Outemu Cream Yellow vs. Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie
An in-depth look at the Outemu Cream Yellow and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Cream Yellow and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie each bring their unique characteristics to the table, catering to different typing preferences. The Outemu Cream Yellow is a tactile switch, offering a noticeable bump during keypresses that enhances feedback and can improve typing accuracy for those who favor a more interactive feel. On the other hand, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie is a linear switch known for its smooth key travel and a soft thocky sound profile, making it a great choice for users who prioritize a quieter typing experience and buttery key presses. While the Cream Yellow excels in providing tactile satisfaction, the Sea Salt Smoothie appeals to those seeking seamless operation without the tactile bump. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can make the best decision for your keyboard needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
48g
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
3.70 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
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
20mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
The Outemu Cream Yellow and Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie switches both offer unique housing materials that significantly influence their sound profiles, yet they differ fundamentally in terms of composition. The Cream Yellow utilizes nylon for its top and bottom housings, a traditional material celebrated for its ability to absorb sound. This property results in a deeper and fuller auditory experience, providing a more muted and rounded sound when typing. It effectively dampens vibrations, making the overall sound less harsh and more satisfying. In contrast, the Sea Salt Smoothie incorporates POM for both its top and bottom housings, which also produces a pleasing and deep sound profile but with a distinctly unique character. POM is known for its slick surface and durability, allowing for a smoother keystroke, while still maintaining a muted sound, although its tonal quality differs from that of nylon.
When considering the impact of these materials on the overall typing experience, the differences in their respective contributions to sound should be highlighted. With the Cream Yellow's nylon construction, both the top and bottom housings work to enhance the muted sound profile, resulting in a cohesive auditory experience during typing. The nylon’s soft characteristics ensure that both the bottom-out sound and the release sound blend seamlessly, creating a consistent deep tone. Conversely, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie’s POM housings, while also producing a muted sound, might expose a slight difference between the sounds produced by the top and bottom portions due to the inherent properties of POM. So while both switches aim for a deeper sound, the way each component contributes to that sound differs because of the housing materials used.
Despite these differences, users can expect to achieve similar results in terms of sound dampening when using either switch, albeit through different mechanisms. Both nylon and POM serve to absorb sound effectively, which leads to a predominantly muted and pleasant auditory experience across the board. In practical terms, this means that whether you are typing on the Outemu Cream Yellow or the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie, you are likely to enjoy a typing experience that feels smooth and sounds well-rounded, albeit influenced by the unique characteristics of the respective materials. Ultimately, while the switches differ in composition, their design philosophies converge on the same goal: a satisfying sound profile and tactile experience, making either option appealing to typists and gamers alike.
Weight
When comparing the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch to the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch, the actuation and bottom out forces present an interesting contrast. The Cream Yellow has an actuation force of 45 grams, which is relatively light and conducive for extended typing sessions, making it an excellent choice for those who prefer less strain during prolonged use. In contrast, the Sea Salt Smoothie requires a slightly heavier actuation force of 48 grams, which may appeal to users seeking a more substantial tactile experience. However, the bottom out force for the Sea Salt Smoothie is unspecified, leaving a gap in understanding how it compares in terms of that measurement. Meanwhile, the Cream Yellow has a defined bottom out force of 60 grams, affirming its medium weight. Overall, users who prioritize lighter switches for comfort during long durations may lean towards the Cream Yellow, while those who appreciate a heavier, more deliberate keystroke may find the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie more appealing, albeit without complete information on its bottom out characteristics.
Travel distance
The Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch features a slightly longer travel distance of 3.7 mm. This difference means that the Cream Yellow provides a shorter travel distance, which can lead to quicker response times that gamers often prefer. On the other hand, the longer travel distance of the Sea Salt Smoothie may provide a more traditional and hearty feel, which some users might prefer for a more satisfying typing experience. Ultimately, if you favor responsiveness and speed, the Cream Yellow would be the better option, while those who value depth in their key presses may opt for the Sea Salt Smoothie. This distinction highlights the contrasting characteristics of each switch, making them suitable for different user preferences.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sea Salt Smoothie for $2.70.
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 switch lacks a specific characteristic sound profile, making it relatively versatile and adaptable to different setups. In contrast, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie is celebrated for its distinctive thocky sound profile, which some users find satisfying and engaging. The thocky sound can provide a more tactile auditory feedback during typing or gaming, enriching the overall experience. However, it’s important to note that the actual sound produced by each switch can also be influenced by the keyboard's build, the material of the keycaps, and even the typing style of the user.
As for the feel, the Cream Yellow switch does not have a detailed description provided, leaving its tactile response somewhat ambiguous. Conversely, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie is characterized by its smoothness, which enhances the typing experience by allowing for effortless keystrokes. This smooth action can be particularly appealing for those who prioritize a fluid typing experience, and it makes the Sea Salt Smoothie a solid choice for prolonged typing sessions or gaming marathons.
In conclusion, if you’re considering a switch that offers distinct sound and feel, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie stands out with its thocky sound profile and exceptional smoothness. On the other hand, the Outemu Cream Yellow’s attributes remain less defined, making it potentially more versatile yet uncertain in auditory and tactile qualities. Ultimately, your choice should align with your personal preferences for sound and feel in a mechanical keyboard.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch largely depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you appreciate a tactile experience and prefer feedback with each keystroke, the Cream Yellow’s medium activation force of 60 grams makes it ideal for typists who enjoy that extra sensation, ensuring you feel when a key is actuated without being overly taxing on your fingers. This switch is well-suited for gaming as well, as it strikes a balance between responsiveness and comfort. On the other hand, if you seek a smoother, quieter experience with a pronounced thocky sound, then the Sea Salt Smoothie is the way to go. Its linear design allows for seamless key presses, which many find preferable for rapid typing or gaming, as it reduces finger fatigue and allows for swift actuation. Ultimately, your decision will boil down to whether you value tactile feedback or smoothness in your key presses, as well as the acoustics you desire from your mechanical keyboard.
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