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Outemu Cream Yellow vs. Outemu Dustproof Brown

An in-depth look at the Outemu Cream Yellow and the Outemu Dustproof Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Outemu Cream Yellow and the Outemu Dustproof Brown, both of which are tactile switches. The Cream Yellow is known for its smooth and silent operation, making it ideal for those who prefer a quieter typing experience. On the other hand, the Dustproof Brown is recognized for its dustproof design, ensuring longevity and durability. While the Cream Yellow excels in providing a smooth typing experience, the Dustproof Brown prioritizes reliability and resilience against environmental elements. 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

65g

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

PCB (5-pin)

Spring

Stainless steel

Spring

Stainless steel

Housing materials

In comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Cream Yellow and the Outemu Dustproof Brown switches, it is clear that the Cream Yellow features a nylon top and bottom housing, while the Dustproof Brown has a polycarbonate top housing and a nylon bottom housing. The nylon top housing of the Cream Yellow creates a duller and rounder sound profile, absorbing more sound due to its softer plastic composition. In contrast, the polycarbonate top housing of the Dustproof Brown results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, providing a more clear and resonant sound due to its stiffer plastic composition. While both switches have a nylon bottom housing, they both elicit a deeper and fuller sound profile, creating a similar typing experience in terms of sound.

However, the difference in the materials used for the top housing of the Cream Yellow and Dustproof Brown switches does result in a noticeable variation in sound and feel. The Cream Yellow's nylon top housing contributes to a deeper and fuller sound when pressing down on a key, while the Dustproof Brown's polycarbonate top housing enhances the sharpness and clarity of the sound when releasing a key. This difference highlights how the choice of housing material can impact not only the sound profile but also the overall typing experience. Despite both switches having a nylon bottom housing, the split between the top and bottom housing materials emphasizes the importance of each component in shaping the characteristics of the switch.

In conclusion, the housing materials of the Outemu Cream Yellow and the Outemu Dustproof Brown switches showcase the different sound profiles that can be achieved based on the choice of nylon or polycarbonate for the top housing. While both switches share a nylon bottom housing, the Cream Yellow's duller and rounder sound contrasts with the Dustproof Brown's sharper and crisper sound, highlighting the impact of housing materials on the typing experience. Whether opting for a deeper and fuller sound with the Cream Yellow or a sharper and clearer sound with the Dustproof Brown, the choice of housing material plays a significant role in shaping the overall performance of a switch.

Weight

Both the Outemu Cream Yellow and Outemu Dustproof Brown tactile switches have the same actuation force of 45 grams, meaning they require the same amount of force to trigger a keystroke. However, the bottom out force of the Cream Yellow is 60 grams, making it lighter compared to the Dustproof Brown, which has a bottom out force of 65 grams, making it slightly heavier. The Cream Yellow provides a medium typing experience in terms of force, suitable for users who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing sessions or gaming. In contrast, the Dustproof Brown offers a medium-heavy typing experience, ideal for those who prefer a more substantial push feel while typing. Overall, the actuation and bottom out forces of these two switches cater to different preferences, with the Cream Yellow being lighter and the Dustproof Brown being slightly heavier.

Travel distance

The Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Outemu Dustproof Brown tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. The Dustproof Brown has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Cream Yellow. A 4.0mm travel distance is considered more traditional, while a 3.3mm distance is on the shorter end. Gamers may prefer the Cream Yellow for its shorter travel distance, allowing for faster response times. On the other hand, those looking for a more substantial key press may prefer the Dustproof Brown with its longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and key press feel.

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 Dustproof 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 smooth and quiet typing experience, making it a great option for those who prefer a more silent keyboard. On the other hand, the Outemu Dustproof Brown tactile switch is also known for its quiet operation, providing a satisfying typing feedback without the loud clicky sound often associated with mechanical keyboards. Ultimately, both switches offer a quiet typing experience, so you can expect similar results in terms of sound regardless of which one you choose.

In terms of feel, the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch is praised for its smooth and responsive tactile bump, providing a satisfying typing experience for those who enjoy a noticeable feedback with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Outemu Dustproof Brown tactile switch offers a slightly heavier actuation force, giving a more tactile and pronounced bump when typing. Both switches provide a comfortable and enjoyable typing experience, with the Cream Yellow offering a lighter touch and the Dustproof Brown offering a bit more resistance.

Overall, when comparing the subjective qualities of the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch and the Outemu Dustproof Brown tactile switch, it is clear that both switches offer a quiet typing experience with a satisfying tactile feedback. The Cream Yellow provides a lighter touch while the Dustproof Brown offers a slightly heavier actuation force, giving users the option to choose based on their personal preference. Ultimately, both switches are reliable and well-built options for anyone looking for a pleasant typing experience.

Conclusion

In closing, when deciding between the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch and the Outemu Dustproof Brown tactile switch, it really comes down to your personal preference for bottom out force and sound. If you prefer a lighter bottom out force, the Cream Yellow with 60 grams may be more comfortable for you, whereas if you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force, the Dustproof Brown with 65 grams may be more suitable. Additionally, if you are someone who values a quieter typing experience, the Cream Yellow may be the better choice, whereas if you enjoy a bit of a clicky sound, the Dustproof Brown may be more appealing. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on your individual typing preferences and what feels best for you.

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