Kailh NovelKeys Cream vs. Outemu Silent Yellow
An in-depth look at the Kailh NovelKeys Cream and the Outemu Silent Yellow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Kailh NovelKeys Cream and the Outemu Silent Yellow mechanical keyboard switches, one can find distinct differences in their characteristics. The Cream switches from NovelKeys provide a hefty linear typing experience with a deep sound profile, making them stand out as 'Buttery', 'Low-pitched', 'Textured', 'Resonant', and 'Invigorating'. On the other hand, the Silent Yellow switches from Outemu do not have any specific qualities listed, leaving their typing experience open to interpretation. Generally, the Cream switches offer a more pronounced and textured typing feel, while the Silent Yellow switches remain a bit of a mystery in terms of their tactile feedback. 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
70g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
pom
Top housing material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Kailh NovelKeys Cream and the Outemu Silent Yellow, it is evident that they provide different sound profiles due to their material composition. The Cream's POM top housing creates a deeper and more muted sound, while the Silent Yellow's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper and higher-pitched sound. This contrast in sound profiles can significantly impact the overall typing experience, with the Cream offering a more soothing typing sound, and the Silent Yellow providing a more crisp and clear sound. Additionally, the polycarbonate top housing of the Silent Yellow is especially beneficial for RGB lighting effects due to its translucency, adding a visual dimension to the typing experience.
On the other hand, the bottom housings of the NovelKeys Cream and the Outemu Silent Yellow also contribute to their distinct sound profiles. The Cream's POM bottom housing maintains the deep and muted sound profile, while the Silent Yellow's nylon bottom housing creates a fuller and rounder sound. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller sound profile that enhances the overall typing experience. This difference in bottom housing materials further establishes the unique characteristics of each switch, catering to different preferences in typing sound and feel.
Overall, the combination of top and bottom housing materials in a switch plays a crucial role in determining the sound and feel of typing. While the NovelKeys Cream and the Outemu Silent Yellow offer contrasting sound profiles with their POM and polycarbonate top housings, as well as their POM and nylon bottom housings, respectively, both switches provide unique and pleasing typing experiences. Whether one prefers a deeper and muted sound like the Cream or a sharper and crisper sound like the Silent Yellow, the choice of housing materials ultimately influences the overall typing experience and caters to individual preferences.
Weight
The Kailh NovelKeys Cream linear switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch have notable differences in terms of actuation force and bottom out force. The NovelKeys Cream has a lighter actuation force of 55 grams compared to the Silent Yellow's 65 grams, making it more suitable for those who prefer a lighter touch when typing. In contrast, the bottom out force of the Cream at 70 grams is lighter than the Silent Yellow's 80 grams, indicating that the Silent Yellow is heavier overall. The Cream offers a medium-heavy typing experience, while the Silent Yellow provides a heavy and more substantial feel. For those looking for a lighter typing experience, the Cream would be the better choice, while those who prefer a heavier push would appreciate the Silent Yellow. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preference for actuation force and bottom out force.
Travel distance
Both the Kailh NovelKeys Cream linear switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key with either of these switches, you will experience the same amount of travel distance from the top to the bottom. As a result, you can expect similar results in terms of keypress feel and actuation with both switches. Therefore, the travel distance for both switches is equal, making them both suitable choices for those seeking a consistent typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Kailh NovelKeys Cream has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the NovelKeys Cream for $6.25.
The Outemu Silent 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
Overall, when comparing the subjective qualities of the Kailh NovelKeys Cream linear switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch, we can see that the Cream switch offers a deeper, low-pitched sound profile with a resonant quality. On the other hand, the Silent Yellow switch is silent and does not produce any sound. In terms of feel, the Cream switch provides a buttery and textured typing experience, with an invigorating feedback. However, information on the feel of the Silent Yellow switch is unavailable. If you prefer a switch with a deeper sound profile and a buttery, invigorating feel, the NovelKeys Cream might be the better option for you. Remember that sound and feel are subjective qualities and can vary based on personal preference, so it is recommended to try out different switches if possible to find the one that best suits your typing style.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Kailh NovelKeys Cream linear switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch, you should consider your preference for bottom out force. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force, the NovelKeys Cream with 70 grams may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a heavier bottom out force, the Outemu Silent Yellow with 80 grams could be more suitable. Additionally, if you enjoy a deep and low-pitched sound profile with a buttery and invigorating feel, the NovelKeys Cream may be the switch for you. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing preferences and the overall typing experience you are seeking.
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