a switch with a medium tactility. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for key feel, sound, and typing experience.
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