Outemu Cream Yellow vs. Huano Sakura
An in-depth look at the Outemu Cream Yellow and the Huano Sakura switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Cream Yellow and Huano Sakura present distinct options tailored to different typing preferences and styles. The Cream Yellow, classified as a tactile switch, is designed to provide noticeable feedback that enhances typing accuracy, making it a great choice for typists who enjoy feeling the actuation point with each keystroke. In contrast, the Huano Sakura switch, categorized as a linear switch, boasts a feather-light touch with medium acoustics, which allows for smooth and uninterrupted key presses, perfect for gaming enthusiasts and those who prefer a quieter, more fluid typing experience. While the Cream Yellow excels in delivering tactile feedback and engaging touch sensations, the Sakura is favored for its effortless keystrokes during extended typing sessions. 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
35g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
pom
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
POK
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
23mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Cream Yellow and the Huano Sakura, distinct differences arise in their top housings. The Cream Yellow features a nylon top housing, renowned for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition. This characteristic allows for better sound absorption, resulting in a rounder auditory experience. In contrast, the Sakura employs POK (polyketone) for its top housing. While it offers a higher coefficient of friction and exceptional durability—outperforming both nylon and POM in shock resistance—it creates a smoother, clackier sound. This distinction between the materials greatly influences the overall acoustic experience, as the nylon emphasizes a muted, warm tone, whereas the POK provides a sharper and more pronounced sound.
Moving to the bottom housings, both the Cream Yellow and the Sakura utilize nylon, establishing a commonality that significantly shapes the typing experience. Since nylon is a classic switch housing material known for its sound absorption qualities, both switches will elicit that signature deeply rich sound profile upon bottoming out. The shared nylon material in the bottom housing means that users can expect a similar muted, round sound when performing key presses, regardless of the varied characteristics of the top housing. This uniformity in the bottom housing serves to amplify the warmth provided by the nylon, making both switches excel in dampened acoustic performance during usage.
The combination of differing top housing materials with a shared nylon bottom housing leads to unique sound dynamics from both switches. The Cream Yellow’s nylon top enhances the duller, fuller sound, while the Sakura’s POK top introduces a smoother and higher-pitched clackiness. Users can expect a rich auditory experience from the nylon bottoms, but how they experience the top sounds will vary considerably depending on which switch they choose. Thus, while there is a foundational similarity in the sound profiles produced by the nylon bottom housing, the differences in the top materials ultimately provide distinct tactile and auditory effects that characterize each switch uniquely.
Weight
When comparing the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch and the Huano Sakura linear switch, notable differences emerge in both actuation force and bottom out force. The Cream Yellow features an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, placing it in the medium weight category. In contrast, the Sakura switch is lighter, with an actuation force of just 35 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams. This makes the Huano Sakura more suitable for users looking for a lighter touch, which can help with prolonged typing and gaming sessions. Conversely, the Cream Yellow's heavier forces may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial, tactile feel while typing. Ultimately, while both switches have specific characteristics that cater to different preferences, the Cream Yellow is heavier and offers a more pronounced push, while the Sakura provides a lighter, quicker response.
Travel distance
The Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Huano Sakura linear switch boasts a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that the Cream Yellow offers a shorter travel distance compared to the Sakura, making it potentially more suitable for gamers seeking quicker response times. In contrast, the longer travel distance of the Sakura may appeal to users who prefer a deeper, more substantial feel when pressing keys. While both switches provide distinct tactile experiences, the choice between them ultimately depends on personal preference: those who favor the rapidity of shorter travel may opt for the Cream Yellow, whereas those who appreciate the depth and feedback of longer travel might lean towards the Sakura.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Outemu Cream Yellow comes in at $3.10, whereas the Huano Sakura comes in at $3.50.
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 characteristics, the Outemu Cream Yellow has no notable acoustic profile, which means that users may find it relatively quiet compared to other switches, allowing for a more subdued typing experience. On the other hand, the Huano Sakura linear switch features medium acoustics, making it suitable for extended typing sessions without being overly loud, striking a balance that may appeal to users who prefer a moderate auditory feedback while typing. With the right pairing of a keyboard and keycaps, both switches can deliver a satisfying auditory experience, although the Sakura clearly stands out for those seeking some level of sound without the distraction of excessive noise.
In terms of feel, the Outemu Cream Yellow offers an undisclosed tactile feedback, implying that it may not have the pronounced tactile bump that many users look for, leaning more towards a smoother action. This provides a unique typing experience that remains largely free of interruptions, ideal for seamless typing. In contrast, the Huano Sakura Linear switch is known for providing a feather-light touch, which enhances comfort and reduces fatigue during long typing sessions. The smoothness of the Sakura switch is particularly beneficial for those who prefer an effortless glide when typing, making it an attractive option for both gamers and typists alike.
In summary, the Outemu Cream Yellow and Huano Sakura switches cater to different preferences regarding sound and feel. The Cream Yellow leans towards a quieter operation without much tactile feedback, while the Sakura provides a moderate auditory experience with a smooth, feather-light touch that enhances prolonged use. Ultimately, your choice between these switches will depend on whether you prioritize sound, typing comfort, or tactile feedback in your mechanical keyboard experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch and the Huano Sakura linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing habits. If you’re someone who enjoys a medium actuation force and prefers a tactile bump that provides some feedback, the Cream Yellow may be a suitable option for you. This switch is beneficial for those who seek a balance between typing precision and comfort, especially during longer sessions where a bit of tactile feedback can enhance your experience. On the other hand, if you prioritize a feather-light touch and are looking for a switch that allows for swift keystrokes with minimal resistance, the Sakura switch would be more aligned with your needs. Its lightweight actuation and smooth linear feel make it ideal for fast-paced typing or gaming. Additionally, if sound levels are a consideration, the Sakura switch generally offers a medium acoustic output that’s perfect for quieter environments. Thus, your decision should hinge on whether you value tactile feedback and a firmer feel or prefer a light, smooth action for rapid keystrokes. Ultimately, consider your specific use cases—be it gaming, typing, or general use—to guide your choice between these two appealing switches.
Mentioned in this article
