Outemu Cream Yellow vs. Outemu Gold
An in-depth look at the Outemu Cream Yellow and the Outemu Gold 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 Gold. The Cream Yellow is a tactile switch with a smooth and quiet typing experience, perfect for those who prefer a more subtle typing feel. On the other hand, the Gold is a clicky switch that provides audible feedback with each keystroke, ideal for those who enjoy the satisfying sound of typing. Both switches offer their own unique advantages, making it a matter of personal preference when choosing between them. 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
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
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 Gold, the most significant difference lies in the material used for the top housing. The Cream Yellow features a nylon top housing, known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer properties that absorb more sound. On the other hand, the Gold utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile thanks to its stiffer nature. This contrast in sound characteristics between the two materials can play a significant role in the overall typing experience for users.
Moving on to the bottom housing of the switches, both the Cream Yellow and Gold feature nylon materials. This commonality means that both switches will elicit a deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon's softer properties absorb more sound than harder plastics. This similarity in bottom housing material suggests that when it comes to the typing experience and sound produced during bottom-out moments, users can expect comparable results from both switches. However, the nuances in sound resulting from the contrasting top housing materials may still lead to noticeable differences in overall sound profiles between the Cream Yellow and Gold switches.
Considering the impact of having different materials for the top and bottom housings, users can expect a split in the sound characteristics of the switches depending on keypress actions. The bottom housing will have a greater influence on the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed, while the top housing will play a more significant role in the sound produced when the key is released. This divergence in sound profiles created by the top and bottom housing materials further emphasizes the unique typing experiences that the Outemu Cream Yellow and Outemu Gold switches offer to users.
Weight
Comparing the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch and the Outemu Gold clicky switch, both switches have the same actuation force of 45 grams and bottom out force of 60 grams, making them medium in terms of weight. This means that users can expect similar results in terms of key press sensitivity and typing experience. The actuation force of both switches is light enough to allow for quick typing and gaming sessions without causing fatigue, while the bottom out force provides enough resistance for a satisfying typing feel. Overall, users looking for a medium-weight switch with a balance between actuation force and bottom out force may find both the Outemu Cream Yellow and Outemu Gold switches suitable for their needs.
Travel distance
The Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Outemu Gold clicky switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. The Cream Yellow offers a shorter travel distance, making it ideal for those looking for quicker response times, such as gamers. On the other hand, the Gold switch provides a slightly longer travel distance, which may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial key press feeling. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Gold switch being slightly longer than the Cream Yellow. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on individual preferences for key press depth 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 Gold.
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
In terms of sound, the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch is known for its quiet operation, making it ideal for those who prefer a more subtle typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Gold clicky switch offers a satisfying click with each keystroke, providing audible feedback that some users find satisfying. Depending on the user's preference, the Cream Yellow's silent actuation may be favorable for quiet environments, while the Gold's audible click can be appealing for those who enjoy a more tactile and audible typing experience.
When it comes to feel, the Cream Yellow switch is praised for its smooth and tactile bump that provides a satisfying feedback without being too overwhelming. In contrast, the Gold switch offers a crisp and distinctive tactile feedback with each keystroke, giving users a more pronounced typing experience. Both switches offer a satisfying tactile feel, but the Cream Yellow is known for its smoother bump, while the Gold provides a more pronounced tactile feedback with each key press.
In conclusion, the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch and the Outemu Gold clicky switch offer distinct sound and feel qualities that cater to different preferences. The Cream Yellow provides a quieter and smoother typing experience, making it suitable for those who prefer a more subtle feedback. On the other hand, the Gold switch offers a louder click and more pronounced tactile feedback, appealing to users who enjoy a more audible and tactile typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on the individual's preference for sound and feel during typing.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch and the Outemu Gold clicky switch, you should consider the following factors. If you prefer a tactile switch with a medium bottom out force of 60 grams and are looking for a quieter typing experience, the Cream Yellow may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a clicky switch with the same bottom out force and enjoy the audible feedback while typing, the Gold switch might be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preference for sound and feel when typing. Both switches offer a unique typing experience, so it's important to choose the one that aligns with your preferences.
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