Gateron Melodic vs. Outemu Cream Yellow
An in-depth look at the Gateron Melodic and the Outemu Cream Yellow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Melodic and the Outemu Cream Yellow offer distinct experiences for users. The Gateron Melodic stands out as a clicky switch that combines the classic clicky sound and tactile feedback with smoothness, thanks to advancements like smooth factory lubing and dual-railed stems. This switch is described as 'buttery', 'resonant', 'invigorating', and 'crunchy', providing a satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Cream Yellow is a tactile switch that doesn't have as much information available about its features. Tactile switches are known for providing a bump in the keystroke, giving users feedback that indicates when the key press has been registered.
If you're looking for a smooth and clicky typing experience, the Gateron Melodic may be the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer tactile feedback without the audible click, the Outemu Cream Yellow could be a good choice. 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
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
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
One of the key differences between the Gateron Melodic and the Outemu Cream Yellow is the material used for their top housing. The Melodic features a polycarbonate top housing, which gives a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness. In contrast, the Cream Yellow utilizes a nylon top housing, creating a deeper and fuller sound profile as nylon is softer and absorbs more sound. This results in a distinct difference in typing experience between the two switches.
Moving on to the bottom housing, both the Melodic and Cream Yellow switches use nylon for their bottom housing. This means that when typing on either switch, users will experience a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer nature of nylon. The bottom housing has a significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, ensuring that typing on both the Melodic and Cream Yellow switches will offer a similar tactile experience in this regard.
In conclusion, while the top housing materials of the Gateron Melodic and Outemu Cream Yellow differ with polycarbonate and nylon respectively, they both share the same nylon bottom housing. This results in a typing experience that is more similar than different between the two switches. However, the choice between the two switches will ultimately come down to personal preference regarding sound profile and typing feel, with the Melodic offering a sharper sound and crisper feel while the Cream Yellow provides a deeper and fuller sound experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Melodic clicky switch and the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch, it is clear that the Cream Yellow is the lighter option with an actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Melodic's None grams. Both switches have a bottom out force of 60 grams, which categorizes them as medium in terms of force. For those who prefer a lighter typing feel, the Cream Yellow would be the better choice, allowing for longer typing sessions without strain. On the other hand, the Melodic switch would provide a more substantial typing experience with its heavier actuation force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would come down to personal preference in terms of typing experience and force preference.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Gateron Melodic clicky switch and the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch, it is clear that the Cream Yellow has a shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm compared to the Melodic's 4 mm. The Cream Yellow offers a quicker response time, which is favored by gamers looking for speed and agility in their keystrokes. On the other hand, the Melodic switch provides a slightly deeper travel distance, which may be preferred by those looking for a more substantial keypress feel. Both switches offer different experiences in terms of travel distance, catering to individual preferences. Ultimately, the choice between the two will come down to personal preference – whether one values speed and responsiveness or a more tactile typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Melodic has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Melodic for $6.00.
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
The Gateron Melodic clicky switch is known for its resonant and crunchy sound profile, providing users with a higher-pitched and immersive auditory experience. This, combined with its smooth factory lubing and dual-railed stems, allows for a classic clicky sound without sacrificing smoothness. On the other hand, the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch does not have any specific sound descriptions available.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron Melodic is often described as buttery and invigorating, offering a smooth and fluid keystroke experience with pronounced feedback and moderate to firm actuation force. This results in a seamless and reactive typing sensation that is both enjoyable and immersive. Unfortunately, there are no specific feel descriptions available for the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch.
Considering the available information, the Gateron Melodic clicky switch excels in both sound and feel aspects, providing users with a resonant and crunchy sound profile along with a buttery and invigorating typing experience. While information on the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch is limited, if you are looking for a switch with similar qualities to the Gateron Melodic, you may expect a comparable experience in terms of sound and feel. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches would depend on personal preferences and typing style.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a clicky switch with a medium bottom out force, a resonant and crunchy sound profile, and a buttery and invigorating feel, then the Gateron Melodic would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile switch with a medium bottom out force and are not concerned with sound or feel descriptions, the Outemu Cream Yellow might be the better option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preference for sound and feel, as both switches offer their own unique characteristics. Happy typing!
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