Cherry MX Black vs. Outemu Cream Yellow
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Black and the Outemu Cream Yellow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Cherry MX Black, a linear switch, to the Outemu Cream Yellow, a tactile switch, there are some key differences to consider. The MX Black, known for its smoothness and deep sound profile, offers a low-pitched and stiff typing experience. On the other hand, the Cream Yellow lacks a distinct feature but falls into the tactile category. For those who prefer a linear switch with a familiar texture and stiffness, the MX Black may be the ideal choice. However, for individuals looking for a tactile typing experience, the Cream Yellow could be more suitable. Ultimately, to make the best decision on which switch is right for you, it's essential to delve deeper into their specific characteristics and how they align with your preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
60g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
80g
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
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
pom
Top housing material
Nylon
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
The housing materials of both the Cherry MX Black and the Outemu Cream Yellow switches are made of nylon, resulting in a similar typing experience for users. Nylon is known for its softer plastic composition, which helps absorb sound and produce a deeper and fuller sound profile. The dull and round sound created by nylon is evident in both switches, making them ideal for users looking for a quieter typing experience.
Despite both switches having nylon top and bottom housings, the distribution of qualities differs between the two. The Cherry MX Black's top housing impacts the sound when a key is released, while the bottom housing plays a role in the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed down. On the other hand, the Outemu Cream Yellow's top and bottom housings share the qualities of absorbing sound and producing a deeper sound profile, creating a consistent typing experience for users.
Overall, the similarities in housing materials between the Cherry MX Black and the Outemu Cream Yellow switches result in comparable typing experiences. Both switches offer a deep and full sound profile, thanks to the nylon housing materials that absorb sound effectively. While there are slight differences in how the top and bottom housings impact the typing experience, users can expect a similar level of performance and sound quality from both switches.
Weight
The Cherry MX Black linear switch has a heavier actuation force and bottom out force compared to the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch. The MX Black requires 60 grams of force to actuate a keystroke and 80 grams to bottom out, making it more suitable for those who prefer a substantial typing experience. On the other hand, the Cream Yellow switch only needs 45 grams of force to actuate and 60 grams to bottom out, providing a lighter and more comfortable typing feel for longer periods of use. Both switches offer a different typing experience based on their weight, catering to individuals who prefer either a heavier or lighter push feel.
Travel distance
The Cherry MX Black linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch has a shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. The MX Black offers a more traditional travel distance, which may appeal to those looking for a familiar typing experience. On the other hand, the Cream Yellow provides a slightly shorter travel distance, which can be advantageous for gamers seeking quicker response times. Those who prefer a deeper keypress may find the longer travel distance of the MX Black more satisfying, while individuals looking for a more responsive feel may lean towards the Cream Yellow. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Cherry MX Black comes in at $4.00, whereas the Outemu Cream Yellow comes in at $3.10.
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 Cherry MX Black linear switch offers a low-pitched tone with a deep sound profile, providing a bass-heavy and mellow typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch's sound profile is unknown, so it's difficult to directly compare. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch can be affected by various factors including the keyboard and keycaps being used.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the MX Black is known for its textured and stiff typing experience. The textured feel of these switches can provide a unique tactile feedback, which some users may prefer for a more engaging typing experience. The stiffness of the MX Black switch requires more force to actuate and bottom out, which can be beneficial for those who prefer a more deliberate typing style. Unfortunately, information on the feel of the Outemu Cream Yellow switch is not available for comparison.
In conclusion, while the Cherry MX Black linear switch offers a deep sound profile and a textured, stiff typing experience, the subjective qualities of the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch remain unknown. It's essential to consider personal preferences, typing style, and the overall typing experience you are looking for when choosing between these two switches. If the Cream Yellow switch provides a similar sound and feel to the Cherry MX Black, you can expect to achieve comparable results in terms of sound and typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Cherry MX Black and Outemu Cream Yellow switches, you should consider your preference for a heavier or lighter typing experience. If you prefer a heavier switch with a textured and stiff feel, the Cherry MX Black linear switch with its 80-gram bottom out force may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter switch with a medium bottom out force and are looking for a tactile typing experience, the Outemu Cream Yellow switch could be the right option. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to personal preference in terms of typing feel and force required.
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