Outemu Cream Yellow vs. Kailh Sage
An in-depth look at the Outemu Cream Yellow and the Kailh Sage switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Outemu Cream Yellow and the Kailh Sage. The Cream Yellow is a tactile switch, characterized by its smooth keystrokes and lack of audible feedback. On the other hand, the Sage is a clicky switch, known for its distinct and satisfying clicky typing experience with a heavier actuation force. While the Cream Yellow offers a quieter typing experience, the Sage provides a more invigorating and sharp tactile feedback. Both switches have their own unique qualities that cater to different preferences and needs. 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
70g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.70 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Outemu Cream Yellow and the Kailh Sage differ in terms of their properties and resulting sound profiles. The Cream Yellow's nylon top housing provides a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer plastic composition, absorbing more sound to create a duller and rounder tone. In contrast, the Sage's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper and crisper sound, as the stiffer plastic material leads to a more clear and resonant sound profile. While the Cream Yellow's nylon bottom housing mirrors the top housing's qualities, the Sage's nylon bottom housing offers a similar deep and full sound profile, emphasizing the duller and rounder tones associated with nylon.
One key difference between the housing materials of the two switches lies in their top housings. The Cream Yellow's nylon top housing elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile, emphasizing the softer plastic's ability to absorb more sound. On the other hand, the Sage's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper and crisper sound, thanks to the stiffer plastic material creating a more resonant tone. Interestingly, both switches share a nylon bottom housing, which reinforces the deeper and fuller sound profile associated with nylon. Despite the distinctions in their top housings, the Cream Yellow and the Sage both deliver a rich sound experience, each influenced by their respective housing materials.
Overall, the contrasting properties of the Cream Yellow's nylon housing and the Sage's polycarbonate housing offer users a range of sound profiles to choose from. The Cream Yellow's nylon material provides a softer and more absorbent experience, resulting in a deeper and rounder sound profile, while the Sage's polycarbonate material offers a sharper and crisper tone for those seeking a more resonant sound. While the top housings differ between the two switches, both share a nylon bottom housing, ensuring a consistent deep and full sound profile across both options. Ultimately, the choice between the Cream Yellow and the Sage will come down to personal preference regarding sound characteristics and the aesthetic appeal of the housing materials.
Weight
The Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Kailh Sage clicky switch, which has an unknown actuation force. However, the Cream Yellow has a slightly heavier bottom out force of 60 grams, while the Sage has a bottom out force of 70 grams. Both switches fall within the medium range in terms of force required, with the Cream Yellow being on the lighter side and the Sage being slightly heavier. The actuation force and bottom out force of these switches play a crucial role in determining the typing experience for users. Those who prefer a lighter touch may lean towards the Cream Yellow for longer typing or gaming sessions, while those who enjoy a more substantial typing feel may opt for the Sage with its slightly heavier bottom out force. Ultimately, the decision between these switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
Comparing the travel distance of the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch and the Kailh Sage clicky switch, we can see that the Cream Yellow has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Sage has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are becoming more popular, especially among gamers looking for quicker response times. However, the slight difference in travel distance may be noticeable to those who are more sensitive to the feel of the switch. If you prefer a slightly shorter travel distance, the Cream Yellow may be the better option for you, while the Sage provides a slightly longer travel distance for those who prefer a bit more depth to the key press. Ultimately, both switches offer a similar experience in terms of travel distance, providing a satisfying tactile feel for typing or gaming.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Outemu Cream Yellow comes in at $3.10, whereas the Kailh Sage comes in at $6.25.
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
The Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch and the Kailh Sage clicky switch offer distinct characteristics in terms of sound and feel. The Cream Yellow switch does not have a specific reputation for sound or feel, while the Sage switch is known for its crunchy clicky sound and invigorating, sharp tactile feel. The weight of the Sage switch is heavy, providing a refreshing sharp clickiness for a satisfying typing experience. Keep in mind that the sound and feel of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used. Overall, while the Cream Yellow and Sage switches may offer different experiences in sound and feel, both switches can provide a similar level of satisfaction depending on personal preferences and typing style.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch and the Kailh Sage clicky switch, consider the factors of bottom out force, sound, and feel. If you prefer a lighter bottom out force of 60 grams and a quieter typing experience, the Cream Yellow may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a heavier bottom out force of 70 grams, along with a distinct clicky typing experience and a crispy sound like stepping on autumn leaves, the Sage switch would be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for typing feel and sound.
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