Outemu Cream Yellow vs. SP-Star Polaris Gray

Overview

When comparing the Outemu Cream Yellow, a tactile switch, with the SP-Star Polaris Gray, a linear switch, it's essential to note the key differences between the two. The Cream Yellow is known for its unique qualities, while the Polaris Gray stands out for its bouncy typing experience and clean sound profile. The Cream Yellow is categorized as a tactile switch, while the Polaris Gray falls into the categories of low-pitched, neutral, mild, thocky, and polished. Depending on your preferences, you may opt for the Cream Yellow for its tactile feedback or choose the Polaris Gray for its smooth typing experience and distinct sound. However, let's dive deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.

By the numbers

Outemu Cream Yellow Tactile

SP-Star Polaris Gray Linear

$3.10 per 10

$5.60

$5.00 per 10

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Housing materials

In comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Cream Yellow and the SP-Star Polaris Gray, it becomes evident that the Cream Yellow features nylon top and bottom housings, while the Polaris Gray boasts polycarbonate top and bottom housings. The Cream Yellow's nylon housing is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic that absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Polaris Gray's polycarbonate housing creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile as a result of its relatively stiffer plastic, which leads to a clear and resonant sound. Aesthetically, the Polaris Gray's clear housing allows for RGB lighting, making it a versatile option for customization.

Despite their differences, both the Cream Yellow and the Polaris Gray share similarities in the impact of their housing materials on the overall typing experience. The nylon bottom housing of the Cream Yellow and the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Polaris Gray both contribute to the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed. The softer nature of nylon in the Cream Yellow creates a deeper and fuller sound upon impact, while the stiffer polycarbonate in the Polaris Gray produces a sharper and crisper sound. In contrast, the top housing material plays a role in the sound when a key is released, with the Cream Yellow's nylon creating a rounder sound and the Polaris Gray's polycarbonate producing a clearer sound.

Ultimately, the choice between the Outemu Cream Yellow and the SP-Star Polaris Gray comes down to personal preference in sound profile and aesthetic appeal. Those who prefer a deeper and fuller sound with a duller tone may lean towards the Cream Yellow with its nylon housing, while individuals seeking a sharper and crisper sound profile may opt for the Polaris Gray with its polycarbonate housing. Both options offer unique characteristics that can enhance the typing experience, making them popular choices among keyboard enthusiasts looking to elevate their setup.

Weight

In comparing the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch to the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch, it is clear that the Cream Yellow is the lighter option with an actuation force of 45 grams, while the Polaris Gray is heavier with a bottom out force of 67 grams. The Cream Yellow has a bottom out force of 60 grams, making it slightly lighter in that aspect as well. The Polaris Gray does not have a specified actuation force, making it difficult to directly compare to the Cream Yellow in that regard. However, both switches fall into the medium range of actuation and bottom out forces, providing a balanced typing experience. For those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions, the Cream Yellow may be more suitable, while the Polaris Gray offers a more substantial typing experience with its heavier bottom out force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out forces.

Travel distance

The Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, which is shorter than the 4 mm travel distance of the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch. This means that the Cream Yellow has a slightly shorter distance to travel from top to bottom compared to the Polaris Gray. If you are looking for a switch with a quicker response time, the Cream Yellow may be the better option due to its shorter travel distance. However, if you prefer a switch with a bit more depth to the key press, the Polaris Gray may be more suitable for you. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on personal preferences regarding travel distance and key press feel.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch is known for its quiet and smooth operation, providing a subdued typing experience that is not likely to disturb others in the vicinity. On the other hand, the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch offers a low-pitched and thocky sound profile, giving a satisfying and deep tone with each key press. Ultimately, the sound produced by each switch will also be influenced by factors such as keycaps and keyboard construction.

Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Cream Yellow tactile switch does not have specific descriptors available, which may indicate a more general typing experience without pronounced characteristics. In contrast, the Polaris Gray linear switch is described as providing a mild and polished typing feel. This suggests that the Polaris Gray switch offers a smooth and refined key press with reduced friction, resulting in a comfortable typing experience that falls within a safe middle ground for most users.

Considering all the available information, newcomers to mechanical keyboard switches should be aware that the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch and the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch offer distinct sound and feel qualities. The Cream Yellow switch emphasizes a quiet and smooth typing experience, while the Polaris Gray switch provides a bouncy and satisfying feel with a low-pitched and thocky sound profile. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and typing style. It is recommended to try out both switches to determine which one suits your typing needs and preferences best.

Conclusion

In conclusion, when deciding between the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch and the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch, it's important to consider your preference for typing experience. If you enjoy a medium bottom out force and are looking for a switch with a clean and clacky sound profile, the Cream Yellow may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and are seeking a bouncy typing experience with low-pitched and thocky sound characteristics, the Polaris Gray could be the better option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for typing feel and sound profile.

Mentioned in this article

Outemu Cream Yellow Tactile

$3.10 per 10

Learn more

SP-Star Polaris Gray Linear

$5.60

$5.00 per 10

Learn more