Outemu Cream Yellow vs. Akko Penguin
An in-depth look at the Outemu Cream Yellow and the Akko Penguin switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to comparing mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Cream Yellow and the Akko Penguin both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Cream Yellow is known for its innovative design and tactile feedback, while the Penguin stands out for its silent operation, making it great for office environments. The Cream Yellow provides a solid tactile bump for a satisfying typing experience, whereas the Penguin offers a rounded tactile bump that is quieter and more subtle. Both switches are categorized differently - the Cream Yellow falls under a category of unknown qualities, while the Penguin is described as polished, muted, mild, neutral, feathery, and subtle. Depending on your preference for noise level, typing experience, and overall feel, each switch offers its own benefits. 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
43g
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
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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
Both the Outemu Cream Yellow and the Akko Penguin utilize nylon as the material for their top and bottom switch housings. This commonality means that both switches elicit a similar deep and full sound profile when typing, as nylon's softer plastic absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. In terms of sound production, users can expect a comparable experience between the two switches due to the shared nylon housing material.
Although both the Outemu Cream Yellow and the Akko Penguin use nylon for their switch housings, there may still be differences in their overall typing experience. The qualities brought by the housing material will be split between the top and bottom of the switch, with the bottom housing having a more significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, and the top housing affecting the sound when releasing a key. Therefore, subtle variations in typing sensation and acoustics may still be present despite the similar nylon housing material used in both switches.
In summary, while the Outemu Cream Yellow and the Akko Penguin share the same nylon material for their switch housings, there may be nuanced differences in their overall typing experience. The bottom housing of each switch will play a crucial role in the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing will affect the sound produced when releasing a key. However, for users seeking a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing, both switches are likely to deliver comparable results due to the absorbing nature of nylon plastic.
Weight
The Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch and the Akko Penguin tactile switch both have a bottom out force of 60 grams, providing a consistent typing experience when fully pressed. However, the Cream Yellow has a slightly higher actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Penguin's 43 grams. This means that the Cream Yellow requires a slightly more forceful touch to register a keystroke compared to the Penguin. In terms of weight preference, those who enjoy a lighter touch may prefer the Penguin for longer typing sessions or gaming, while those who prefer a bit more resistance may lean towards the Cream Yellow for a more substantial typing experience. Overall, both switches offer a medium level of actuation and bottom out force, providing a balanced typing feel for different preferences.
Travel distance
Both the Outemu Cream Yellow and the Akko Penguin tactile switches have a travel distance of 3.3 mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that when you press down on a key with either of these switches, you will get a similar tactile feel and feedback due to the identical travel distance. This can result in consistent typing or gaming experiences for users who prefer a shorter travel distance compared to switches with longer distances. Overall, users can expect a similar typing or gaming experience with both switches due to their matched travel distances.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Akko Penguin has an MSRP of $4.22 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Penguin for $3.10.
The Outemu Cream Yellow comes in at $3.10 per 10 switches.
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 switch is known for producing a standard sound typical of mechanical switches, while the Akko Penguin switch is praised for its muted and neutral sound profile. This makes the Penguin switch a great choice for those looking to minimize keyboard noise in a shared office environment. Keep in mind that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard chassis and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Cream Yellow switch does not have any specific descriptors provided, while the Akko Penguin switch is described as polished, mild, feathery, and subtle. This indicates that the Penguin switch offers a smooth and refined typing experience with gentle key presses that are comfortable for extended use. The feathery and subtle qualities make it suitable for both work and gaming purposes without causing finger fatigue.
Overall, the Outemu Cream Yellow and Akko Penguin switches offer different experiences in terms of sound and feel. While the Cream Yellow provides a standard tactile typing experience, the Penguin switch stands out for its silent operation and comfortable key presses. Depending on your preferences and environment, you can choose between the two switches to achieve similar typing results with varying levels of noise and tactile feedback.
Conclusion
In summary, when deciding between the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch and the Akko Penguin tactile switch, consider the environment in which you'll be using the keyboard. If you prioritize a silent typing experience for office settings or shared spaces, the Akko Penguin switches with their muted sound profile and smooth typing feel may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you value a medium-weight switch with no specific standout feature and are not concerned about noise levels, the Outemu Cream Yellow switches could be a suitable option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences and the specific requirements of your typing environment.
Mentioned in this article
