Outemu Cream Yellow vs. Outemu Red Panda
An in-depth look at the Outemu Cream Yellow and the Outemu Red Panda switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Outemu Cream Yellow and the Outemu Red Panda mechanical keyboard switches, we see that they both offer a tactile experience, but with distinct characteristics. The Cream Yellow is best known for its undefined category, while the Red Panda is categorized as 'Thocky' and 'Mild'. Typing on the Cream Yellow provides a unique tactile feel, whereas typing on the Red Panda offers a light-medium amount of tactility with a bassier bottom-out sound and a clackier top-out sound. Both switches have their own strengths and appeal to different preferences. 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
3.30 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Cream Yellow and the Outemu Red Panda, it is evident that they both utilize nylon for the bottom housing. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature that absorbs sound effectively. This results in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches with nylon bottom housings. On the other hand, the Cream Yellow employs a nylon top housing, while the Red Panda features a polycarbonate top housing. The polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper and crisper sound profile, thanks to its stiffer nature that produces clearer and more resonant sound. This difference in top housing material leads to distinct sound experiences between the two switches.
Despite the difference in top housing material, the Outemu Cream Yellow and Outemu Red Panda share the use of nylon for the bottom housing. This means that both switches will offer a similar typing experience in terms of sound profile when it comes to bottoming out keys. The nylon bottom housing's ability to absorb sound and create a deeper and fuller sound profile will be consistent across both switches. However, where they differ is in the top housing material - with the Cream Yellow providing a rounder sound due to nylon and the Red Panda offering a sharper sound due to polycarbonate. This distinction highlights how the choice of top housing material can significantly impact the overall sound experience of a switch.
In terms of aesthetics and functionality, the polycarbonate top housing of the Outemu Red Panda provides an advantage for users who wish to utilize RGB lighting. Its translucency allows for the RGB lighting to shine through, enhancing the visual appeal of the switch. Conversely, the nylon top housing of the Outemu Cream Yellow may not offer the same level of visual impact with RGB lighting. However, both switches offer a unique sound profile based on their housing materials, with the Cream Yellow providing a deeper and fuller sound, while the Red Panda offers a sharper and clearer sound. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference for sound profile and visual aesthetics.
Weight
The Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch and the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch both have a bottom out force of 60 grams, making them equally heavy in that regard. However, the Cream Yellow has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, compared to the Red Panda's 50 grams. This means that the Cream Yellow will require less force to trigger a keystroke, providing a lighter typing experience overall. In contrast, the Red Panda will offer a slightly stronger push feel, making it more suitable for those who prefer a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation force, with the Cream Yellow being lighter and the Red Panda being heavier.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch and the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch are both 3.3 mm, making them equal in that aspect. This means that when pressing down on a key featuring either of these switches, you will experience the same amount of travel distance. Both switches offer a tactile bump during keystrokes to provide feedback to the user, enhancing the typing experience. Their similarities in travel distance make them equally suitable for individuals seeking a consistent typing feel with a similar level of key travel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Outemu Cream Yellow comes in at $3.10, whereas the Outemu Red Panda comes in at $3.40.
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 and Red Panda switches provide different auditory experiences. The Cream Yellow switch is known for its quiet sound profile with no specific characteristics standing out. On the other hand, the Red Panda switch offers a unique sound with a thocky bottom-out sound that is deep and satisfying, complemented by a clackier top-out sound. The choice between the two will ultimately depend on your preference for a quieter typing experience versus a more pronounced and satisfying sound.
Moving on to feel, the Cream Yellow switch provides a tactile typing experience with a certain degree of feedback, but specific details about its feel are unknown. In contrast, the Red Panda switch is characterized as offering a mild typing experience, providing a gentle and approachable feel that falls within a safe middle-ground zone. The gentle nature of the Red Panda switch makes it a suitable option for those looking for a comfortable typing experience without any extreme characteristics.
In conclusion, the Outemu Cream Yellow and Red Panda switches offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. If you prioritize a quiet typing experience, the Cream Yellow switch may be the better choice for you. However, if you enjoy a more pronounced and satisfying sound alongside a gentle typing experience, the Red Panda switch would be more suitable. Ultimately, personal preference will play a significant role in determining which switch is the best fit for your mechanical keyboard setup.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch and the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch, consider your preferences and needs. If you prefer a medium bottom out force and are looking for a tactile switch with no specific standout feature, the Cream Yellow may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a light-medium amount of tactility, a bassier bottom-out sound, and a clackier top-out sound, the Red Panda could be a better fit. Ultimately, your decision should be based on how these switches align with your typing style and desired sound and feel. Choose wisely to enhance your typing experience.
Mentioned in this article
