Gateron Oil King (V2) vs. Outemu Cream Yellow
An in-depth look at the Gateron Oil King (V2) and the Outemu Cream Yellow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to comparing and contrasting the Gateron Oil King, a linear switch, and the Outemu Cream Yellow, a tactile switch, there are some key differences to consider. The Oil King is highly praised for its buttery smoothness and satisfying sound profile, described as reminiscent of a dark chocolate bar snapping. On the other hand, the Cream Yellow may not have specific standout features listed, but tactile switches are generally popular for providing feedback and a satisfying typing experience. While the Oil King offers a low-pitched, creamy, silky, bassy, buttery, and polished feel, the Cream Yellow's characteristics are not explicitly defined. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style. 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
65g
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
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Color coated
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Gateron Oil King and the Outemu Cream Yellow both use nylon as the material for their top housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, creating a duller and rounder sound overall. This characteristic makes typing on both switches more satisfying in terms of sound feedback. However, while the Oil King has a proprietary INK blend bottom housing that produces a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound, the Cream Yellow sticks to utilizing nylon for its bottom housing. This means that the bottom-out sound and feel of the switches may vary slightly, with the Oil King being described as clacky due to its unique bottom housing material.
In terms of sound production, the Gateron Oil King's INK blend bottom housing provides a distinct thin and higher-pitched sound that is not overly sharp. This contrasts with the Cream Yellow's nylon bottom housing, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. While both switches offer a satisfying typist experience, the differences in the bottom housing material can impact the overall sound signature of each switch. The Oil King leans towards a more pointed and clacky sound, while the Cream Yellow offers a softer, rounder sound due to the properties of nylon.
Overall, the choice of housing materials plays a significant role in shaping the sound and feel of mechanical switches like the Gateron Oil King and the Outemu Cream Yellow. Both switches utilize nylon for the top housing, resulting in a similar deep and full sound profile. However, the differing bottom housing materials lead to distinct characteristics for each switch. The Oil King's INK blend bottom housing adds a unique thin and higher-pitched element to its sound, while the Cream Yellow's nylon bottom housing contributes to a more traditional, round sound. Ultimately, the combination of these housing materials influences the overall typing experience and sound feedback of each switch.
Weight
The Gateron Oil King linear switch has a higher actuation force of 55 grams compared to the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch, which has an actuation force of 45 grams, making it lighter. However, the bottom out force of the Oil King is also heavier at 65 grams, whereas the Cream Yellow has a bottom out force of 60 grams, making them closer in force required to fully press down. Those who prefer a lighter touch for longer typing sessions may lean towards the Cream Yellow, while those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience may prefer the Oil King. Both switches offer a medium actuation force, providing a good balance between responsiveness and typing comfort.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Gateron Oil King linear switch and the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch, it is evident that the Oil King has a longer travel distance of 4 mm, while the Cream Yellow has a shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. The Oil King's 4.0mm travel distance provides a more traditional keypress feel, offering a deeper press compared to the Cream Yellow's shallower 3.3 mm travel distance. Gamers looking for faster response times may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Cream Yellow, while those seeking a more substantial keypress experience may opt for the longer travel distance of the Oil King. Both switches offer unique benefits based on their travel distance, so ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on individual preference for keypress depth and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Gateron Oil King (V2) comes in at $6.50, 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
The Gateron Oil King linear switch is often praised for its buttery smooth feel, providing a typing experience akin to gliding your fingers effortlessly across the keys. The sound it produces is described as low-pitched and bassy, offering a rich and mellow tone during key presses. On the other hand, the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch lacks specific descriptions for sound and feel qualities, making it difficult to directly compare to the Oil King. However, based on the known qualities of the Oil King, it is likely that the Cream Yellow switch may offer a similar smooth and polished feel, potentially with a different sound profile. Both switches are likely to provide a satisfying typing experience, with the Oil King being particularly renowned for its creamy and silky keystrokes. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches may come down to personal preference in sound and feel preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Gateron Oil King linear switch and the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch, consider the following factors. If you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force and enjoy a low-pitched, bassy sound profile with a creamy, silky, buttery typing experience, then the Oil King may be the perfect choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly lighter bottom out force and prioritize a different sound and feel, the Cream Yellow might be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for typing experience, sound profile, and bottom out force. Both switches have their unique characteristics, so it's important to consider what matters most to you when selecting the best switch for your mechanical keyboard.
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