Outemu Blue vs. Outemu Cream Yellow
An in-depth look at the Outemu Blue and the Outemu Cream Yellow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Blue clicky switch and the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch are popular options to consider. The Outemu Blue switch is well-known for its satisfying click sound and tactile feedback, making it a favorite among typists who enjoy the audible confirmation of each keystroke. On the other hand, the Outemu Cream Yellow switch offers a smoother keystroke with a subtle tactile bump, providing a more subtle typing experience that is favored by gamers and those who prefer a quieter switch. Both switches have their own strengths and weaknesses, offering unique typing experiences for different preferences. 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
50g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
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
When comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Blue and the Outemu Cream Yellow, the most significant difference lies in the top housing material. The Blue features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. On the other hand, the Cream Yellow utilizes a nylon top housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. This contrast showcases how the choice of housing material can greatly impact the auditory experience of typing on a switch. While the Blue's polycarbonate top housing is ideal for those looking for a clear and resonant sound with RGB lighting, the Cream Yellow's nylon top housing offers a softer and more absorbent option for a rounder sound.
In terms of the bottom housing material, both the Outemu Blue and the Outemu Cream Yellow feature nylon bottom housings. This shared characteristic means that both switches elicit a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. The relatively softer nature of nylon plastic in the bottom housing absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound compared to harder plastics. This similarity in bottom housing material highlights how certain characteristics, such as sound profile, can remain consistent across different switches despite differences in other housing components.
The impact of using different top and bottom housing materials can be felt in the overall typing experience of the Outemu Blue and the Outemu Cream Yellow switches. The split qualities between the top and bottom housings mean that when pressing down on the switch, the bottom housing will have more of an impact on the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, the top housing will influence the sound when releasing a key. This nuanced interaction between the top and bottom housing materials further emphasizes the importance of selecting the right housing material to achieve the desired sound profile and tactile feedback in a mechanical keyboard switch.
Weight
When comparing the Outemu Blue clicky switch and the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch, it is evident that they have different actuation and bottom out forces. The Blue switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Cream Yellow's 45 grams. However, the Cream Yellow requires a heavier bottom out force of 60 grams, while the bottom out force of the Blue switch is unknown. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Cream Yellow switch due to its lower actuation force, while those who enjoy a more substantial typing feel may opt for the Blue switch with its higher actuation force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Outemu Blue clicky 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 Blue switch slightly longer in terms of travel distance compared to the Cream Yellow switch. A 4.0mm travel distance is more traditional and provides a deeper key press feel, which can be preferred by some users. On the other hand, a 3.3mm travel distance offers a slightly shorter and quicker key press, making it favored by gamers looking for faster response times. Despite the difference in travel distance, both switches offer a satisfying typing experience depending on individual preferences. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference for key press depth and responsiveness.
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 Blue 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
When it comes to sound, the Outemu Blue clicky switch is known for its loud and satisfying click with each key press, providing auditory feedback that some users find enjoyable and reminiscent of a typewriter. On the other hand, the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch offers a quieter typing experience with a subtle bump that gives tactile feedback without the loud clicking noise. Keep in mind that the overall sound produced by the switches can also be influenced by the keyboard's construction and the keycaps being used.
In regards to feel, the Outemu Blue switch is characterized by a light actuation force and a noticeable tactile bump, which some feel can enhance typing accuracy and speed. Conversely, the Outemu Cream Yellow switch features a smoother keystroke with a more pronounced tactile bump, providing users with a responsive typing experience without the audible feedback of the Blue switch. The typing feel can also be affected by factors such as the keycap material and board construction.
Ultimately, choosing between the Outemu Blue clicky switch and the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch comes down to personal preference. If you prefer a loud and tactile typing experience, the Blue switch may be more suitable for you. However, if you prefer a quieter typing experience with a satisfying tactile feedback, the Cream Yellow switch could be the better option. Consider trying out both switches on a test keyboard to determine which one aligns better with your preferences before making a decision.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Outemu Blue clicky switch and the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch, consider the environment in which you will be using the keyboard. If you are in a place where sound is not an issue and you enjoy the satisfying clicky sound when typing, then the Outemu Blue switch may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a quieter typing experience with a tactile bump for feedback, the Outemu Cream Yellow switch with its medium bottom out force may be more suitable for your needs. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of both sound and feel.
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