Outemu Cream Yellow vs. Jwick Semi-Silent Linear

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Cream Yellow, a tactile switch, and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear, a linear switch, offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Cream Yellow, known for its None, falls under the tactile category, providing a tactile bump for feedback during typing. On the other hand, the Semi-Silent Linear stands out for its innovative design, offering a whisper-quiet topping-out sound coupled with a clacky bottom-out sound. It falls under categories like 'Subdued', 'Neutral', and 'Buttery', providing a smooth typing experience without being overly polished. While both switches have their own merits, choosing between them ultimately depends on personal preference and typing style. 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

Jwick Semi-Silent Linear Linear

$3.10 per 10

$6.50

$5.27 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

In comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Cream Yellow and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear, it is clear that the Cream Yellow utilizes nylon for both its top and bottom housing, while the Semi-Silent Linear uses polycarbonate for the top housing and nylon for the bottom housing. Nylon is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, which absorbs more sound and creates a duller tone. On the other hand, polycarbonate in the Semi-Silent Linear's top housing leads to a sharper, higher-pitched sound with a clearer and more resonant quality. This contrast in materials results in distinct auditory experiences for users of both switches.

Despite their differences, both switches benefit from the use of nylon in their bottom housing, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile with a rounder tone. This similarity in bottom housing material ensures that users of both the Cream Yellow and Semi-Silent Linear will experience a consistent typing feel with a satisfying sound when pressing down on the keys. However, the choice of polycarbonate for the top housing of the Semi-Silent Linear offers a unique advantage in terms of sound quality, creating a crisper and more distinct sound when releasing a key. This difference in top housing material highlights the importance of housing materials in determining the overall sound profile of a switch.

Overall, the housing materials of the Outemu Cream Yellow and Jwick Semi-Silent Linear play a crucial role in shaping the sound and feel of the switches. While both switches share the use of nylon in the bottom housing for a consistent typing experience, the Cream Yellow's nylon top housing produces a deeper sound profile, contrasting with the Semi-Silent Linear's polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper and more resonant sound. Whether users prefer a fuller, rounder tone or a crisper, higher-pitched sound, the choice of housing materials in these switches offers a variety of options to suit different typing preferences. Ultimately, the differences in housing materials contribute to the unique characteristics and user experience of each switch.

Weight

The Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, making it a medium-weight switch. In contrast, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch does not have a specified actuation force, but it has a bottom out force of 62 grams, which is also considered medium. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Cream Yellow may be the better option due to its slightly lower actuation force. However, for those who enjoy a more substantial typing feel, the Semi-Silent Linear switch's slightly higher bottom out force may be more appealing. Overall, both switches provide a medium-weight typing experience, so users can expect similar results in terms of force required for keystrokes.

Travel distance

The Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, making it shorter than the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch, which has a travel distance of 3.7 mm. While both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, the Cream Yellow offers a slightly quicker response time compared to the Semi-Silent Linear. Gamers may prefer the Cream Yellow for its faster actuation, providing a more responsive gaming experience. On the other hand, those who prefer a deeper key press may opt for the Semi-Silent Linear with its slightly longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches boils down to personal preference and the specific typing or gaming experience desired. Both switches offer their own unique advantages, so users can expect similar results in terms of overall performance despite the slight difference in travel distance.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Cream Yellow tactile switch is known for its quiet and subtle actuation, making it suitable for quiet environments where noise may be a concern. On the other hand, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch is designed to offer a semi-silent experience, with a whisper-quiet topping-out sound and a clacky bottom-out sound. The Semi-Silent Linear switch provides a more subdued and neutral sound profile, offering a more gentle typing experience compared to the Cream Yellow switch.

In terms of feel, the Cream Yellow switch is known for providing a smooth and tactile typing experience, although specific descriptors are not provided. On the other hand, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch offers a mild, snappy, buttery, and polished feel. This means that the Semi-Silent Linear switch provides a more responsive and lively typing experience, with a smooth and fluid keystroke sensation that is enhanced by reduced friction and smooth key travel.

Overall, when considering the subjective qualities of the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch, it's important to note that they offer different sound and feel experiences. The Cream Yellow switch is quieter and provides a smooth tactile feel, while the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch offers a semi-silent experience with a more lively and responsive typing feel. Depending on your preferences for sound and feel, both switches can offer a satisfactory typing experience, although they cater to different user preferences. If you enjoy a quieter and smoother tactile experience, the Cream Yellow switch may be more suitable for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a more responsive and slightly louder typing experience, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch may be the better option for you.

Conclusion

To sum up, when choosing between the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch, you should consider your preferences for sound and feel. If you prefer a switch with a more traditional feel and sound, the Cream Yellow may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you are looking for a switch that offers a unique, semi-silent typing experience with a silky smooth feel, then the Semi-Silent Linear switch would be the way to go. Ultimately, the decision comes down to whether you prioritize the tactile feedback of the Cream Yellow or the innovative design of the Semi-Silent Linear. Both switches have their own strengths, so choose based on what matters most to you in your typing experience.

Mentioned in this article

Outemu Cream Yellow Tactile

$3.10 per 10

Learn more

Jwick Semi-Silent Linear Linear

$6.50

$5.27 per 10

Learn more