Outemu Cream Blue vs. PH Studio Yoel
An in-depth look at the Outemu Cream Blue and the PH Studio Yoel switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Outemu Cream Blue, a clicky switch, and the PH Studio Yoel, a linear switch, each offers unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Cream Blue is best known for its clicky feedback, making it ideal for those who enjoy tactile and audible confirmation with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Yoel linear switch stands out for its smooth and consistent typing experience, perfect for those who prefer a quieter and more fluid typing feel. While the Cream Blue offers a satisfying clicky sound, the Yoel provides a bright and clacky profile that enhances the overall 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
53g
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
3.20 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Ly
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Single stage lengthened 20mm spring
Housing materials
The Outemu Cream Blue and PH Studio Yoel switches both have unique housing materials that contribute to their overall sound profiles. The Cream Blue's nylon top housing offers a deeper and fuller sound with a duller and rounder profile due to the softer nature of nylon. In contrast, the Yoel's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound, thanks to the stiffer properties of polycarbonate. While the Cream Blue's nylon bottom housing provides a similar deep and full sound profile as the top, the Yoel's POM bottom housing offers a unique and more muted sound on the deeper side. Overall, the differences in housing materials contribute to varying sound experiences with each switch.
Having different housing materials for the top and bottom of a switch can impact the overall typing experience. The qualities of the material used in the bottom housing will be felt more during bottom-out sounds and feel when pressing down on a key. In the case of the Cream Blue with nylon bottom housing, the deep and full sound profile is more pronounced during keystrokes. Similarly, the Yoel's POM bottom housing contributes to a unique and deeper sound experience during typing. Conversely, the qualities of the top housing material will have more of an impact on the sound produced when releasing a key, highlighting the importance of both housing materials in creating the overall typing experience.
While the Cream Blue and Yoel switches have distinct housing materials, they both offer unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences. The Cream Blue's nylon top housing creates a fuller and rounder sound, while the Yoel's polycarbonate top housing offers a sharper and crisper sound. Similarly, the bottom housing materials of nylon and POM in the Cream Blue and Yoel switches, respectively, contribute to their own unique sound characteristics. Whether you prefer a deeper, fuller sound or a sharper, crisper sound, both switches provide options to cater to individual preferences. Ultimately, the housing materials play a crucial role in shaping the overall typing experience and sound profile of each switch.
Weight
The Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch and the PH Studio Yoel linear switch both have relatively similar actuation forces, with the Yoel being slightly heavier at 53 grams compared to the Cream Blue's 50 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Cream Blue requires a heavier 65 grams compared to the Yoel's 60 grams. This means that while both switches may feel similar during actuation, the Cream Blue provides a more substantial typing experience due to its higher bottom out force. For those who prefer lighter switches for extended typing or gaming sessions, the Yoel may be the better option, while those who enjoy a heavier typing feel may lean towards the Cream Blue. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch and the PH Studio Yoel linear switch, it is evident that the Cream Blue has a longer travel distance of 4 mm compared to the Yoel's 3.2 mm. The Cream Blue's 4 mm travel distance provides a deeper and more pronounced key press feel, which may be preferred by those who enjoy a more tactile typing experience. On the other hand, the Yoel's shorter travel distance of 3.2 mm offers a quicker key response, making it ideal for gamers or individuals looking for faster typing speeds. Both switches offer unique advantages depending on personal preference, with the Cream Blue offering a deeper key press sensation and the Yoel providing a quicker response time. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on individual typing preferences and the desired typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The PH Studio Yoel has an MSRP of $4.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Yoel for $4.10.
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
In terms of sound, the Outemu Cream Blue switch is known for a unique sound profile that is not characterized by any specific descriptors. On the other hand, the PH Studio Yoel linear switch is described as clacky, high-pitched, marbly, and resonant. The Cream Blue switch may provide a quieter and more understated typing experience compared to the crisp and bright sound produced by the Yoel switch. Ultimately, the sound of a switch is not solely determined by the switch itself, but also by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the Cream Blue lacks specific descriptors to characterize its typing experience. In contrast, the Yoel switch is known for its creamy, polished, and silky sensation. Typing on the Yoel switch can be likened to gliding fingers effortlessly across the keys with a smooth and refined finish. This indicates reduced friction and enhanced smoothness in key travel, providing a satisfying and comfortable typing experience.
In conclusion, the Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch and the PH Studio Yoel linear switch offer contrasting qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Cream Blue switch lacks specific descriptors for sound and feel, it may provide a quieter and more subtle typing experience. On the other hand, the Yoel switch delivers a bright and clacky sound with a creamy and silky typing feel. Both switches have their own unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference when choosing between the two.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a clicky switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force, the Outemu Cream Blue switch is a solid choice. It provides a tactile and satisfying typing experience without compromising on sound quality. On the other hand, if you prefer a linear switch with a slightly lighter bottom out force, the PH Studio Yoel switch is worth considering. It offers a smooth and buttery typing feel while also delivering a unique clacky sound profile that is sure to enhance your typing experience. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on your personal preferences for typing feel and sound. Choose the Cream Blue for a clicky switch or the Yoel for a linear switch, both offering their own distinctive qualities for a great typing experience.
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