Outemu Cream Yellow vs. SP-Star Polaris Purple
An in-depth look at the Outemu Cream Yellow and the SP-Star Polaris Purple switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Cream Yellow and the SP-Star Polaris Purple both offer unique advantages for different preferences. The Cream Yellow is a tactile switch known for its smooth feel, while the Polaris Purple is also tactile but stands out for its pronounced tactile bump and snappy sound profile. If you prefer a more subtle typing experience, the Cream Yellow may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a strong tactile feedback and a bit of auditory feedback, the Polaris Purple could be the right fit. 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
67g
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
Standard
Stem material
pom
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold plated
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Cream Yellow and the SP-Star Polaris Purple, it is evident that both switches offer unique sound profiles due to their different housing materials. The Cream Yellow's nylon top and bottom housing create a deeper and fuller sound, as nylon is known for its softer properties that absorb more sound and produce a rounder tone. On the other hand, the Polaris Purple's polycarbonate top and bottom housing deliver a sharper and crisper sound profile, thanks to polycarbonate's stiffer nature that results in a more clear and resonant sound. While both switches offer quality sound profiles, it ultimately comes down to personal preference in terms of sound preference.
One key difference between the Cream Yellow and the Polaris Purple lies in their housing materials, with nylon being used in the Cream Yellow and polycarbonate in the Polaris Purple. The Cream Yellow's nylon housing creates a duller and rounder sound profile, while the Polaris Purple's polycarbonate housing results in a sharper and higher-pitched tone. Additionally, the aesthetic aspect also comes into play, as polycarbonate's translucency makes it ideal for switches intended for use with RGB lighting, whereas nylon does not offer the same visual appeal. Overall, the choice between the two housing materials may also depend on the overall design and functionality of the keyboard in which these switches will be used.
While the top and bottom housing materials of the Cream Yellow and Polaris Purple may vary, it is important to consider how these differences impact the overall typing experience. The bottom housing material has a more significant influence on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key, while the top housing material affects the sound when releasing a key. This means that the choice between nylon and polycarbonate housing can shape the tactile feedback and acoustics of the switch in distinct ways. Ultimately, the decision between the Cream Yellow and Polaris Purple housing materials will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and design aesthetics.
Weight
The Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch, which has an unknown actuation force. However, the Cream Yellow has a heavier bottom out force of 60 grams, while the Polaris Purple has a bottom out force of 67 grams, making it slightly heavier. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Cream Yellow may be the better choice due to its lower actuation force. However, for those who prefer a more substantial typing feel and don't mind a slightly heavier bottom out force, the Polaris Purple could be a good option. Both switches offer a medium to medium-heavy typing experience, but with slightly different force requirements.
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 Purple tactile switch. This means that the Cream Yellow has a slightly shallower press compared to the Polaris Purple. Gamers who prefer quicker response times may lean towards the Cream Yellow due to its shorter travel distance, while those who enjoy a deeper key press may opt for the Polaris Purple. Both switches offer different tactile experiences based on their travel distances, catering to different preferences in typing or gaming styles. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for key travel depth and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The SP-Star Polaris Purple has an MSRP of $5.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Polaris Purple for $5.00.
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 does not have a well-known reputation, while the SP-Star Polaris Purple switch is noted for its snappy sound profile, providing an exhilarating typing experience. The Cream Yellow switch's sound is subjective and can be influenced by various factors such as the keyboard and keycaps being used. On the other hand, the Polaris Purple switch offers a neutral sound profile, making it suitable for a wide range of users and purposes.
Moving on to feel, the Cream Yellow switch lacks a specific description, while the Polaris Purple switch is known for offering a mild and polished typing experience. The gentle feel of the Polaris Purple switch makes it approachable to most users, with a smooth and refined finish contributing to a sleek typing experience. This polished characteristic is achieved through either the materials used or factory lubing, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel.
Overall, while the subjective qualities of the Outemu Cream Yellow and SP-Star Polaris Purple switches differ in terms of sound and feel, both switches offer unique and enjoyable typing experiences. Depending on individual preferences, users can choose between the neutral sound profile of the Polaris Purple switch or explore the Cream Yellow switch for a potentially different sound experience. Similarly, the mild and polished feel of the Polaris Purple switch may appeal to those seeking a more gentle typing experience, while the Cream Yellow switch presents an opportunity to explore different tactile sensations. Ultimately, both switches have their strengths and can provide satisfying typing experiences for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch and the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch, it's important to consider your preference for bottom out force and tactile experience. If you prefer a slightly lighter bottom out force of 60 grams and a more subtle tactile feedback, the Cream Yellow may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a slightly heavier bottom out force of 67 grams and a big tactile bump that provides a exhilarating typing experience, the Polaris Purple may be more up your alley. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preference for bottom out force and the level of tactile feedback you prefer in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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