Outemu Cream Yellow vs. Outemu Lotus
An in-depth look at the Outemu Cream Yellow and the Outemu Lotus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options that often come up are the Outemu Cream Yellow, a tactile switch, and the Outemu Lotus, a linear switch. The Cream Yellow is best known for its tactile feedback, providing a satisfying click with each key press. On the other hand, the Lotus is known for its smooth and consistent keystrokes due to its linear design. If you prefer a more tactile typing experience, the Cream Yellow may be the better choice for you. However, if you prioritize smooth and consistent key presses, the Lotus could be the ideal option. These are just general pointers to consider, but 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
35g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
Nylon
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
Both the Outemu Cream Yellow and the Outemu Lotus utilize nylon as their housing material, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing on switches. This is due to nylon's softer properties, which absorb more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. The similarities in housing material between the two switches suggest that users can expect a similar typing experience in terms of sound profile and overall feel.
Despite both switches sharing the same nylon housing material, the differences in their design and construction may lead to variations in typing experience. The split between the top and bottom housings of a switch means that the qualities of the housing material are distributed differently throughout the switch. The bottom housing has a more significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing affects the sound when releasing a key. Therefore, even with the same housing material, subtle variations in typing sensation may be present between the Cream Yellow and the Lotus.
Overall, the use of nylon as the housing material in both the Outemu Cream Yellow and Outemu Lotus switches highlights a deliberate choice by the manufacturer to prioritize a deeper and fuller sound profile for users. While the specifics of the typing experience may vary slightly between the two switches due to design differences, the commonality of nylon housing ensures a consistent sound profile and overall feel. Users can expect a comfortable and satisfying typing experience with either switch, thanks to the absorbent and sound-enhancing properties of nylon.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch and the Outemu Lotus linear switch, it is clear that the Lotus is the lighter option of the two. While the Cream Yellow has a medium actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, the Lotus boasts a lighter actuation force of 35 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. The Cream Yellow provides a more substantial typing experience with its heavier forces, making it ideal for those who prefer a stronger push feel. On the other hand, the Lotus offers a lighter touch, perfect for longer typing sessions or extended gaming periods. Both switches have their own advantages, with the Cream Yellow offering a more tactile typing experience, while the Lotus provides a smoother and lighter feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch and the Outemu Lotus linear switch both have a travel distance of 3.3 mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that when pressing down on a key with either of these switches, the distance traveled from the top to the bottom will be the same. This can result in similar typing experiences and overall key feel for users who prefer a similar amount of travel distance in their switches. Overall, both switches offer a consistent and predictable typing experience in terms of travel distance, making them suitable choices for users who prioritize this aspect in their mechanical keyboards.
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 Lotus.
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 Cream Yellow tactile switch is known for its quiet and satisfying typing experience, with a soft and subtle sound profile that is pleasant for both work and gaming. On the other hand, the Lotus linear switch has a smooth and silent operation, making it ideal for situations where noise is a concern, such as shared workspaces or late-night gaming sessions. However, it is essential to consider that the sound produced by a switch can also be influenced by factors like the keyboard's construction and keycap material.
In regards to the feel, the Cream Yellow tactile switch offers a tactile bump that provides feedback to the user's fingers, resulting in a more pronounced typing experience with a defined actuation point. Conversely, the Lotus linear switch delivers a consistent keystroke with smooth linear travel, allowing for quick and effortless typing without any tactile feedback. Both switches offer a satisfying typing experience, but the Cream Yellow provides a more tactile sensation compared to the Lotus.
Considering all available information, it is evident that the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch and the Outemu Lotus linear switch cater to different preferences and typing styles. While the Cream Yellow excels in providing a tactile typing experience with a quiet sound profile, the Lotus offers a smooth and silent operation ideal for noise-sensitive environments. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on the individual's personal preference for feedback, sound, and typing style. Regardless of the choice made, users can expect a high-quality typing experience with either switch.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch and the Outemu Lotus linear switch, consider the factors that matter most to you. If you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force at 60 grams and appreciate a tactile feel without any particular standout feature, the Cream Yellow may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force at 50 grams and enjoy a smooth linear feel without any standout features, the Lotus may be more to your liking. Ultimately, when choosing between these two switches, prioritize your preferences for typing experience and sound to make the best decision for your mechanical keyboard setup.
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