Outemu Cream Pink vs. Gateron Weightlessness
An in-depth look at the Outemu Cream Pink and the Gateron Weightlessness switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the Outemu Cream Pink and the Gateron Weightlessness offer distinct experiences tailored to different user preferences. The Outemu Cream Pink is celebrated for its smooth linear action, making it an excellent choice for gamers or typists who prioritize swift key presses and minimal resistance. In contrast, the Gateron Weightlessness provides a tactile feel, delivering a subtle to moderate bump that enhances the typing experience without being too intrusive, complemented by a balanced sound profile. While the Cream Pink caters to those who favor speed and fluidity, the Weightlessness appeals to users who appreciate tactile feedback and auditory satisfaction. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
22mm double-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Cream Pink and the Gateron Weightlessness, it is evident that both switches utilize nylon for their top and bottom housings. This common choice of material contributes significantly to their performance characteristics. As nylon is a softer plastic, it absorbs sound more effectively compared to harder alternatives, resulting in both switches producing a deeper and fuller sound profile during use. Consequently, users of either switch can expect a similar auditory experience characterized by a duller and rounder sound when typing. This shared material quality reinforces the perception of tactile and auditory satisfaction when using these switches.
Despite having the same nylon composition, the effects of each housing may vary slightly based on the design intricacies and any other underlying features that differentiate the Cream Pink from the Weightlessness. For instance, while the bottom housing primarily impacts the bottom-out sound and feel, the top housing plays a crucial role in the sound produced upon releasing a key. Thus, even with identical housing materials, the overall typing experience can be influenced by how each switch is engineered and assembled. The nuances in design between the switches may result in distinct overall experiences, even if the foundational sound absorption qualities of the nylon remain consistent.
Ultimately, both the Outemu Cream Pink and the Gateron Weightlessness rely on their nylon housings to enhance the typing experience, yet they may still present subtle variations. Users can anticipate a fulfilling auditory profile with each switch due to the sound-absorbing properties of nylon, but the specific nuances of how these characters blend and emerge during use may highlight the unique appeal of each switch. Those who prefer a certain type of feedback or sound can therefore make their choice based on personal preferences, knowing that they will still benefit from the core sound dampening characteristics that nylon inherently provides.
Weight
The Outemu Cream Pink linear switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch share the same actuation force of 50 grams, making them comparable in terms of the force required to trigger a keystroke. This means that both switches allow for a similar typing feel when it comes to actuating the key. However, the bottom out force differs significantly: the Cream Pink has a bottom out force of 65 grams, which is medium-heavy, while the bottom out force for the Gateron Weightlessness is unavailable. This implies that the Cream Pink provides a more substantial feel when fully pressed down, catering to users who prefer a heavier switch. Consequently, the Outemu Cream Pink is the heavier option overall due to its higher bottom out force, while the Weightlessness, despite its equal actuation force, remains undefined in this respect. For those who prioritize a lighter switch for long typing or gaming sessions, the Gateron Weightlessness may be the more appealing choice, assuming it possesses a lighter bottom out force.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Outemu Cream Pink linear switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch, a clear distinction emerges. The Cream Pink features a travel distance of 4 mm, which adheres to the more traditional travel distance that many users find familiar and comfortable. In contrast, the Weightlessness offers a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm, aligning with the growing trend of shorter switch profiles that appeal particularly to gamers seeking quicker response times. This difference means that those who opt for the Cream Pink will experience a deeper, more substantial feel when pressing down on the key, while those choosing the Weightlessness will enjoy a snappier and more immediate activation. For users who prefer a hearty depth, the Cream Pink is the better choice, whereas those who favor a more responsive experience will likely gravitate towards the Weightlessness. Thus, while both switches serve different preferences well, they do not have the same travel distance, with the Cream Pink being the longer option and the Weightlessness being the shorter.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Weightlessness has an MSRP of $6.10 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Weightlessness for $5.50.
The Outemu Cream Pink 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
The Outemu Cream Pink linear switch is relatively quiet compared to many other mechanical switches, providing a smooth keystroke without any distinct audible feedback. In contrast, the Gateron Weightlessness switch has a balanced sound profile that offers a subtle to moderate tactile feel, giving it a more pronounced auditory character when pressed. While both switches can be influenced by factors such as the choice of keyboard and keycap materials, the Weightlessness’s distinct sound can be more engaging during use, especially for those who appreciate tactile elements over pure linear switches.
When it comes to feel, the Cream Pink switch stands out for its exceptionally smooth linear action, allowing for seamless key presses without any tactile bumps, making it excellent for users who prefer a fluid typing experience. On the other hand, the Weightlessness tactile switch provides a subtle to moderate tactile feedback, creating a noticeable resistance that can guide typists during key actuations. This tactile response can enhance typing precision and satisfaction for those who enjoy a bit of feedback without the aggressiveness of a clicky switch.
In summary, the Outemu Cream Pink switch emphasizes a quiet, smooth, linear feel ideal for those who prioritize typing comfort without auditory distractions, while the Gateron Weightlessness offers a balanced sound and tactile feedback that caters to users who enjoy a more interactive typing experience. Ultimately, if you seek a quieter environment without losing the satisfaction of tactile feedback, you can find complementary qualities in both switches, allowing you to tailor your mechanical keyboard experience based on your personal preferences.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Outemu Cream Pink linear switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch, it ultimately boils down to your personal preferences in typing experience. If you favor a firmer feel and enjoy the smoothness of linear switches, the Cream Pink with its medium-heavy bottom-out force of 65 grams could be ideal for you, especially in a gaming setting or for long typing sessions where you appreciate a more substantial key press. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch that provides tactile feedback without the jarring bump often associated with clicky switches, the Weightlessness is designed to offer a subtle to moderate tactile feel that enhances your typing experience while maintaining a quieter sound profile. Therefore, if you seek a balanced sound and tactile experience, the Gateron Weightlessness may be your best choice. Ultimately, your decision will depend on whether you prioritize a heavier, linear typing experience or a gentler, tactile feel that provides satisfying feedback without excess noise.
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