Outemu Cream Blue vs. Outemu Cream Yellow
An in-depth look at the Outemu Cream Blue and the Outemu Cream Yellow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch and the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch, it's important to consider the differences in their feel and sound. The Cream Blue switch offers a satisfying clicky feedback when pressed, making it a popular choice for typists who enjoy audible feedback with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Cream Yellow switch provides a tactile bump without the loud click, making it a quieter option for those who prefer a more subtle typing experience. Both switches have their own unique qualities that cater to different preferences and typing styles. 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
65g
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
Nylon
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Outemu Cream Blue and Outemu Cream Yellow switches are both made of nylon, which is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. This is consistent across both the top and bottom housings of both switches, providing a similar typing experience in terms of sound quality.
While both the Cream Blue and Cream Yellow switches have nylon top and bottom housings that contribute to the sound profile, the impact of each housing material differs slightly. The bottom housing of a switch typically influences the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key. In contrast, the top housing has more of an impact on the sound produced when releasing a key. This distinction showcases how the distribution of housing materials can affect the overall typing experience and sound profile of a switch.
Overall, the similarities in housing materials between the Outemu Cream Blue and Outemu Cream Yellow switches result in a consistent typing experience in terms of sound quality. The use of nylon in both the top and bottom housings creates a deeper and fuller sound profile, with the softer plastic absorbing more sound for a duller and rounder output. While the distribution of these housing materials may slightly impact the typing feel, the overall sound experience is expected to be quite similar between these two switches.
Weight
The Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch has a slightly heavier actuation force and bottom out force compared to the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch. The Cream Blue requires 50 grams of force to actuate a keystroke and 65 grams to bottom out, giving it a medium-heavy feel. In contrast, the Cream Yellow only needs 45 grams to actuate and 60 grams to bottom out, making it a lighter option with a medium feel. Those who prefer a more substantial typing experience may lean towards the Cream Blue, while those looking for a lighter touch may opt for the Cream Yellow. Both switches provide tactile feedback, but the Cream Blue will offer a slightly firmer typing experience overall.
Travel distance
The Outemu Cream 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 means that the Cream Blue has a slightly longer travel distance than the Cream Yellow. In terms of tactile feedback, the Cream Blue provides a clicky response while the Cream Yellow offers a tactile bump without the audible click. Both switches offer a similar level of smoothness, but the Cream Yellow might feel more responsive due to its shorter travel distance. Gamers who prioritize speed and responsiveness may prefer the Cream Yellow, while those who enjoy a more pronounced key press may lean towards the Cream Blue. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference in terms of travel distance and tactile experience.
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 Cream 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 Cream Blue clicky switch is known for its loud and satisfying click with each keystroke, providing a tactile auditory feedback to the user. On the other hand, the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch is known for its quieter and more subtle sound profile, offering a smoother typing experience without the audible click. The sound produced by these switches can be further influenced by the keyboard case material, keycap material, and typing technique.
In regards to feel, the Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch offers a tactile bump and audible click during actuation, providing a distinct and responsive typing experience. On the contrary, the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch features a tactile bump without the audible click, delivering a smoother key press with a muted tactile feedback. The key feel is subjective and varies depending on the user's preference and typing style.
Overall, the Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch and the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch offer unique typing experiences in terms of sound and feel. If you enjoy a loud and tactile typing experience, the Cream Blue switch is the way to go, while if you prefer a quieter and smoother typing experience, the Cream Yellow switch is more suitable. Both switches are made by Outemu and share the same cream housing, which means you can expect similar build quality and durability from either switch option. Ultimately, the choice between these switches comes down to personal preference and the type of typing experience you are looking for.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a clicky switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force of 65 grams and enjoy the satisfying sound of mechanical typing, you should consider the Outemu Cream Blue switch. On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile switch with a slightly lighter bottom out force of 60 grams and enjoy a tactile bump without the audible click, the Outemu Cream Yellow switch might be a better choice for you. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will come down to your personal preference for sound, feel, and typing experience. Consider trying out both switches if possible to determine which one best suits your typing style and preferences.
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