Outemu Cream Yellow vs. Outemu Purple
An in-depth look at the Outemu Cream Yellow and the Outemu Purple switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Cream Yellow and the Outemu Purple both offer tactile feedback, making them popular choices among keyboard enthusiasts. The Cream Yellow switch is known for its None feature, while the Purple switch also boasts None. Both switches fall under the category of tactile switches, providing users with a satisfying tactile bump when pressed. If you prefer a lighter actuation force, the Cream Yellow may be the better choice, whereas the Purple switch offers a slightly heavier actuation force. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
N/A
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 Purple, it is evident that the Cream Yellow features nylon top and bottom housings, while the Purple has a polycarbonate top housing and a nylon bottom housing. The use of nylon in the Cream Yellow results in a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, which absorbs more sound. On the other hand, the polycarbonate top housing of the Purple creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile that is more clear and resonant. Both switches provide different auditory experiences, with the Cream Yellow offering a duller and rounder sound compared to the Purple's crisper and more pronounced sound.
While the top and bottom housings of the Cream Yellow are both made of nylon, the Purple features a combination of polycarbonate and nylon in its housing construction. This difference in materials may lead to varying sound and feel characteristics when typing on the switches. The Cream Yellow's nylon bottom housing contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, while the Purple's nylon bottom housing shares similar qualities in creating a duller and rounder sound. However, the polycarbonate top housing of the Purple adds a sharp and resonant element to its sound profile, distinguishing it from the Cream Yellow's softer and fuller sound.
In essence, the choice of housing materials greatly influences the sound and feel of mechanical switches. While both the Outemu Cream Yellow and the Outemu Purple utilize nylon in their housing construction, the introduction of polycarbonate in the Purple's top housing sets it apart from the Cream Yellow in terms of sound characteristics. However, similarities can still be found in the fuller sound profile created by the nylon materials used in both switches. Ultimately, the decision between the Cream Yellow and the Purple will depend on personal preference for sound and typing experience, with the Cream Yellow offering a deeper, softer sound and the Purple providing a sharper, crisper sound.
Weight
When comparing the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch and the Outemu Purple tactile switch, the actuation force of the Cream Yellow is lighter at 45 grams compared to the Purple's 50 grams. This means that the Cream Yellow may be preferred by those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Cream Yellow requires a heavier force of 60 grams compared to the Purple, for which the force is unknown. This indicates that the Cream Yellow may provide a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out forces, with the Cream Yellow offering a lighter actuation force and heavier bottom out force compared to the Purple.
Travel distance
The Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.3mm, while the Outemu Purple tactile switch has a travel distance of 4mm. In this case, the Outemu Cream Yellow has a shorter travel distance compared to the Outemu Purple. The Cream Yellow's 3.3mm travel distance falls into the category of shorter distances, which is preferred by gamers for faster response times. On the other hand, the Purple's 4mm travel distance provides a deeper key press, which some may find more satisfying. Both switches offer a different typing experience due to their varying travel distances, with the Cream Yellow offering a quicker response and the Purple offering a more deliberate keystroke. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference for travel distance and typing 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 Purple.
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 and Purple tactile switches both offer a satisfying typing experience with a moderate level of noise. The Cream Yellow switch is known for its smooth and quiet operation, making it ideal for those who prefer a quieter typing experience. On the other hand, the Purple switch has a slightly more pronounced sound, giving users a more tactile and satisfying feedback as they type. Keep in mind that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard housing and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Cream Yellow switch provides a light and smooth tactile bump with a relatively low actuation force, making it effortless to type on for extended periods. Conversely, the Purple switch offers a more pronounced tactile bump, giving users a more tactile typing experience with a slightly higher actuation force. Both switches provide a satisfying tactile feedback that can enhance typing accuracy and overall typing experience.
In conclusion, while the Cream Yellow and Purple tactile switches have their own unique sound and feel characteristics, both switches offer a pleasant typing experience suitable for different preferences. Whether you prefer a smoother and quieter operation like the Cream Yellow or a more pronounced tactile feedback like the Purple, you can expect a high-quality typing experience with either switch. Experimenting with different switches can help you find the perfect match for your typing style and preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Outemu Cream Yellow and Outemu Purple tactile switches, you should take into consideration the bottom out force and your personal preferences in terms of sound and feel. If you prefer a medium bottom out force of 60 grams and are looking for a switch that is best known for a specific characteristic (which is not provided in the information), then the Cream Yellow may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a bottom out force of None grams and are looking for a switch with a different characteristic (which is also not provided in the information), then the Purple may be more suited to your needs. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on what qualities are most important to you in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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