Outemu Cream Yellow vs. Jerrzi Salt Ice
An in-depth look at the Outemu Cream Yellow and the Jerrzi Salt Ice switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Cream Yellow and the Jerrzi Salt Ice offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Cream Yellow is a tactile switch, known for its precise feedback and satisfying bump when pressed. On the other hand, the Salt Ice is a linear switch, celebrated for its bright and clacky characteristics, paired with a light touch for effortless typing. While the Cream Yellow is a great choice for those who enjoy a tactile typing experience, the Salt Ice is ideal for users seeking a responsive and energetic feel. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Outemu Cream Yellow and the Jerrzi Salt Ice differ in their housing materials, with the Cream Yellow utilizing nylon for both the top and bottom housing while the Salt Ice uses polycarbonate for both. The Cream Yellow's nylon housing provides a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic nature, absorbing more sound and creating a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Salt Ice's polycarbonate housing yields a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile because of its stiffer plastic composition, resulting in a clearer and more resonant sound. The aesthetic difference between the two lies in the translucent nature of polycarbonate, making it ideal for incorporating RGB lighting in a switch.
However, if we compare the top housing of the Cream Yellow (nylon) with the top housing of the Salt Ice (polycarbonate), we find that the materials offer similar sound profiles. Both housing materials affect the sound when a key is released, with nylon providing a deeper and fuller sound while polycarbonate delivers a crisper and clearer tone. This similarity in the top housing materials allows for consistent sound quality when typing on either switch. The differences lie in the bottom housing, where the Cream Yellow's nylon creates a softer sound upon bottoming out, while the Salt Ice's polycarbonate produces a more defined and resonant bottom-out sound.
In conclusion, the choice between the Outemu Cream Yellow and the Jerrzi Salt Ice comes down to personal sound preference and aesthetic considerations. While both switches offer distinct sound profiles based on their housing materials, the Cream Yellow with nylon housing delivers a deeper and fuller sound, while the Salt Ice with polycarbonate housing produces a sharper and crisper sound. Whether one prefers a softer, more rounded sound or a clearer, higher-pitched tone will determine which switch is the better fit. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate in the Salt Ice allows for the incorporation of RGB lighting, adding a visual element to the typing experience.
Weight
The Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch and the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch both have an actuation force of 45 grams, meaning that they require the same amount of force to trigger a keystroke. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Cream Yellow has a heavier force of 60 grams compared to the unknown bottom out force of the Salt Ice. This difference in bottom out force means that typing on the Cream Yellow switch might feel more substantial and require a bit more effort compared to the Salt Ice. For those who prefer a lighter touch, the Salt Ice might be the better option as it does not have a specified bottom out force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on whether the user prefers a lighter or heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
The Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. Both switches fall within the same range of travel distance, with only a slight difference between them. The Cream Yellow is slightly shorter in travel distance compared to the Salt Ice. However, both are relatively close in distance, so users can expect similar tactile feedback and keypress sensations from both switches. Ultimately, the choice between the two may come down to personal preference in terms of responsiveness and feel during typing or gaming activities.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Jerrzi Salt Ice has an MSRP of $2.79 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Salt Ice for $2.30.
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 is known for its relatively quiet operation, allowing for a more discreet typing experience. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch is celebrated for its loud and distinct sound profile, which adds a sense of energy and liveliness to each keystroke. The Cream Yellow's sound is more subdued, while the Salt Ice's sound is more pronounced and clicky, providing a more audible and tactile typing experience.
In terms of feel, the Cream Yellow tactile switch is known for its smooth and tactile bump, providing a satisfying feedback with each key press. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch offers a smooth and consistent linear feel, allowing for a fluid and seamless typing experience without any tactile bump. The Cream Yellow's tactile bump offers a bit of resistance for those who prefer a more deliberate key press, while the Salt Ice's linear feel provides a faster and smoother typing experience without the bump.
Overall, the Outemu Cream Yellow and Jerrzi Salt Ice switches offer two distinct typing experiences. The Cream Yellow provides a quieter and more tactile typing experience with a smooth bump, ideal for those who value a more deliberate key press. On the other hand, the Salt Ice switch offers a loud and energetic typing experience with a linear feel, perfect for users who enjoy a fast and fluid typing style. Depending on your preference for sound and feel, both switches offer their own unique qualities that cater to different typing preferences. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on your personal preference for sound, feel, and overall typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch and the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch, you should consider your preferences and typing style. If you prefer a medium bottom out force and are looking for a tactile typing experience, the Cream Yellow may be the better option for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a light and smooth typing experience with vibrant feedback and clacky characteristics, the Salt Ice switch may be more suitable. Ultimately, both switches have their unique strengths and it will depend on your personal preference and typing needs when deciding between the two.
Mentioned in this article
