Outemu Cream Yellow vs. SP-Star RedBlue
An in-depth look at the Outemu Cream Yellow and the SP-Star RedBlue 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 RedBlue offer unique experiences for users. The Cream Yellow is a tactile switch that is best known for its smooth actuation and satisfying bump during typing. On the other hand, the RedBlue is a linear switch that is specifically designed for those who enjoy a medium-light typing experience with a low-pitched sound profile. While the Cream Yellow offers a tactile feedback, the RedBlue provides a smooth and consistent typing experience. Both switches have their own strengths and can cater 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
57g
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
The Outemu Cream Yellow and the SP-Star RedBlue switches both feature different housing materials for their top and bottom components. The Cream Yellow boasts a nylon top housing, which offers a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, the RedBlue comes with a polycarbonate top housing, known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile thanks to its stiffer plastic composition. The aesthetic appeal of the top housing is also highlighted in the RedBlue, as the translucent polycarbonate allows for RGB lighting effects to shine through.
In terms of bottom housing, both the Cream Yellow and RedBlue switches share similarities in their material composition. Both switches feature a nylon bottom housing, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile by absorbing more sound due to its softer plastic composition. The use of nylon in the bottom housing of these switches emphasizes the importance of achieving a specific sound profile while typing, as the bottom housing has a significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch. This cohesive design approach in utilizing nylon for the bottom housing ensures consistency in sound quality across both switches.
Overall, the distinction in housing materials between the Outemu Cream Yellow and the SP-Star RedBlue switches showcases the impact that different plastics can have on sound profiles. While the Cream Yellow provides a more muffled and rounded sound with its nylon top and bottom housing, the RedBlue delivers a sharper and crisper sound with its polycarbonate top and bottom housing. The choice between nylon and polycarbonate ultimately depends on the desired sound profile and aesthetic preferences, allowing users to tailor their typing experience to their liking. Ultimately, whether using the Cream Yellow or the RedBlue, the importance of housing materials cannot be understated in achieving a specific sound profile and typing satisfaction.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch and the SP-Star RedBlue linear switch, it is evident that the Cream Yellow requires a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the RedBlue's unknown actuation force. However, the bottom out force of the Cream Yellow at 60 grams is heavier than the RedBlue's 57 grams. Both switches fall in the medium to medium-light range in terms of force required. It is worth noting that the Cream Yellow will provide a more substantial typing experience due to its heavier bottom out force, whereas the RedBlue may be preferred for longer typing or gaming sessions due to its lighter actuation force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for typing feel and force required.
Travel distance
The Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, making it shorter than the SP-Star RedBlue linear switch, which has a travel distance of 4 mm. The Cream Yellow offers a slightly shallower travel distance, which may appeal to gamers seeking faster response times. On the other hand, the RedBlue switch provides a bit more depth, which can be preferred by those who enjoy a more substantial key press. Both switches offer different experiences due to their varying travel distances, so choosing between them would depend on individual preferences for key feel and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The SP-Star RedBlue has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the RedBlue for $5.40.
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 Cream Yellow switch from Outemu is known for its lack of distinctive sound characteristics as the information provided does not specify any particular sound profile. On the other hand, the SP-Star RedBlue linear switch is known for its low-pitched and thocky sound profile. This means that the RedBlue switch will provide a more bass-heavy and mellow tone, creating a deep and satisfying sound when pressed. It is essential to consider that other factors like the keyboard's construction and keycaps will also influence the final sound output.
In terms of feel, the Cream Yellow switch's feel is not specified in the information provided. In contrast, the SP-Star RedBlue linear switch is known for offering a mild and polished typing experience. This means that the RedBlue switch provides a gentle and approachable typing feel, falling in a safe middle-ground zone in terms of its characteristics. The polished finish ensures smooth key travel with reduced friction, resulting in a sleek typing experience.
In conclusion, the Outemu Cream Yellow and SP-Star RedBlue switches offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Cream Yellow's characteristics remain unspecified in the provided information, the RedBlue switch is known for its low-pitched and thocky sound profile, along with a mild and polished typing feel. If you are looking for a switch with a refined and gentle typing experience accompanied by a satisfying deep sound, the RedBlue linear switch would be a suitable choice. It is important to consider personal preferences and typing habits when selecting a mechanical keyboard switch to ensure an optimal typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, if you are someone who values a medium-light typing experience and prefers a switch with a low-pitched sound profile, the SP-Star RedBlue linear switch would be the ideal choice for you. These switches are well-suited for a variety of typing environments and offer a polished feel that many find satisfying. On the other hand, if you are looking for a medium switch with a slightly higher bottom out force and a more neutral sound profile, the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch may be the better option for you. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will come down to your personal preferences in typing feel and sound. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences, so make sure to choose the one that best suits your needs.
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