Outemu Cream Yellow vs. TTC Silent Brown

Overview

When it comes to choosing mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Cream Yellow and TTC Silent Brown each offer unique characteristics that can cater to different preferences and typing styles. The Cream Yellow switches, while lacking prominent features, provide a smooth and straightforward typing experience that some users may appreciate for its simplicity. In contrast, the TTC Silent Brown switches are distinguished by their buttery smoothness, mild resistance, and a satisfying tactile bump, making them ideal for those who enjoy a more refined tactile feedback without the distraction of noise. Additionally, the muted sound profile of the Silent Brown switches enhances their appeal for quiet environments, while the Cream Yellow switches can be suited for users who prioritize a more minimalist approach. 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

TTC Silent Brown Tactile

$3.10 per 10

$6.60

$5.00 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Cream Yellow and the TTC Silent Brown switches, significant differences emerge in their top housing compositions. The Cream Yellow features a nylon top housing, praised for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature. This material absorbs sound more effectively than harder plastics, resulting in a sound that is rounder and less sharp. In contrast, the TTC Silent Brown is equipped with a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for its stiffness. This characteristic leads to a higher-pitched and crisper sound profile, creating resonance that enhances clarity, especially when RGB lighting is involved due to the translucency of the polycarbonate material. Thus, while both switches employ plastic materials, the choice of nylon versus polycarbonate significantly influences their auditory experiences.

On the bottom housing front, both the Cream Yellow and Silent Brown switches utilize nylon, which contributes similarly to their lower sound profiles. This uniformity in the bottom housing material means that users can expect a deeper and fuller sound irrespective of whether they choose the Cream Yellow or the TTC Silent Brown. The nylon's softer properties help to absorb sound and provide a consistent tactile sensation when typing. This parity in bottom housing materials allows for a shared acoustic quality, creating a duller sound that feels softer during the bottom-out action on both switches.

Ultimately, the combined effects of different top and bottom housing materials result in distinct typing experiences. In both cases, while the nylon bottom housing offers a uniform tactile and auditory feel, the top housing variations serve to differentiate both models in terms of sound profile and resonance. If you prioritize the rounded, deeper sound of the nylon top housing, the Cream Yellow will provide that experience, while the TTC Silent Brown's polycarbonate top housing will deliver a sharper auditory clarity. Thus, although the switches have some similarities in their bottom housings, their top housings diverge notably in how they articulate sound, presenting unique yet overlapping profiles for typists to consider.

Weight

When comparing the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch and the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch, both switches feature the same actuation force of 45 grams, providing a similar ease of activation for typists. However, the difference is evident in their bottom out forces; the Cream Yellow has a bottom out force of 60 grams, while the Silent Brown weighs in at a slightly heavier 63.5 grams. This means that while initial keystrokes feel the same, users of the Silent Brown will experience a firmer push when bottoming out, offering a more substantial typing experience. The Cream Yellow can be considered the lighter option overall, making it potentially better suited for those who prefer a lighter key feel for extended typing sessions, whereas the Silent Brown offers a bit more resistance, appealing to users who enjoy a heavier tactile switch.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch and the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch, the difference is notable. The Cream Yellow has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, making it the shorter option, while the Silent Brown boasts a travel distance of 3.8 mm, which is longer. This difference can significantly impact the typing experience: gamers may opt for the Cream Yellow for its quicker response time, whereas those who enjoy a more substantial feel might prefer the Silent Brown with its deeper key press. Ultimately, your choice should depend on whether you favor responsiveness or a more pronounced tactile feel.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Outemu Cream Yellow switch does not have a well-documented sound profile, making it challenging to assess its acoustic characteristics. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Brown switch is known for its muted sound, producing a softer and quieter typing experience compared to traditional mechanical switches. This muted profile is particularly appealing for users who seek a more discreet typing environment, minimizing the noise usually associated with mechanical keyboards. However, it's important to note that the overall sound level can still be influenced by the keyboard's construction and the keycap materials used.

In terms of feel, the Outemu Cream Yellow switch lacks specific descriptors, leaving its typing experience somewhat ambiguous. In contrast, the TTC Silent Brown switch offers a buttery feel, providing a smooth and fluid keystroke experience that many typists find enjoyable. Its mild characteristics contribute to an approachable typing sensation that caters to a wide range of users, making it neither overly stiff nor overly soft. Additionally, the polished nature of the Silent Brown switch indicates a refined finish, which reduces friction and enhances the overall ease of pressing the keys during extended typing sessions.

In summary, while the Outemu Cream Yellow switch remains a bit of an enigma in terms of sound and feel, the TTC Silent Brown switch offers a clear advantage with its distinct muted sound profile and a comfortable, buttery tactile experience. If you're looking for a more subdued acoustic output and a pleasant typing sensation, the TTC Silent Brown would be a great choice. If you are open to experimentation with the Outemu Cream Yellow, you may find some surprising features that appeal to you, but be prepared for a less predictable experience overall.

Conclusion

To conclude, when deciding between the Outemu Cream Yellow and the TTC Silent Brown tactile switches, your choice should depend on your personal preferences regarding resistance, sound, and typing experience. If you prefer a medium actuation force coupled with a more straightforward tactile feedback, the Cream Yellow switch could be a suitable choice, especially for casual typing and gaming where you appreciate a bit of middle-ground resistance. However, if you find value in a more pronounced tactile bump and a pleasantly muted sound, the TTC Silent Brown may be the better option for you. This switch not only offers a comfortable typing experience with a light-medium resistance but also provides a smooth and polished feel, making it ideal for those who type for extended periods or work in quieter environments. Ultimately, both switches cater to different needs: choose the Cream Yellow for a more relaxed typing feel and the Silent Brown for a refined and quieter experience, keeping in mind the environments in which you’ll be using them.

Mentioned in this article

Outemu Cream Yellow Tactile

$3.10 per 10

Learn more

TTC Silent Brown Tactile

$6.60

$5.00 per 10

Learn more