Outemu Cream Blue vs. Outemu Silent Yellow
An in-depth look at the Outemu Cream Blue and the Outemu Silent Yellow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Cream Blue and Outemu Silent Yellow stand out as popular choices with distinct characteristics. The Cream Blue switch is a clicky switch, offering a tactile bump and audible click with each key press. This can provide a satisfying typing experience for those who enjoy auditory feedback. On the other hand, the Silent Yellow switch is a linear switch, providing a smooth keystroke without the tactile bump or audible click. This can be preferred by those who prioritize a quieter typing experience. Both switches have their own unique benefits, with the Cream Blue offering a more tactile and audible feedback, while the Silent Yellow provides a smoother and quieter typing experience. 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
2.20 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
pom
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Cream Blue and the Outemu Silent Yellow, it is evident that the Cream Blue utilizes nylon for both the top and bottom housing, while the Silent Yellow features polycarbonate for the top housing and nylon for the bottom housing. Nylon is known for providing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition, which absorbs more sound. On the other hand, polycarbonate, being a stiffer plastic, creates a sharper and crisper sound profile. This contrast suggests that the Cream Blue may offer a more muted and rounded typing experience, while the Silent Yellow may deliver a clearer and more resonant sound.
Despite their differences in housing materials, both the Outemu Cream Blue and the Outemu Silent Yellow benefit from the use of nylon in their bottom housings. This consistency in material allows for a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing, as nylon's softer plastic nature absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. However, the distinction in the top housing material between the two switches is where their sound profiles diverge. The Cream Blue's nylon top housing contributes to a deeper sound upon key release, while the Silent Yellow's polycarbonate top housing enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound, particularly when combining with RGB lighting due to its translucency.
In conclusion, the housing materials of the Outemu Cream Blue and the Outemu Silent Yellow play a crucial role in shaping the sound profiles of the switches. While both switches benefit from the sound-absorbing properties of nylon in their bottom housings, the use of polycarbonate in the Silent Yellow's top housing adds a level of sharpness and clarity to the sound that differs from the Cream Blue's more rounded sound profile. Ultimately, the choice between these switches may come down to personal preference in sound characteristics, with the Cream Blue offering a deeper and fuller sound, and the Silent Yellow providing a crisper and more resonant typing experience.
Weight
The Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch has a lighter actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch, which has a heavier actuation force of 65 grams. The Cream Blue also has a lighter bottom out force of 65 grams, whereas the Silent Yellow has a heavier bottom out force of 80 grams. This means that the Cream Blue switch would be more suitable for those who prefer a lighter typing experience, allowing for longer typing sessions without much fatigue. On the other hand, the Silent Yellow switch would cater to individuals who prefer a more substantial push feel while typing. Both switches provide a satisfying typing experience, but the Cream Blue offers a lighter touch, while the Silent Yellow offers a heavier and more pronounced keystroke.
Travel distance
The Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch both have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key with either of these switches, you will experience the same amount of travel from the top to the bottom. This similarity in travel distance allows for consistent typing experiences between the two switches. Whether you choose the Cream Blue for its clicky feedback or the Silent Yellow for its quiet operation, both switches will provide an equal travel distance for a satisfying typing 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 Silent 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 Cream Blue clicky switch is known for its satisfying clicky sound, reminiscent of vintage mechanical keyboards. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch provides a silent typing experience with no audible feedback. The Cream Blue switch offers a tactile bump and audible click upon actuation, providing a more tactile typing experience, while the Silent Yellow switch offers a smooth and linear keystroke without any tactile feedback.
In terms of sound, the Cream Blue switch produces a crisp click with each keystroke, creating a satisfying typing auditory experience. Conversely, the Silent Yellow switch provides a stealthy typing experience with minimal noise, making it ideal for quieter environments.
In terms of feel, the Cream Blue switch offers a tactile response with a noticeable bump upon actuation, providing feedback to the typist. On the other hand, the Silent Yellow switch offers a linear keystroke without any tactile bump, allowing for smooth and consistent key presses without any interruption.
Overall, the Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch offer distinct typing experiences. The Cream Blue switch is best suited for those who enjoy a tactile bump and audible click while typing, while the Silent Yellow switch is ideal for those who prefer a smooth and silent typing experience. Depending on your personal preference for sound and feel, you can choose the switch that best suits your typing style.
Conclusion
Bringing it all together, when choosing between the Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch, it is important to consider your preference for bottom out force. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force, the Cream Blue may be the better choice for you at 65 grams. On the other hand, if you prefer a heavier bottom out force, the Silent Yellow with 80 grams may be the more suitable option. Additionally, consider your preference for sound and feel. The Cream Blue provides a clicky sound and a specific feel, while the Silent Yellow offers a silent operation and a different feel. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preference for bottom out force, sound, and feel when selecting between these two Outemu switches.
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