Outemu Brown vs. Outemu Cream Yellow
An in-depth look at the Outemu Brown and the Outemu Cream Yellow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Outemu Brown and the Outemu Cream Yellow. The Outemu Brown switch is a tactile switch that offers a satisfying tactile bump without being too loud, making it a great choice for those who enjoy a tactile typing experience without the excessive noise. On the other hand, the Outemu Cream Yellow switch is also a tactile switch but offers a smoother typing experience compared to the Brown switch. This makes it a good option for those who prioritize a smooth keystroke while still enjoying the 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
53g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
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
In comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Brown and Outemu Cream Yellow switches, one key difference lies in their top housing material. The Brown switch features a polycarbonate top housing, known for creating a sharper and crisper sound profile due to its stiffer nature. Conversely, the Cream Yellow switch utilizes a nylon top housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile by absorbing more sound with its softer plastic composition. This means that the Brown switch will offer a more resonant and clear sound, while the Cream Yellow switch will provide a rounder and duller sound.
Moving on to the bottom housing of the switches, both the Outemu Brown and Outemu Cream Yellow switches share a common nylon material. This classic switch housing material offers a deeper and fuller sound profile by absorbing more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. This similarity in bottom housing material suggests that the sound and feel when pressing down on these switches will be consistent, with the bottom-out sound and feel predominantly influenced by the nylon housing material in both switches.
In terms of overall sound profile and aesthetic appeal, the different housing materials used in the Outemu Brown and Outemu Cream Yellow switches offer distinct characteristics. The polycarbonate top housing in the Brown switch creates a sharper and higher-pitched sound profile, while the nylon top housing in the Cream Yellow switch produces a deeper and fuller sound. Similarly, the nylon bottom housing shared by both switches contributes to a fuller sound profile, emphasizing the impact of the bottom housing on the overall switch sound and feel. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preferences for sound characteristics and typing experience.
Weight
The Outemu Brown tactile switch has a heavier actuation force of 53 grams compared to the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch which has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams. Similarly, the Brown switch has a higher bottom out force of 65 grams while the Cream Yellow switch has a lower bottom out force of 60 grams. The Brown switch provides a more substantial typing experience with its medium-heavy actuation and bottom out forces, making it ideal for those who prefer a stronger push feel. On the other hand, the Cream Yellow switch offers a lighter actuation and bottom out force, making it suitable for longer typing sessions or extended gaming sessions where light keystrokes are preferred. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on individual preferences for typing experiences and desired actuation forces.
Travel distance
The Outemu Brown tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. In comparing the two, the Brown switch has a longer travel distance than the Cream Yellow one. The Brown switch offers a bit more depth when pressing down on a key, which may be preferred by some users who enjoy a more substantial feel. On the other hand, the Cream Yellow switch provides a slightly shorter travel distance, which can result in faster response times, making it a popular choice among gamers. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will come down to personal preference, with the Brown switch offering more depth and the Cream Yellow switch offering a quicker response.
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 Brown 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 Brown tactile switch is known for being slightly quieter compared to other tactile switches due to its tactile bump being less pronounced. On the other hand, the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch is known for producing a slightly louder sound, as the tactile bump is more prominent. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard housing and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Outemu Brown tactile switch is praised for its subtle tactile bump that provides a smooth typing experience without being overly tactile. On the other hand, the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch is known for offering a more pronounced tactile bump, giving users a more tactile typing experience with each keystroke. Both switches offer a satisfying feel, but the Cream Yellow may appeal more to users who prefer a more tactile typing experience.
In conclusion, both the Outemu Brown and Cream Yellow tactile switches offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Brown switch provides a quieter typing experience with a subtle tactile bump, while the Cream Yellow switch offers a louder sound and a more pronounced tactile feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of typing feel and sound profile. However, it's important to note that both switches will provide a satisfactory typing experience for newcomers to mechanical keyboards.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Outemu Brown tactile switch and the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch, consider the bottom out force and your preference for a slightly heavier or lighter typing experience. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force of 65 grams, the Outemu Brown switch may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium bottom out force of 60 grams, the Outemu Cream Yellow switch could be more suitable. Additionally, consider the sound and feel of the switches to determine which one aligns better with your typing preferences. Ultimately, the decision between the Outemu Brown and Outemu Cream Yellow switches comes down to personal preference and what feels most comfortable for you as a typist.
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