Outemu Cream Yellow vs. Gateron Smoothie Silver
An in-depth look at the Outemu Cream Yellow and the Gateron Smoothie Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Outemu Cream Yellow, a tactile switch, and the Gateron Smoothie Silver, a linear switch, there are some key differences to consider. The Cream Yellow is best known for its tactile feedback, providing a satisfying bump when pressed. On the other hand, the Smoothie Silver stands out for its lightning-fast actuation with a short travel distance, offering a thocky sound and unparalleled smoothness. While the Cream Yellow may be preferred for those who enjoy the tactile feel of a switch, the Smoothie Silver is ideal for those who prioritize fast typing speed and a light touch. 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
1.20 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
22mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Cream Yellow and the Gateron Smoothie Silver, we can see that both switches use different materials for their top and bottom housings. The Cream Yellow utilizes a nylon top housing, which creates a deep and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic properties, while the Smoothie Silver comes with a POM top housing that produces a unique and muted sound. On the other hand, both switches feature a nylon bottom housing for a similar typing experience with a deeper and rounder sound profile compared to harder plastics. Despite using different materials for the top housing, the Cream Yellow and Smoothie Silver offer comparable qualities in terms of sound and feel thanks to their shared nylon bottom housing.
In terms of sound production, the Cream Yellow and Smoothie Silver offer distinct characteristics due to their different housing materials. The Cream Yellow's nylon top housing contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, creating a duller and rounder sound, while the Smoothie Silver's POM top housing produces a more muted and pleasing sound that leans towards the deeper side. This variation in sound is also influenced by the bottom housing material, with both switches using nylon for a consistent typing experience. By leveraging the qualities of their respective top and bottom housings, the Cream Yellow and Smoothie Silver are able to deliver unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences.
When it comes to the overall typing experience, the housing materials of the Cream Yellow and Smoothie Silver play a significant role in determining the sound and feel of each switch. The impact of the bottom housing is particularly noticeable during key presses, as it contributes to the bottom-out sound and feel. With both switches featuring a nylon bottom housing, users can expect a deeper and rounder sound profile that enhances the tactile feedback of typing. On the other hand, the top housing material influences the sound when releasing a key, with the Cream Yellow's nylon top housing offering a fuller sound profile compared to the more muted sound produced by the Smoothie Silver's POM top housing. Ultimately, the choice between the Cream Yellow and Smoothie Silver comes down to personal preference in terms of sound and typing experience.
Weight
The Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch and the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch have the same actuation force of 45 grams. However, the Cream Yellow has a bottom out force of 60 grams, while the Smoothie Silver's bottom out force is unknown. This means that the Cream Yellow switch is heavier overall compared to the Smoothie Silver, as it requires more force to fully press the key down. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Smoothie Silver may be the better option, as it allows for longer typing sessions without strain. On the other hand, the Cream Yellow provides a more substantial typing feel for those who prefer a stronger push when pressing the keys. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch and the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch have slightly different travel distances, with the Cream Yellow measuring at 3.3 mm and the Smoothie Silver at 3.4 mm. While both switches fall within the range of typical travel distances, the Smoothie Silver is slightly longer than the Cream Yellow. For those who prefer a faster response time, the Cream Yellow with its shorter travel distance may be the better choice, especially for gamers. On the other hand, the Smoothie Silver offers a slightly deeper keypress, which some users may find more satisfying. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style, as both provide a comfortable and efficient typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Smoothie Silver has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Smoothie Silver for $2.60.
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
The Outemu Cream Yellow is known for its unique characteristics, making it a popular choice among mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. As for sound, the Cream Yellow switch is known for its moderate clicky sound, which provides a satisfying auditory feedback without being too loud or distracting. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie Silver switch is renowned for its thocky sound, offering a quieter and more subdued typing experience compared to the Cream Yellow. When it comes to feel, the Cream Yellow switch is praised for its tactile bump that provides a tactile response, allowing for precise actuation and improved typing accuracy. In contrast, the Smoothie Silver switch offers a smooth linear feel with a short travel distance, making it ideal for fast-paced typing and gaming. Overall, while the Cream Yellow and Smoothie Silver switches have different sound and feel characteristics, they both provide exceptional performance and quality. Whether you prefer the tactile feedback of the Cream Yellow or the smooth linear action of the Smoothie Silver, rest assured that both switches offer a premium typing experience that will enhance your overall keyboarding experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch and the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch, consider your preferences for bottom out force, feel, and sound. If you prefer a medium bottom out force and a tactile typing experience, the Cream Yellow may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prioritize a feather-light touch, lightning-fast actuation, and a thocky sound, the Smoothie Silver could be the ideal switch for your needs. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to personal preferences and typing style.
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