Cherry MX Speed Silver vs. Outemu Cream Yellow
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Speed Silver 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 Speed Silver and Outemu Cream Yellow offer distinct qualities that cater to different preferences and needs. The MX Speed Silver is a linear switch known for its lightning-fast response time, making it ideal for gamers seeking quick and precise keystrokes. On the other hand, the Outemu Cream Yellow is a tactile switch, providing a satisfying bump upon actuation that appeals to typists looking for feedback with each keypress. While the MX Speed Silver boasts a textured feel and low pitch, the Cream Yellow remains quiet and unobtrusive. 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
1.20 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
Both the Cherry MX Speed Silver and the Outemu Cream Yellow utilize nylon as the material for their top and bottom housing, resulting in a similar typing experience for users. The use of nylon in the housing of these switches elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile, creating a duller and rounder sound compared to harder plastics. This softer plastic material also absorbs more sound, contributing to the overall sound experience when typing on these switches.
While both the MX Speed Silver and the Cream Yellow switches share the same nylon housing material, the differences in their switch designs may lead to variations in typing feel. The qualities of the top and bottom housing materials are divided between the two switches, with the bottom housing having more of an impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed. Conversely, the top housing will influence the sound produced when a key is released, showcasing the importance of the housing material in the overall typing experience.
Overall, the choice of nylon as the housing material for both the Cherry MX Speed Silver and the Outemu Cream Yellow switches emphasizes the desire for a deeper and fuller sound profile in the typing experience. Despite any potential differences in typing feel between the two switches, the use of nylon as the housing material ensures a similar sound quality that is characterized by its ability to absorb sound and create a rounder sound profile. This commonality in housing material highlights the importance of material selection in the design of mechanical switches for a consistent typing experience.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch and the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch, it is evident that the Speed Silver is lighter in terms of actuation force at 30 grams compared to the Cream Yellow's 45 grams. However, the bottom out force of the Cream Yellow at 60 grams is heavier compared to the unknown bottom out force of the Speed Silver. Those looking for a lighter typing experience may prefer the MX Speed Silver for its lower actuation force, allowing for longer typing or gaming sessions without fatigue. On the other hand, individuals seeking a more substantial typing feel may lean towards the Cream Yellow for its higher actuation and bottom out forces, providing a more pronounced keystroke experience. Both switches offer different levels of force sensitivity, catering to the preferences of individuals seeking either a light or heavy typing experience.
Travel distance
The Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, slightly longer than the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch which has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. While both switches fall within the shorter travel distance range, the MX Speed Silver offers just a tad more depth compared to the Cream Yellow. Gamers looking for a faster response time may prefer the MX Speed Silver, while those who enjoy a slightly more tactile feel may lean towards the Cream Yellow. Ultimately, both switches provide a similar experience in terms of travel distance and will result in comparable results for most users.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Cherry MX Speed Silver has an MSRP of $5.90 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Speed Silver for $4.00.
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
When it comes to sound, the Cherry MX Speed Silver is known for its thocky and low-pitched characteristics, producing a deep and satisfying sound with each press. On the other hand, there is no specific description available for the Outemu Cream Yellow switch, so the sound profile of this switch remains unknown.
Moving on to the feel, the Cherry MX Speed Silver switch is mentioned to have a textured feel, which could provide some feedback and tactility during typing. In contrast, no specific feel description is provided for the Outemu Cream Yellow switch, leaving its tactile feedback and typing experience unclear.
Overall, while the Cherry MX Speed Silver switch is known for its rapid response and distinct sound and feel qualities, the information available for the Outemu Cream Yellow switch is limited. If both switches were to have similar characteristics in sound and feel, users can expect a comparable typing experience in terms of sound and tactile feedback. However, without detailed information on the Cream Yellow switch, it is recommended to further research or try out the switch personally to fully understand its subjective qualities.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch and the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch, you should consider your priority between speed and tactility. If you prioritize speed and instantaneous response, the MX Speed Silver is the ideal choice for gaming where speed is paramount. On the other hand, if you value a medium bottom out force and tactile feedback for a more satisfying typing experience, the Cream Yellow switch is the way to go. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences and the specific use case for the keyboard.
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