Outemu Black vs. Outemu Cream Yellow
An in-depth look at the Outemu Black and the Outemu Cream Yellow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Outemu Black and Outemu Cream Yellow offer distinct experiences for users. The Outemu Black is a linear switch, providing a smooth and consistent keystroke that is perfect for fast typists and gamers looking for quick responsiveness. On the other hand, the Outemu Cream Yellow is a tactile switch, offering a satisfying bump and feedback with each key press, making it ideal for typists who prefer a more tactile typing experience. While the Black switch may be preferred for its straightforward and seamless keystrokes, the Cream Yellow switch appeals to those who enjoy feeling the tactile feedback with each press. 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
65g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
82g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.50 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
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Outemu Black and the Outemu Cream Yellow both feature a nylon bottom housing, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. The use of nylon in the bottom housing absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. This similarity in housing material ensures that both switches provide a satisfying typing experience with a focus on sound quality.
However, the top housing materials of the two switches differ, with the Black featuring a polycarbonate top housing and the Cream Yellow featuring a nylon top housing. The polycarbonate top housing of the Black creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness, while the nylon top housing of the Cream Yellow contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile with a softer plastic that absorbs more sound. This contrast in top housing materials showcases the distinct sound profiles that can be achieved with different housing materials.
When considering the impact of housing materials on the overall sound and feel of a switch, it's important to recognize that the qualities brought by each material are split between the top and bottom of the switch. The bottom housing has more of an impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key. By having different top and bottom housing materials, switches like the Outemu Black and the Outemu Cream Yellow offer a dynamic typing experience that combines the unique qualities of each material for a well-rounded performance.
Weight
The Outemu Black linear switch has a heavier actuation force of 65 grams and a bottom out force of 82 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. In contrast, the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, making it ideal for longer typing sessions or gaming sessions where a lighter touch is preferred. Both switches offer a distinct typing experience based on the weight of the force required for actuation and bottoming out. If someone were to choose between the two, they should consider their preference for a heavier or lighter typing experience to determine which switch is more suitable for their needs.
Travel distance
The Outemu Black linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. This makes the Outemu Cream Yellow the shorter of the two switches. The Black, with its 4 mm travel distance, offers a more traditional key press feel, while the Cream Yellow provides a slightly shallower press. Gamers looking for faster response times may prefer the Cream Yellow due to its shorter travel distance, while those who appreciate a more substantial key press may lean towards the Black. Both switches offer unique benefits depending on personal preference, with the choice ultimately coming down to individual typing and gaming style.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
In this case, both switches are $3.10. As such, price can't serve as a tiebreaker when choosing between the Black and Cream Yellow.
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 Outemu Black linear switch is often praised for its smooth and quiet typing experience, making it a popular choice for those who prefer a silent keyboard. On the other hand, the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch is known for providing a slight bump when pressed, giving the user tactile feedback during typing. In terms of sound, the Black switch is typically quieter compared to the Cream Yellow switch, which may produce a more noticeable sound due to the tactile bump. However, it's important to keep in mind that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard's construction and keycap material.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the Outemu Black linear switch offers a consistent and smooth keystroke without any tactile feedback, providing a linear typing experience that some users find enjoyable for fast and precise typing. On the other hand, the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch provides a tactile bump during actuation, giving the user a more tactile typing experience that can help with accuracy and feedback. The Cream Yellow switch may feel slightly more pronounced compared to the Black switch due to the tactile feedback it offers.
In conclusion, the Outemu Black linear switch and the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch offer distinct typing experiences in terms of sound and feel. The Black switch is known for its smooth and quiet operation, making it a great choice for those who prefer a silent keyboard, while the Cream Yellow switch provides tactile feedback and a more pronounced keystroke feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on the individual's preference for sound and typing feedback. However, both switches are reputable options within the mechanical keyboard community and can provide a satisfying typing experience based on their unique characteristics.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Outemu Black linear switch and the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch, you should consider your typing style and preferences. If you prefer a heavier typing feel and don't mind a linear switch, the Outemu Black with its 82-gram bottom out force may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter typing experience and enjoy the tactile feedback of a tactile switch, the Outemu Cream Yellow with its 60-gram bottom out force could be the more suitable option. Ultimately, it all comes down to personal preference and what feels most comfortable to you as you type.
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