Outemu Cream Pink vs. SP-Star Yanyu
An in-depth look at the Outemu Cream Pink and the SP-Star Yanyu switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the outemu cream pink and the SP-star Yanyu mechanical keyboard switches, both being linear switches, they offer a smooth keystroke experience. The cream pink is best known for its simplicity, making it stand out as a straightforward linear switch. On the other hand, the Yanyu switches are perfect for users seeking a gentler typing experience or those who type for extended periods, thanks to its material blend that produces a clear sound profile. Categorized as neutral, mild, thocky, feathery, subtle, polished, the Yanyu switch offers a unique typing experience. However, let's delve a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
43g
Pre-travel
2.00 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 housing materials of the Outemu Cream Pink and the SP-Star Yanyu switches both utilize nylon in their construction, providing a softer plastic that enhances sound profiles. The Cream Pink's nylon top and bottom housing create a deeper and fuller sound profile, absorbing more sound to produce a duller and rounder sound. In comparison, the Yanyu's unique blend of Polymer nylon and UHMWPE in both the top and bottom housing offers a pleasant sound profile that leans towards the brighter side, resulting in a slightly sharper sound profile compared to the Cream Pink.
While both switches share the use of nylon in their housing materials, the unique blend of Polymer nylon and UHMWPE in the Yanyu sets it apart from the Cream Pink. The Cream Pink's nylon housing provides a softer plastic that absorbs sound, creating a deep and round sound profile. In contrast, the Yanyu's blend offers a more distinctive sound profile that is brighter and not particularly sharp. This difference in sound characteristics can affect the typing experience and overall feel of the switches.
The impact of the housing materials on the sound profile and feel of the switches is notable when comparing the Cream Pink and the Yanyu. The qualities of the bottom housing, which has more of an impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, are emphasized in the Cream Pink's nylon bottom housing. On the other hand, the top housing plays a larger role in the sound when releasing a key, highlighting the unique blend of Polymer nylon and UHMWPE in the Yanyu. Both switches offer distinct sound profiles due to their housing materials, providing users with a variety of options to explore for their typing preferences.
Weight
The Outemu Cream Pink linear switch has a higher actuation force of 50 grams compared to the SP-Star Yanyu's unknown actuation force, making the Cream Pink switch heavier in terms of the force required to trigger a keystroke. In contrast, the Yanyu switch has a lighter bottom out force of 43 grams, while the Cream Pink has a bottom out force of 65 grams, making the Yanyu switch overall lighter in terms of the force needed to fully press down the key. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may gravitate towards the Yanyu switch, while those who enjoy a more substantial typing feel may lean towards the Cream Pink switch for a stronger push. Ultimately, selecting between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style, with lighter switches being preferable for extended typing sessions and heavier switches offering a more robust typing experience.
Travel distance
Both the Outemu Cream Pink linear switch and the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them both equal in this aspect. When comparing the travel distance of these switches, it is clear that they provide a consistent experience in terms of keypress depth. This means that users can expect similar results in terms of typing feel and response from both switches. This similarity in travel distance ensures that typing on either switch will feel familiar and comfortable, making them both reliable options for keyboard users looking for a smooth 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 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 switch is known for its lack of specific qualities, while the SP-Star Yanyu switch is praised for providing a delicate typing experience ideal for long periods of use. When it comes to sound, the Cream Pink's profile is unspecified, while the Yanyu switch is noted for its crisp sound thanks to its material blend. The Yanyu switch offers a moderate actuation force requirement and a moderate sound profile, making it versatile for various users and scenarios. Additionally, the Yanyu switch can deliver a deep and satisfying "thocky" sound, which adds to the overall typing experience.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Cream Pink's characteristics are not specified, while the SP-Star Yanyu switch is described as mild, feathery, subtle, and polished. The Yanyu switch provides a gentle typing experience with light actuation force, reducing finger fatigue and making it comfortable for extended typing sessions. It also offers a smooth and refined finish, resulting in a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. The Yanyu switch's qualities are well-balanced, providing a safe middle ground for most users.
In conclusion, while the Outemu Cream Pink and SP-Star Yanyu switches have differing subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel, they both offer a unique typing experience. Depending on individual preferences, the Cream Pink may be a more neutral option in terms of sound and feel, while the Yanyu switch provides a delicate and satisfying typing experience with its crisp sound and gentle feel. Both switches have their own strengths and can cater to a variety of users based on their typing preferences. Ultimately, users can expect similar results in terms of performance and satisfaction with either switch.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force and are not particularly concerned with sound or feel characteristics, the Outemu Cream Pink linear switch may be the one for you. However, if you prefer a lighter typing experience and enjoy a crisp sound profile, especially for long typing sessions, the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch would be a better choice. The Yanyu switch offers a lighter bottom out force and a variety of feel options, such as a gentle and polished typing experience. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on your personal preferences for typing feel, sound, and bottom out force. Consider your typing habits and preferences to determine which switch would best suit your needs.
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