Outemu Cream Blue vs. SP-Star Yanyu
An in-depth look at the Outemu Cream Blue and the SP-Star Yanyu switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between the Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch and the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and typing style. The Cream Blue is best known for its satisfying clicky sound, providing a tactile response that many typists enjoy. On the other hand, the Yanyu is perfect for those who prefer a more delicate typing experience, especially during long typing sessions. The Yanyu's material blend creates a crisp sound profile that is subtle yet polished. While these general pointers can help guide your decision, diving deeper into the specifics of each switch will ultimately help you determine the best switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
43g
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold plated
Housing materials
The Outemu Cream Blue utilizes nylon for both its top and bottom housing, resulting in a switch that offers a deep and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon allows it to absorb more sound, creating a rounder and duller tone. In contrast, the SP-Star Yanyu combines Polymer nylon and UHMWPE in its blend for both the top and bottom housing. This unique blend creates a sound profile that is pleasant and slightly brighter, offering a different typing experience compared to the Cream Blue.
While both switches utilize nylon in their housing materials, the Cream Blue and Yanyu differ in their overall sound profile. The Cream Blue's nylon housing produces a deeper and fuller sound, while the Yanyu's Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend results in a slightly brighter tone. This contrast in sound can impact the overall typing experience, with the Cream Blue offering a more mellow sound compared to the Yanyu's slightly sharper tone. Despite the differences in sound profile, both switches benefit from the sound-absorbing qualities of nylon, providing a satisfying typing experience.
In terms of bottom-out sound and feel, the housing material used in the bottom housing of a switch plays a significant role. The Cream Blue's nylon bottom housing contributes to its deep and round sound profile, impacting the overall typing experience when keys are pressed. In comparison, the Yanyu's Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend bottom housing also influences the typing experience, offering a unique sound profile that is slightly brighter. The top housing, on the other hand, affects the sound when keys are released, further showcasing the differences in sound between these two switches.
Weight
Comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch and the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch reveals some noticeable differences. The Cream Blue has an actuation force of 50 grams, making it a medium-heavy switch, while the Yanyu's actuation force is listed as None grams, indicating a lighter touch. In terms of bottom out force, the Cream Blue requires 65 grams of force, which is heavier than the Yanyu's 43 grams. The Cream Blue offers a more substantial typing experience with a heavier actuation and bottom out force, while the Yanyu provides a lighter touch that may be preferred for longer typing sessions or gaming. Both switches offer unique advantages based on individual preferences, with the Cream Blue offering a more robust typing experience and the Yanyu catering to those who prefer a lighter touch.
Travel distance
Both the Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch and the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. When typing on either of these switches, you will feel the key travel the same distance from the top to the bottom. This means that regardless of which switch you choose, the typing experience in terms of key travel distance will be similar. Both switches provide a consistent amount of travel, which can offer a satisfying typing experience for users who prefer either a clicky or linear switch.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The SP-Star Yanyu has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Yanyu for $5.40.
The Outemu Cream Blue comes in at $3.10 per 10 switches.
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 distinctive clicky sound that is loud and satisfying, providing great auditory feedback with each keypress. On the other hand, the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch offers a more delicate and crisp sound profile, perfect for those who prefer a quieter typing experience. While the Cream Blue switch is more geared towards users who enjoy a more audible and tactile typing experience, the Yanyu switch caters to individuals looking for a smoother and quieter operation.
In terms of feel, the Outemu Cream Blue switch provides a tactile and clicky typing experience, with a noticeable bump and audible click to confirm each keystroke. In contrast, the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch offers a mild and feathery typing feel, making it comfortable for extended typing sessions without causing finger fatigue. The smooth and subtle actuation of the Yanyu switch provides a gentle resistance that is approachable to most users, especially those who prefer a lighter touch while typing.
Overall, if you are looking for a mechanical keyboard switch with a loud and tactile typing experience, the Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch would be the ideal choice. However, if you prefer a quieter and smoother typing feel that is gentle on your fingers, the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch would be a better fit. Both switches have their own unique qualities that cater to different preferences, so choosing between them ultimately depends on your personal typing preferences and the type of typing experience you seek.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch and the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch, consider the factors of bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and a clicky sound profile, the Cream Blue is a great choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force and a linear sound profile, the Yanyu switch is perfect, especially for longer typing sessions. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing preferences and the type of typing experience you are looking for.
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