Outemu Cream Yellow vs. KTT Semi Mute

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Cream Yellow, a tactile switch, and the KTT Semi Mute, a linear switch, offer unique features suited to different preferences. The Cream Yellow is best known for its tactile feedback, providing a satisfying bump when pressed. On the other hand, the Semi Mute, despite its name, offers completely silent operation and is designed for those who prioritize a noise-free environment. The Cream Yellow falls into the tactile category, while the Semi Mute is categorized as linear. If you prefer a switch with a noticeable tactile response, the Cream Yellow may be the way to go. However, if a noiseless typing experience is your priority, the Semi Mute switch might be more suitable for you. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Outemu Cream Yellow Tactile

KTT Semi Mute Linear

$3.10 per 10

$3.97

$3.55 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The Outemu Cream Yellow and KTT Semi Mute both utilize different housing materials for their switches, with the Cream Yellow featuring a nylon top and bottom housing, while the Semi Mute utilizes polycarbonate for both top and bottom housings. The nylon housing of the Cream Yellow creates a deeper and fuller sound profile, absorbing more sound due to its softer plastic composition. In contrast, the polycarbonate housing of the Semi Mute produces a sharper, higher-pitched sound with a clearer and more resonant profile, attributed to its stiffer plastic composition. While the Cream Yellow offers a duller and rounder sound, the Semi Mute provides a crisper and more defined sound experience.

Although the housing materials for the Cream Yellow and Semi Mute differ in composition and resulting sound profiles, both switches offer unique benefits based on their housing materials. The Cream Yellow's nylon housing provides a softer and more absorbing sound experience, ideal for those seeking a deeper and fuller typing sound. On the other hand, the polycarbonate housing of the Semi Mute offers a sharper and crisper sound, enhancing clarity and resonance for a more distinct typing experience. Despite their differences, both switches prioritize sound quality and user experience, catering to different preferences in typing feel and sound aesthetics.

Whether opting for the Cream Yellow or the Semi Mute, the choice of housing material significantly impacts the overall sound profile and feel of the switch. While the Cream Yellow's nylon housing creates a more muted and round sound, the Semi Mute's polycarbonate housing produces a sharper and crisper sound. The distribution of housing materials between the top and bottom housings of a switch influences the overall typing experience, with the bottom housing affecting the bottom-out sound and feel, and the top housing influencing the sound when releasing a key. Both switches offer distinct sound profiles and typing experiences, catering to different preferences and needs in the mechanical keyboard community.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch and the KTT Semi Mute linear switch, both switches have similar force requirements overall. The Cream Yellow has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, while the Semi Mute has an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 58 grams. This makes both switches fall into the medium range in terms of force needed for keystrokes. In terms of weight, both switches are relatively light, which can be beneficial for those looking to type for extended periods or engage in long gaming sessions without fatigue. However, for those who prefer a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel, they may prefer options with heavier actuation and bottom out forces. Overall, while the Cream Yellow is slightly heavier than the Semi Mute, both switches offer a similar typing experience in terms of force requirements.

Travel distance

The Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch has a shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm compared to the KTT Semi Mute linear switch, which has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. The Cream Yellow's shorter distance may appeal to those looking for a faster response time, such as gamers, while the Semi Mute's longer distance may provide a more satisfying and deeper key press for some users. Both switches offer unique advantages depending on personal preference, with the Cream Yellow being ideal for quick and precise keystrokes, and the Semi Mute offering a more deliberate and satisfying typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to individual preference and typing style.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Cream Yellow switch is known for its undefined sound profile, while the KTT Semi Mute switch offers a muted and neutral sound experience. The Cream Yellow switch does not have a distinct reputation for being either loud or quiet, whereas the Semi Mute switch is designed specifically to produce a softer and quieter sound, minimizing the usual noise associated with mechanical keyboards. This makes the Semi Mute switch a great option for those who require a noise-free environment.

In terms of feel, the Cream Yellow switch does not have a defined tactile feel associated with it, while the KTT Semi Mute switch is characterized as buttery and mild. The buttery feel of the Semi Mute switch indicates a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, providing a seamless and effortless typing sensation. Additionally, the mild characteristics of the switch offer a gentle typing experience that sits comfortably in the middle ground, making it suitable for most users.

Overall, the Cream Yellow switch and the KTT Semi Mute switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Cream Yellow switch lacks definitive descriptions in these aspects, the Semi Mute switch provides a unique combination of muted sound and buttery feel, catering to those who prioritize a quiet typing experience with smooth key presses. Depending on individual preferences, both switches can deliver satisfying results, ensuring a pleasant and customized typing experience for newcomers exploring mechanical keyboard switches.

Conclusion

In closing, when choosing between the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch and the KTT Semi Mute linear switch, consider the following factors. If you prioritize a tactile typing experience with a slightly higher bottom out force, the Cream Yellow may be the ideal choice for you. However, if you value a quiet and smooth typing experience with a lower bottom out force, the KTT Semi Mute switch is the way to go. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for feel, sound, and typing environment. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different typing preferences, so be sure to choose the one that aligns best with your needs and preferences.

Mentioned in this article

Outemu Cream Yellow Tactile

$3.10 per 10

Learn more

KTT Semi Mute Linear

$3.97

$3.55 per 10

Learn more