Outemu Cream Yellow vs. KTT Purple Click
An in-depth look at the Outemu Cream Yellow and the KTT Purple Click switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Cream Yellow and KTT Purple Click are both popular choices, each offering unique characteristics to enhance your typing experience. The Cream Yellow is a tactile switch known for its smooth keystrokes and quiet operation. On the other hand, the Purple Click switch, also known as Purple Sauce, stands out for its high-pitched, satisfying click that adds a sense of excitement to typing. While the Cream Yellow provides a subtle tactile feedback, the Purple Click switch offers a more pronounced tactility without being overwhelming. Both switches have their own strengths and advantages, making them suitable for different preferences and typing styles. 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
40g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 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
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
18mm spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Cream Yellow and the KTT Purple Click, it is evident that the Cream Yellow utilizes nylon for both its top and bottom housings, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. This is due to nylon's softer plastic composition, which absorbs more sound and creates a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Purple Click features a polycarbonate top housing and a nylon bottom housing. The polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, as polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic, offering a clear and resonant sound profile. Despite their differences, both switches provide unique sound profiles based on the housing materials used.
While both the Cream Yellow and the Purple Click share a nylon bottom housing, the difference lies in their top housing materials. The Cream Yellow's nylon top housing contributes to its deeper and fuller sound profile, while the Purple Click's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper and crisper sound. The choice of housing material directly impacts the typing experience and sound output of each switch. Additionally, the use of polycarbonate in the top housing of the Purple Click allows for enhanced aesthetics, especially when paired with RGB lighting due to its translucency. In contrast, the Cream Yellow's nylon top housing focuses more on sound quality rather than visual appeal.
In terms of functionality, the split between top and bottom housing materials in switches like the Cream Yellow and the Purple Click means that the qualities of each material will influence different aspects of the typing experience. The bottom housing material has a more significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing the switch, while the top housing material affects the sound when releasing a key. Despite their unique characteristics, both nylon and polycarbonate play crucial roles in determining the overall sound profile and typing feel of these switches, offering users distinct options based on their preferences for sound and aesthetics.
Weight
The Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch has a slightly heavier actuation force and bottom out force compared to the KTT Purple Click clicky switch. The Cream Yellow requires 45 grams of force to actuate and 60 grams to bottom out, while the Purple Click only needs 40 grams to actuate and 55 grams to bottom out. Both switches fall within the medium range, but the Cream Yellow is considered slightly heavier than the Purple Click. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Purple Click may be the more suitable option, as it requires less force to press. On the other hand, individuals who prefer a more substantial push feel may lean towards the Cream Yellow for a heavier typing experience. 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, while the KTT Purple Click clicky switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. The Cream Yellow offers a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Purple Click, which may appeal to those looking for faster response times, such as gamers. On the other hand, the Purple Click's longer travel distance may provide a more satisfying depth when pressing down on the key. Both switches offer different experiences in terms of travel distance, with the Cream Yellow being the shorter option and the Purple Click being the longer option. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference and the desired feel when typing or gaming.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Purple Click has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Purple Click for $2.55.
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 its quiet operation, making it an excellent choice for those who prefer a more discreet typing experience. On the other hand, the KTT Purple Click switch stands out for its crunchy and resonant click, providing a satisfying auditory feedback with each keystroke. While the Cream Yellow offers a subtle sound profile, the Purple Click delivers a more pronounced and immersive typing experience, especially appealing to those who enjoy the clicky sound.
In terms of feel, the Cream Yellow switch is recognized for its smooth and subtle tactile feedback, offering a comfortable typing experience without being too overwhelming. In contrast, the KTT Purple Click switch is described as invigorating, providing a more pronounced feedback and a snappy, reactive feel that enhances the overall typing sensation. Additionally, the Purple Click switch is noted for its stepped design, offering a unique tactile experience with distinct pre-travel and post-travel sensations.
Overall, the Outemu Cream Yellow switch and the KTT Purple Click switch offer different subjective qualities when it comes to sound and feel. The Cream Yellow provides a quieter and smoother typing experience, while the Purple Click delivers a more pronounced and satisfying auditory feedback with a tactile feel that is invigorating and responsive. Depending on personal preferences for sound and feel, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different typing preferences.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch and the KTT Purple Click clicky switch, consider your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a switch with a medium bottom out force and a smooth typing experience without any audible feedback, the Cream Yellow may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a lighter bottom out force and crave a satisfying, high-pitched click with each keystroke, the Purple Click switch could be the perfect fit. Ultimately, the decision comes down to your individual preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience. Choose the switch that resonates with you the most and enhances your overall typing enjoyment.
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