Outemu Cream Yellow vs. Sarokeys Purple Sakura
An in-depth look at the Outemu Cream Yellow and the Sarokeys Purple Sakura switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Cream Yellow and Sarokeys Purple Sakura both offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Cream Yellow, a tactile switch, is best known for its smooth feature, falling into the category of quiet switches. On the other hand, the Purple Sakura stands out for its snappy response and buttery downstroke, embodying a tactile switch with characteristics such as buttery, mild, neutral, and snappy. Each switch has its own strengths and ideal use cases. The Cream Yellow may be preferred for its simplicity and straightforward performance, while the Purple Sakura may appeal to those looking for a more nuanced 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
50g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
3.20 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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm lengthened single-staged spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Cream Yellow and the Sarokeys Purple Sakura, it is evident that the Cream Yellow utilizes nylon for both its top and bottom housings, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile due to nylon's softer nature. On the other hand, the Purple Sakura features a polycarbonate top housing and a nylon bottom housing, allowing for a sharper, more resonant sound profile with the polycarbonate's stiffness complementing the nylon's sound absorption properties. While the Cream Yellow emphasizes a duller and rounder sound, the Purple Sakura offers a clearer and crisper sound, showcasing the impact of the different housing materials on the overall typing experience.
Despite their differences in housing materials, both the Cream Yellow and Purple Sakura switches provide a unique sound profile that is influenced by the properties of their respective materials. The Cream Yellow's nylon top and bottom housings contribute to a fuller sound profile that is softer and absorbs more noise, while the Purple Sakura's combination of polycarbonate and nylon creates a more pronounced and resonant sound that is clearer and sharper. Although the two switches have distinct characteristics in terms of sound, they both offer a satisfying typing experience that is tailored to the preferences of the user, highlighting the versatility of different housing materials in switch design.
Ultimately, the choice between the Outemu Cream Yellow and the Sarokeys Purple Sakura comes down to personal preference, as each switch offers a unique typing experience based on its housing materials. The Cream Yellow's nylon housing provides a deep and full sound that is softer and more absorbent, ideal for those who prefer a quieter and more muffled typing experience. In contrast, the Purple Sakura's mix of polycarbonate and nylon delivers a sharper and more resonant sound that is clearer and crisper, appealing to those who enjoy a more pronounced and defined typing sound. Whether you prefer a duller and rounder sound or a sharper and crisper sound, both switches offer quality housing materials that cater to different sound preferences.
Weight
In comparing the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch and the Sarokeys Purple Sakura tactile switch, it is clear that both switches have a similar bottom out force of 60 grams. However, the Cream Yellow has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Purple Sakura's 50 grams. For those who prefer a lighter touch, the Cream Yellow may be the more comfortable option for extended typing or gaming sessions. On the other hand, the Purple Sakura offers a slightly stronger push feel, providing a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a bit more resistance. Overall, both switches offer a medium level of force, with the Cream Yellow being slightly lighter in actuation force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for typing feel and key response.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch is 3.3 mm, while the Sarokeys Purple Sakura tactile switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.2 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are becoming more popular, especially among gamers looking for faster response times. The Cream Yellow offers a slightly longer travel distance, which may appeal to those who prefer a bit more depth when typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference in terms of travel distance and typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Sarokeys Purple Sakura has an MSRP of $4.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Purple Sakura for $3.15.
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
In terms of sound, the Cream Yellow switch is known for a characteristic that is unspecified, while the Purple Sakura switch is noted for having a neutral sound profile. The neutral sound signature of the Purple Sakura switch means that it strikes a balance between being too loud or too quiet, making it a versatile choice for various typing environments. Keep in mind that the specific sound produced by a switch can also be influenced by the keyboard and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Cream Yellow switch's tactile sensation is not mentioned. On the other hand, the Purple Sakura switch is described as having a buttery, mild, and snappy feel. The buttery feel of the Purple Sakura switch indicates that it offers a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, while its mild tactility ensures a gentle typing sensation that many users find approachable. The snappy response of the switch adds a lively touch to each keystroke, enhancing the overall typing experience.
In conclusion, the Cream Yellow and Purple Sakura switches offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Cream Yellow's traits remain undisclosed, the Purple Sakura stands out for its neutral sound signature and buttery, mild, and snappy tactile feedback. Both switches may provide a satisfying typing experience, depending on individual preferences. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will boil down to personal preferences in terms of sound, feel, and overall typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering whether to choose the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch or the Sarokeys Purple Sakura tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and the specific qualities you are looking for in a mechanical keyboard switch. If you prefer a switch with a neutral sound profile and moderate actuation force, the Cream Yellow may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you desire a switch with a buttery and snappy feel, along with a delicate balance of tactility, the Purple Sakura might be more to your liking. Both switches offer a medium bottom out force of 60 grams, so the decision may ultimately be based on the sound and feel characteristics that best suit your typing preferences.
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