Outemu Cream Yellow vs. Akko Rosewood
An in-depth look at the Outemu Cream Yellow and the Akko Rosewood switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options that often come up are the Outemu Cream Yellow and the Akko Rosewood. The Cream Yellow, a tactile switch, offers a distinctive feel with its purposeful bump, making it ideal for typists who appreciate sensory feedback and a more deliberate keystroke. On the other hand, the Akko Rosewood, classified as a linear switch, provides a smooth and uninterrupted keypress experience, which is perfect for gamers seeking rapid keystrokes and consistent performance without any tactile interruption. While the Cream Yellow caters to those who enjoy the tactile sensation that enhances typing accuracy, the Rosewood satisfies users who favor swift, quiet inputs. 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
50g
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
Nylon
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Outemu Cream Yellow and Akko Rosewood switches have a significant commonality: both utilize nylon for their top and bottom housings. This shared material leads to an inherently deep and fuller sound profile in both switches, largely due to nylon's properties as a softer plastic. When comparing the two, it's evident that both will elicit similar auditory experiences during typing. The ability of nylon to absorb sound better than harder plastics results in a muted and round sound signature, giving users the perception of a smoother keystroke when interacting with either switch.
Despite the shared material composition, the perception of sound and feel can vary depending on the overall design and fine-tuning of each switch. While both the Cream Yellow and the Rosewood employ nylon, their specific constructions might lead to unique tactile and auditory experiences even if the fundamental materials are the same. For instance, the switches could have different spring mechanisms or actuation points, which would influence how they feel when bottoming out or releasing keys, lending a distinctive character to each model despite their identical housing materials.
Moreover, it’s crucial to note how the qualities of the nylon housing can manifest differently based on the switch’s intended design and application. In these cases, while users of both the Cream Yellow and Rosewood may experience similar sound absorption benefits due to the nylon construction, the overall typing experience can still be influenced by the combination of the bottom and top housings. Ultimately, while the similarities in housing materials contribute to comparable sound profiles, the nuanced differences in construction can yield unique tactile sensations that cater to varied user preferences.
Weight
When comparing the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch and the Akko Rosewood linear switch, notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces emerge. The Cream Yellow requires an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, making it a medium-weight switch that provides a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Akko Rosewood has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, catering to those who prefer a softer touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. Consequently, the Cream Yellow is heavier than the Rosewood, appealing to users who enjoy a stronger push feel, while the Rosewood is lighter, making it a better choice for those who prioritize comfort during long use. Overall, the differences in actuation and bottom out forces indicate that users will experience varying degrees of resistance and feedback, allowing them to choose a switch that best fits their typing style and preferences.
Travel distance
The Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch features a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Akko Rosewood linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. This makes the Cream Yellow the shorter option, yielding a more responsive feel that many gamers favor for quick actions. In contrast, the Rosewood's longer travel distance of 4 mm provides a deeper engagement for those who prefer a more satisfying keypress experience. As such, if you're looking for a switch that supports faster response times, the Cream Yellow would be the better choice, while the Rosewood would appeal to users who appreciate a more traditional, deliberate typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Akko Rosewood has an MSRP of $3.89 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Rosewood for $3.11.
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 tactile switch does not have a specific defining characteristic noted, making it somewhat of a neutral option in this regard. In contrast, the Akko Rosewood linear switch is celebrated for producing a deep, satisfying "thock" sound right out of the box. This auditory signature is enhanced by a thin layer of factory-applied lubricant, which contributes to a smoother key press and can significantly enrich the overall typing experience. However, it’s important to remember that the acoustic profile of any switch can also be influenced by the choice of keyboard and keycaps.
In terms of feel, the Cream Yellow switch lacks a detailed description but is typically categorized as a tactile switch, which suggests it might offer a noticeable bump at the actuation point. This can provide a sense of feedback that some typists value. Meanwhile, the Rosewood linear switch is known for its smooth and uninterrupted key travel, characteristic of linear switches. This results in an effortless typing experience, with no tactile feedback to interrupt the flow, ideal for those who prefer a seamless push down without any bumps.
In conclusion, the Outemu Cream Yellow and Akko Rosewood switches cater to different preferences in sound and feel. The Rosewood’s thocky sound and smooth linear feel make it appealing for users who enjoy a satisfying auditory feedback and fluid keypress, while the Cream Yellow may suit those looking for a more traditional tactile feedback experience. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you prioritize sound depth and smoothness or the tactile feedback of key presses, and both switches offer unique features that can lead to enjoyable typing experiences.
Conclusion
To conclude, when choosing between the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch and the Akko Rosewood linear switch, your decision largely hinges on your typing preferences and use case. If you prefer a more tactile response with a medium actuation force that can help provide feedback while typing, the Cream Yellow might be the right choice for you. This switch is suitable for those who appreciate a bit of resistance and may benefit from the tactile bump during long typing sessions, although it does not have a distinct prominence in sound profile. On the other hand, if you lean towards a smoother and lighter typing experience, the Akko Rosewood linear switch is an excellent option. With a lighter actuation force and a satisfying "thock," thanks to its factory lubrication, it excels in both gaming and typing scenarios where speed and quiet operation are priorities. Ultimately, your choice should reflect whether you value tactile feedback or a seamless linear feel in your mechanical keyboard experience.
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