Outemu Cream Yellow vs. Outemu Dustproof Red
An in-depth look at the Outemu Cream Yellow and the Outemu Dustproof Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Cream Yellow and the Outemu Dustproof Red offer unique features to cater to different preferences. The Cream Yellow is a tactile switch, known for its precise actuation and tactile feedback, making it ideal for typists and gamers who prefer a more tactile typing experience. On the other hand, the Dustproof Red is a linear switch, which provides a smooth and consistent keystroke without any tactile bump, making it popular among gamers who prioritize speed and responsiveness. Both switches have their own strengths and weaknesses, but ultimately it comes down to personal preference and typing style. 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
60g
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
The Outemu Cream Yellow and Outemu Dustproof Red switches both offer unique housing materials that contribute to their sound profiles. The Cream Yellow's nylon top housing creates a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, the Dustproof Red's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper, higher-pitched sound with a more clear and resonant profile because of its stiffer plastic. While the Cream Yellow provides a softer typing experience, the Dustproof Red offers a crisper sound that may appeal to those seeking a more precise typing feel.
On the other hand, both switches share a nylon bottom housing, which enhances the typing experience by creating a deeper and fuller sound profile. The use of nylon in both bottom housings creates a similar sound profile with a duller and rounder texture, making them ideal for users who prefer a softer typing feel. Despite having different top housings, the shared bottom housing material ensures that users will still experience a similar typing sound and feel when using either the Cream Yellow or Dustproof Red switches.
Ultimately, the decision between the Outemu Cream Yellow and Dustproof Red switches will come down to personal preference in sound and typing experience. Those who prefer a deeper and fuller sound with a softer feel may lean towards the Cream Yellow with its nylon housings, while users looking for a crisper and more resonant sound may opt for the Dustproof Red with its polycarbonate top housing. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, showcasing the importance of housing materials in determining the overall typing experience.
Weight
Both the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch and the Outemu Dustproof Red linear switch have the same actuation force of 45 grams and bottom out force of 60 grams, making them equal in terms of requiring a medium amount of force for typing. The actuation force is the same for both switches, meaning that the initial push required to trigger a keystroke will feel identical. Similarly, the bottom out force for both switches is also the same, indicating that the amount of pressure needed to fully press down a key is consistent between the two. This makes them both suitable options for individuals who prefer a moderate amount of force for typing. Ultimately, whether one prefers a lighter or heavier switch will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
Comparing the travel distance of the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch and the Outemu Dustproof Red linear switch, we find that the Cream Yellow has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Dustproof Red has a travel distance of 4.0 mm. The Cream Yellow is the shorter of the two options, providing a quicker and more responsive feel when typing or gaming. On the other hand, the Dustproof Red offers a slightly longer travel distance, which may feel more satisfying to those who prefer a deeper keystroke. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the specific requirements of the user.
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 Red.
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 Yellow tactile switch is known for its smooth and responsive typing experience, with a satisfying tactile bump at the actuation point. This switch is popular among enthusiasts for its relatively quiet sound profile compared to other tactile switches. On the other hand, the Outemu Dustproof Red linear switch offers a smooth keystroke with no tactile bump, making it ideal for fast and uninterrupted typing. It is known for its linear feel and quiet operation, making it a popular choice for those who prefer a more subtle typing experience.
When it comes to sound, the Cream Yellow switch is often described as having a soft and muted sound compared to other tactile switches, making it a good option for those seeking a quieter typing experience. The Dustproof Red switch, on the other hand, offers a quiet typing experience with minimal noise, making it suitable for office environments or shared spaces where noise levels need to be kept low.
In terms of feel, the Cream Yellow switch provides a noticeable tactile bump at the actuation point, giving users feedback when a key press is registered. This switch is praised for its smooth and consistent feel, making it a popular choice for typing enthusiasts. The Dustproof Red switch, on the other hand, offers a linear keystroke with no tactile feedback, providing a smooth and uninterrupted typing experience. This switch is favored by gamers and fast typists who prefer a more linear feel.
Overall, both the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch and the Outemu Dustproof Red linear switch offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. If you enjoy a tactile typing experience with a quiet sound profile, the Cream Yellow switch may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth and linear keystroke with minimal noise, the Dustproof Red switch would be the more suitable option. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch and the Outemu Dustproof Red linear switch, consider the following factors. If you are looking for a tactile switch with a medium bottom out force of 60 grams and a unique feel, the Cream Yellow may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a linear switch with the same bottom out force and a smooth typing experience, the Dustproof Red could be the ideal option. Ultimately, your choice will depend on your personal preference for typing feel and sound. Make sure to test out both switches if possible to determine which one suits your typing style best.
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