Outemu Cream Yellow vs. Outemu Crystal Brown
An in-depth look at the Outemu Cream Yellow and the Outemu Crystal Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between the Outemu Cream Yellow and the Outemu Crystal Brown mechanical keyboard switches, it is important to consider their tactile characteristics. The Cream Yellow switch is known for its smooth and silent tactile feedback, making it a popular choice for those who prefer a quieter typing experience. On the other hand, the Crystal Brown switch offers a tactile bump that provides a more pronounced and satisfying typing feel. While both switches fall under the tactile category, they cater to different preferences in terms of typing feedback. 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
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
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 Yellow and the Outemu Crystal Brown switches, it is evident that they both use nylon for the bottom housing. This means that both switches will offer a similar typing experience in terms of sound profile, with nylon's softer plastic absorbing more sound and creating a deeper, fuller sound profile. Whether you opt for the Cream Yellow or the Crystal Brown, you can expect a typing experience that is characterized by a duller and rounder sound, thanks to the nylon bottom housing.
However, where the two switches differ is in their top housing material. The Cream Yellow features a nylon top housing, while the Crystal Brown utilizes a polycarbonate top housing. This contrast in materials leads to a difference in sound profiles, with the Cream Yellow offering a deeper and fuller sound due to nylon's softer nature, while the Crystal Brown provides a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound thanks to polycarbonate's stiffer properties. Additionally, the polycarbonate top housing in the Crystal Brown allows for RGB lighting, adding an aesthetic element to the switch that the Cream Yellow does not offer.
Overall, the choice between the Outemu Cream Yellow and the Outemu Crystal Brown ultimately comes down to personal preference in sound profile and aesthetics. While both switches share a nylon bottom housing that provides a deep and full sound profile, the differing top housing materials create distinct typing experiences. If you prefer a sharper, crisper sound with the option for RGB lighting, the Crystal Brown may be the better choice. On the other hand, if you lean towards a deeper, fuller sound profile, the Cream Yellow with its nylon top housing may be more to your liking.
Weight
The Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch and Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch have similar actuation forces of 45 grams each. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Cream Yellow requires 60 grams while the Crystal Brown requires 55 grams. This makes the Crystal Brown the lighter option when it comes to typing resistance. For those who prefer a lighter touch to type for extended periods, the Crystal Brown may be the better choice. On the other hand, the Cream Yellow provides a slightly heavier typing experience, which may be preferred by those who like a more substantial push feel. Both switches offer a medium actuation force, but the Cream Yellow is heavier in terms of bottom out force compared to the Crystal Brown, providing a bit more resistance when fully pressing down on the keys. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for typing feel and desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Crystal Brown switch has a longer travel distance compared to the Cream Yellow switch. The difference in travel distance may result in a slightly deeper key press experience with the Crystal Brown switch, which some users may prefer for a more profound typing sensation. On the other hand, the Cream Yellow switch's shorter travel distance may appeal to those looking for a quicker response time, such as gamers. Overall, the choice between the two switches ultimately comes down to personal preference in terms of typing experience and responsiveness.
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 Yellow and Crystal Brown.
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 Yellow tactile switch is known for its quiet and smooth typing experience, making it a popular choice for those looking for a more subtle keyboard sound. On the other hand, the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch is known for its slightly more pronounced sound, providing a bit more feedback with each key press. Ultimately, the sound produced by these switches will also depend on the keyboard and keycaps being used.
Moving on to feel, the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch is praised for its light and tactile feedback, making it a favorite among typists who prefer a soft and responsive typing experience. In contrast, the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch offers a slightly firmer tactile bump, providing a more pronounced feedback with each keystroke. Both switches offer a satisfying tactile feel, but the Cream Yellow is lighter and softer, while the Crystal Brown offers a slightly more pronounced tactile bump.
Taking all of the available information into account, it is clear that the Outemu Cream Yellow and Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switches offer distinct typing experiences in terms of sound and feel. The Cream Yellow is quieter and softer, while the Crystal Brown provides a more pronounced feedback with each keystroke. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will come down to personal preference and the type of typing experience you are seeking. Whether you go for the Cream Yellow or the Crystal Brown, you can expect a high-quality tactile switch that will elevate your typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the Outemu Cream Yellow and the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switches, you should consider the factors of bottom out force, sound, and feel. If you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force of 60 grams and enjoy a specific sound and feel, the Cream Yellow may be the better choice for you. However, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force of 55 grams and a different sound and feel, then the Crystal Brown might be more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing experience and which attributes are most important to you in a mechanical keyboard switch.
Mentioned in this article
