Cherry MX Orange vs. Outemu Cream Yellow
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Orange and the Outemu Cream Yellow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Cherry MX Orange and Outemu Cream Yellow present unique experiences tailored to different user preferences. The Cherry MX Orange, renowned for its smooth linear feel, is designed to provide an uninterrupted keystroke experience, making it an excellent choice for gamers seeking rapid key presses and minimal resistance during gameplay. In contrast, the Outemu Cream Yellow offers a tactile feedback that can enhance typing accuracy and provide satisfying feedback with each keystroke, catering to those who enjoy a more pronounced response while typing. While the MX Orange is celebrated for its enhanced reliability and performance, the Cream Yellow stands out for its affordability and tactile engagement. 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
55g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
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
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
When comparing the Cherry MX Orange and the Outemu Cream Yellow switches, one of the most notable similarities is their housing materials. Both switches utilize nylon for both the top and bottom housings, which is recognized as a classic and effective material in mechanical switch design. Nylon's inherent properties result in a deeper, fuller sound profile, making the typing experience more resonant and pleasing. The softness of nylon allows it to absorb sound effectively, minimizing the harshness often associated with harder plastics. Consequently, users can expect a consistently smooth sound profile from both the MX Orange and Cream Yellow, thereby providing a similar auditory experience during typing.
While the housing materials of the Cherry MX Orange and Outemu Cream Yellow switches are the same, the way these materials are utilized can lead to differing tactile and auditory experiences. In this case, the bottom housing primarily affects the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing influences the sound produced when a key is released. Given that both switches feature nylon housings, the auditory consistency remains intact. However, subtle variations in design, actuation points, and tactile feedback could still emerge, depending on the specific tuning of each switch. This means that while the foundational material properties are alike, the overall user experience may differ slightly due to mechanical design choices.
In conclusion, the shared use of nylon as a housing material both for the Cherry MX Orange and Outemu Cream Yellow ensures a certain level of sound absorption and a fuller typing profile. If performance was the primary concern, users of both switches can confidently expect a similar acoustic experience, rooted in the unique qualities of nylon. However, those looking for distinct differences in feel and sound articulation should consider the specific actuation designs and feedback characteristics of each switch. Ultimately, the choice may come down to personal preference, as both switches offer strong foundational qualities rooted in their nylon constructions.
Weight
When comparing the Cherry MX Orange linear switch and the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch, the differences in their actuation and bottom out forces present distinct preferences for users. The Cherry MX Orange requires an actuation force of 55 grams, while the Outemu Cream Yellow has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams. This makes the Cream Yellow easier to press, which is beneficial for typists or gamers seeking to reduce finger fatigue during extended use. However, the bottom out force for the Cherry MX Orange is unspecified, whereas the Cream Yellow has a defined bottom out force of 60 grams. This means that while the Cream Yellow is lighter to actuate, it also requires more force to press all the way down, providing a fuller tactile feedback experience. Consequently, users who favor a lighter and more responsive feel might lean towards the Cream Yellow, while those who prefer a more substantial typing experience may be drawn to the heavier Cherry MX Orange, despite the lack of information regarding its bottom out force.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Cherry MX Orange linear switch and the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch, it is clear that the MX Orange offers a longer travel distance of 4 mm compared to the Cream Yellow's 3.3 mm. This difference underscores a fundamental choice: those who favor a more substantial feel when actuating keys may prefer the MX Orange, as its longer travel provides a more pronounced depth. Conversely, the Cream Yellow, with its shorter travel distance, may appeal to gamers or users who seek quicker response times and more immediate key actuation, though some might find it feels a bit too abrupt. Ultimately, the decision between these switches will largely depend on individual preferences for key feel and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Cherry MX Orange has an MSRP of $4.10 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Orange for $3.89.
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 Cherry MX Orange switch is known for its relatively quiet operation, producing a subdued sound that is less pronounced than many tactile or clicky switches. This makes it an excellent choice for environments where noise can be a concern, such as office settings. The Outemu Cream Yellow, on the other hand, typically has a more pronounced sound profile, though details on its specific auditory character are not widely documented. Since sound can vary significantly based on the keyboard's construction and the type of keycaps used, you might achieve relatively similar results with careful selection of these components, but generally, the MX Orange is expected to be quieter than the Cream Yellow.
Moving on to the tactile feedback, the Cherry MX Orange is celebrated for its smooth linear action, providing a consistent feel throughout the keypress without any tactile bump. This linear feel allows for seamless key transitions, ideal for those who favor a fluid typing experience. The Outemu Cream Yellow offers tactile feedback, which means there's a noticeable bump that can enhance the typing experience for users who appreciate a more traditional mechanical feel. However, specifics on the exact nature of the Cream Yellow's feel remain undefined, making it difficult to draw a direct comparison. Overall, users seeking a smooth typing experience might lean towards the MX Orange, while those who enjoy tactile cues may favor the Cream Yellow.
In conclusion, the Cherry MX Orange and Outemu Cream Yellow switches provide distinct auditory and tactile experiences that cater to different preferences. While the MX Orange is known for its quiet and smooth linear operation, the Cream Yellow's tactile profile might appeal to those who enjoy sensory feedback during typing. With the right keyboard and keycap combination, one can optimize sound characteristics regardless of the switch choice, but they will inherently experience differences in feel depending on the switch selected. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on whether you prioritize noise level, a smooth keypress, or a tactile sensation.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Cherry MX Orange linear switch and the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and usage scenarios. If you prefer a smooth and quiet typing experience without tactile feedback, the Cherry MX Orange is an excellent choice, especially for gaming where swift key presses are essential and noise reduction is a plus. Its linear feel allows for rapid actuation without any bump, which can enhance your overall gameplay. On the other hand, if you enjoy a more tactile typing experience that provides feedback on each keypress, the Outemu Cream Yellow would be suitable for you. With its medium actuation force of 60 grams, it delivers a satisfying tactile feel that can enhance your typing comfort while still being responsive enough for gaming. Consider your main activities—whether it’s gaming, typing long documents, or a mix of both—to guide your decision. In the end, your ideal switch will align with your comfort, sound preference, and the type of feedback you desire in your mechanical keyboard.
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