Outemu Cream Yellow vs. Durock Piano
An in-depth look at the Outemu Cream Yellow and the Durock Piano switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When deciding between mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Outemu Cream Yellow, a tactile switch, and the Durock Piano, a linear switch. The Cream Yellow is best known for its tactile feedback, providing a satisfying click with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Durock Piano stands out for its smooth and silent typing experience, thanks to its proprietary material blend that offers a gliding push feel and a deep, creamy sound signature. While the Cream Yellow may be preferred for those who enjoy the tactile response, the Piano caters to individuals seeking a frictionless and silky typing experience. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
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
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
pom
Stem material
Mystery material
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Proprietary POM blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary POM blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The Outemu Cream Yellow and Durock Piano both feature unique housing materials for their switches, with the Cream Yellow utilizing a nylon top and bottom housing, while the Piano uses a proprietary POM blend for both its top and bottom housing. Both nylon and POM are known for their ability to produce deeper and fuller sound profiles, as they are softer plastics that absorb more sound than harder plastics. This results in a duller and rounder sound that is satisfying for many mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Despite their similar sound profiles, the Cream Yellow and Piano switches may have subtle differences in the overall typing experience due to the unique properties of nylon and POM. The Cream Yellow's nylon housing may provide a slightly softer and more absorbent feel when typing, creating a smoother and quieter typing experience compared to the Piano's POM blend housing. On the other hand, the Piano's proprietary POM blend may offer a more tactile and robust feel, making it more suitable for those who prefer a more pronounced keystroke feedback.
In conclusion, while both the Outemu Cream Yellow and Durock Piano switches offer deep and satisfying sound profiles, the choice between them may come down to personal preference in terms of typing feel. The Cream Yellow's nylon housing may provide a softer and quieter typing experience, while the Piano's POM blend housing may offer a more tactile and robust feel. Ultimately, both switches are excellent options for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts looking for a premium typing experience.
Weight
In comparing the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch and the Durock Piano linear switch, it is evident that the Cream Yellow has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Piano's unknown actuation force. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Cream Yellow requires 60 grams while the Piano demands 63.5 grams, making the Piano the heavier of the two switches. For those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing sessions or gaming, the Cream Yellow may be the better choice. On the other hand, individuals looking for a more substantial typing experience may appreciate the heavier bottom out force of the Piano. Despite the slight differences in actuation and bottom out forces, both switches offer a medium to medium-heavy tactile experience, providing similar results in overall typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
The Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, making it shorter than the Durock Piano linear switch, which has a travel distance of 4 mm. The Cream Yellow provides a quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance, making it a popular choice among gamers. On the other hand, the Piano switch offers a deeper key press experience with its longer travel distance, appealing to those who prefer a more substantial feel when typing. Both switches offer different tactile experiences based on their travel distances, catering to individual preferences. Ultimately, choosing between the two would depend on whether you prioritize speed and responsiveness or prefer a more tactile typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock Piano has an MSRP of $6.70 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Piano for $5.57.
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 Cream Yellow switches do not have a specific reputation, while the Durock Piano linear switches are known for their bassy sound profile. The Cream Yellow switches may provide a more neutral or standard sound, while the Piano switches offer a deeper and richer sound that resembles bass tones. Keep in mind that the overall sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard build and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel of these switches, the Cream Yellow switches do not have a specific feel associated with them. On the other hand, the Durock Piano linear switches are known for providing a frictionless and silky typing experience. Users often describe the Piano switches as offering a smooth and effortless typing feel, with a fluid travel that minimizes resistance or friction when pressing the keys. This can result in a comfortable and satisfying typing experience for many users.
In conclusion, the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switches and the Durock Piano linear switches offer different subjective qualities when it comes to sound and feel. While the Cream Yellow switches may provide a neutral sound and a standard typing feel, the Piano switches stand out for their bassy sound profile and smooth, frictionless typing experience. However, it is important to note that individual preferences play a significant role in determining which switch would be the best fit for a specific user. Experimenting with both switches on different keyboards and setups would be the ideal way to determine the most suitable option for your needs. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities that can enhance the overall typing experience for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a tactile switch with a medium bottom out force and a unique typing experience, the Outemu Cream Yellow switch would be a good choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a linear switch with a slightly heavier bottom out force, a smooth and effortless typing experience, and a deep, rich sound profile, the Durock Piano switch would be more suitable for you. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preference for switch feel, sound, and typing experience. Choose the switch that best fits your needs and typing style to enhance your overall keyboarding experience.
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