Cherry MX Purple RGB vs. Outemu Cream Yellow
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Purple RGB and the Outemu Cream Yellow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting a mechanical keyboard switch, the Cherry MX Purple RGB and the Outemu Cream Yellow both stand out as compelling tactile options, each catering to different preferences and needs. The Cherry MX Purple switches are celebrated for their refined tactile feedback, featuring a short, medium-strength bump that has been developed in collaboration with keyboard enthusiast Glarses, making them ideal for users who enjoy a precise yet engaging typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Cream Yellow switches, while less widely recognized, provide a unique tactile feel that some users may find appealing for both gaming and typing due to their customization potential and affordability. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches boils down to personal preference—whether you prioritize the established performance of Cherry MX or the innovative feel of the Outemu Cream. 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
45g
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
The Cherry MX Purple RGB and the Outemu Cream Yellow switches share notable similarities in their housing materials, as both utilize nylon for both the top and bottom housings. This choice of material elicits a distinct sound profile characterized by a deeper and fuller auditory experience during typing. The inherent properties of nylon, being a softer plastic, contribute to sound absorption, which results in a more rounded and muted sound compared to harder plastic materials. Consequently, users can expect a similar acoustic outcome from both switches, as the nylon construction plays a critical role in shaping the auditory feedback that typists experience, regardless of the brand.
While both switches utilize nylon for their housings, the overall feel and performance can be influenced by various other factors, such as the design or spring resistance. However, since both the Cherry MX Purple RGB and Outemu Cream Yellow switches utilize identical materials for both the top and bottom housings, these external variables may have a more subtle effect on how the user perceives the typing experience. The sound and feel of bottoming out and releasing keys will be markedly similar due to the nylon material dampening vibrations and noise through its natural properties. Thus, the choice of nylon enables both switches to deliver a satisfying tactile sensation complemented by a pleasing acoustic profile.
Additionally, the placement of the nylon material in the top and bottom housings means that the characteristics of the sound will be present across different stages of keypresses. While the bottom housing affects the bottom-out sound and feel more significantly, the top housing influences the sound profile during key release. Because both the Cherry MX Purple RGB and Outemu Cream Yellow utilize nylon throughout, it can be expected that even though the models differ in brand and design nuances, users will experience a consistency in the sound dampening and tactile feedback, enhancing the typing experience for all who use these switches.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switch and the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch, both switches exhibit an actuation force of 45 grams, indicating that users will experience a similar keystroke trigger feel with either option. However, while the actuation force for both switches is identical, the bottom out force differs significantly. The Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch has a bottom out force of 60 grams, which means it takes more force to fully bottom out the switch compared to the Cherry MX Purple RGB, for which this information is unavailable. This makes the Cherry MX Purple RGB a lighter option overall, particularly in terms of the force required to fully engage the key during typing or gaming sessions. For users who prefer a lighter switch for longer typing durations, the Cherry MX Purple RGB may be more appealing. Conversely, the heavier bottom out force of the Outemu Cream Yellow may be preferable for those seeking a more substantial typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switch and the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch, the MX Purple RGB stands out with a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Cream Yellow has a shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. This means that users who opt for the Cherry MX Purple RGB switch will experience a more pronounced key press, which can provide a satisfying feel for those who enjoy a deeper keystroke. Conversely, the Outemu Cream Yellow offers a quicker and more responsive press with its shorter travel distance, catering to gamers and those who seek fast response times. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preference: if you favor tactile depth and a more traditional feel, the Cherry MX Purple RGB is the ideal option; if you prioritize speed and responsiveness, the Outemu Cream Yellow is the better choice.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Cherry MX Purple RGB has an MSRP of $6.19 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Purple RGB for $5.79.
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 Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switch is generally regarded as producing a subtle yet satisfying acoustic profile. It offers a soft bump when activated, which creates a distinct sound without being overly loud, making it suitable for both work and gaming environments. In contrast, the Outemu Cream Yellow's sound characteristics are currently unknown, leaving it hard to directly compare. Consequently, you may find that both switches can produce a range of sound profiles influenced by the type of keyboard and keycaps used; however, the MX Purple's established reputation suggests it may have a more consistent auditory experience.
Regarding feel, the Cherry MX Purple RGB is celebrated for its refined tactile bump that engages the fingers without overwhelming them. The medium-strength actuation provides a comfortable typing experience, ensuring that typists can easily feel when the switch is actuated without requiring excessive force. The Outemu Cream Yellow has unspecified feel characteristics, making it difficult to assess how it compares in this regard. That said, those who favor tactile switches might find similarities in the overall tactile feedback when paired with compatible keystrokes, though the exact nature of the experience remains to be seen with the Cream Yellow.
In conclusion, the Cherry MX Purple RGB switch offers a well-defined tactile experience and a pleasant sound, making it a favorite among many keyboard users. In contrast, the Outemu Cream Yellow lacks available details, particularly concerning its sound and feel attributes. If you're someone who is looking for a tactile feedback experience, the Cherry MX Purple RGB is a solid choice, while the Cream Yellow might necessitate further exploration to fully gauge its qualities. Ultimately, both switches can cater to different preferences and can achieve satisfying results, depending on the overall keyboard setup and personal choice.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switch and the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch, your choice ultimately hinges on your typing style and preferences. If you favor a refined tactile experience with a shorter actuation point and a responsive feel that's particularly satisfying for both typing and gaming, the Cherry MX Purple RGB would be the ideal choice. This switch is designed for enthusiasts and provides a softer bump without the need for excessive force, making it great for prolonged use. On the other hand, if you prefer a more aggressive tactile feedback with a medium bottom-out force, the Outemu Cream Yellow switch may be more suited for you. This switch typically offers more resistance, which can be beneficial if you enjoy a firmer press and derive satisfaction from feeling each keystroke physically pronounced. Additionally, sound characteristics and overall feel can greatly influence your experience; choose based on whether you prefer a quieter or a more pronounced acoustic profile. In the end, consider how each switch aligns with your personal gaming and typing habits, as well as your ergonomic needs, ensuring you select the one that enhances your overall keyboard experience.
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