Outemu Cream Yellow vs. Huano Strawberry Latte

Overview

When it comes to choosing the ideal mechanical keyboard switch, the Outemu Cream Yellow and Huano Strawberry Latte both offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences. The Cream Yellow switch is known for its distinct tactile feedback, making it an appealing choice for typists who enjoy a slight bump in their key presses for a more defined typing experience. Conversely, the Huano Strawberry Latte is a linear switch renowned for its incredibly smooth key travel, utilizing the latest available molds from Huano to provide a balanced sound profile that strikes a perfect harmony between subtlety and resonance. While the Cream Yellow's tactile feel can enhance precision in typing and gaming, the Strawberry Latte promotes effortless, fluid keystrokes that many gamers and typists appreciate. Each switch brings its own advantages depending on individual need and usage context, making the choice an important one for keyboard enthusiasts. 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

Huano Strawberry Latte Linear

$3.10 per 10

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The Outemu Cream Yellow and Huano Strawberry Latte switches utilize different materials for their top housings, which significantly contributes to their acoustic profiles and overall performance. The Cream Yellow features a nylon top housing, which is renowned for producing a deeper, fuller sound. Nylon's softer texture allows it to absorb sound more effectively than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound profile when the keys are pressed. In contrast, the Strawberry Latte employs a POK top housing, known for its smoothness and clacking sound. The POK material, with its lower coefficient of friction and enhanced durability, provides a more crisp and pronounced aural feedback compared to the Cream Yellow, making it ideal for users who appreciate a sharper sound when typing.

In terms of bottom housing, both the Cream Yellow and the Strawberry Latte utilize nylon, which harmonizes the sound characteristics of the two switches when pressed. Since both switches share the same bottom housing material, users can expect a similar round and softer sound when bottoming out. The nylon bottom housing contributes to a consistent auditory experience, ensuring that despite the differences in top housing materials, the end-user perception remains somewhat unified in terms of how they feel when striking the keys. This shared element means the overall typing experience retains a level of familiarity for both switches.

While the Cream Yellow and Strawberry Latte switches may have varied acoustic signatures due to their differing top houses, their nylon bottom housing serves as a common thread that balances their acoustic characteristics. The softer bottom housing in both switches contributes to a cohesive sound experience, providing a deeper profile when bottomed out. However, the top housings will dictate the key release sound and feel, where the rounded tones of the nylon in the Cream Yellow yield a more muted experience compared to the sharper and clackier feedback of the POK material in the Strawberry Latte. Consequently, while each switch offers a unique typing experience, the synergy created by their shared nylon bottom housing ensures that the foundations of sound remain similar, allowing users to choose based on their preference for top housing tones.

Weight

The Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch present distinct characteristics in their actuation and bottom out forces, catering to different typing preferences. The Cream Yellow has a heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, providing a more substantial feel that some users may prefer for that tactile feedback and a robust typing experience. In contrast, the Strawberry Latte is lighter, with an actuation force of only 35 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it suitable for those who seek a softer touch and potentially less strain during extended typing or gaming sessions. Overall, while both switches have their unique advantages, the Outemu Cream Yellow is the heavier option, appealing to users who favor a more forceful push, whereas the Huano Strawberry Latte is lighter and ideal for those who value ease of keystrokes. The differences in these switch forces suggest that users can expect varying experiences in typing dynamics, with the Cream Yellow providing more resistance compared to the effortlessly light feel of the Strawberry Latte.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distance of the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch, there are some notable differences. The Cream Yellow has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, making it the shorter option of the two. In contrast, the Strawberry Latte offers a travel distance of 3.6 mm, which is considered more traditional and provides a deeper feel during key presses. This slight difference in travel distance reflects varying preferences among users: those who favor a quicker response time may prefer the Cream Yellow, while those who enjoy a more pronounced tactile experience might opt for the Strawberry Latte. Thus, while gamers might appreciate the shorter travel distance of the Cream Yellow for its responsiveness, the Strawberry Latte may appeal to those seeking a heftier depth in their keystrokes.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Outemu Cream Yellow switch is characterized by a relatively neutral sound profile; it isn’t designed to be particularly loud or quiet, allowing for a versatile typing experience. The Huano Strawberry Latte switch, on the other hand, boasts a balanced sound profile that strikes a pleasing middle ground—not too loud or overly resonant, making it suitable for both casual and professional environments. While the exact acoustic nuance of the Cream Yellow isn’t specified, users can expect a respectful sound that complements a variety of setups. As with any switch, the overall sound will also depend on the keyboard and keycap choices made by the user.

When it comes to feel, the Outemu Cream Yellow does not have specific subjective qualities highlighted, leaving its tactile feedback somewhat ambiguous. In contrast, the Huano Strawberry Latte switch is renowned for its super smooth action, attributed to the latest manufacturing techniques ensuring a satisfying linear experience. This smoothness can lead to a more enjoyable typing experience, particularly for users who prefer rapid keystrokes without any tactile bump. The difference in feel between these two switches may have a notable impact on typing preference, especially for those who prioritize a silky linear movement.

In summary, the Outemu Cream Yellow switch offers a neutral sound that fits well into varied setups, though its feel remains unspecified, which may leave users curious. The Huano Strawberry Latte, meanwhile, stands out with its well-balanced sound and exceptionally smooth tactile experience. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on personal preferences regarding sound and feel. Users can lean towards the Strawberry Latte for a smoother action and a balanced auditory experience, while the Cream Yellow might cater to a more versatile sound, even if its tactile properties remain less defined.

Conclusion

To conclude, your choice between the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch will largely depend on your personal preferences and typing style. If you appreciate a firmer tactile feedback in your typing experience, the Cream Yellow’s medium bottom-out force of 60 grams may be more suitable for you. This switch is especially beneficial if you type heavily or for extended periods, as the added resistance can help prevent accidental key presses. On the other hand, if you favor a lighter touch and a smoother, more fluid keystroke, the Huano Strawberry Latte’s 45-gram bottom-out force could be your ideal match. This switch allows for rapid typing with minimal fatigue, making it particularly appealing for fast-paced gaming or lengthy typing sessions. Additionally, both switches offer distinct sound profiles that can enhance your overall experience—the balanced sound of the Strawberry Latte strikes a nice middle ground, while the specific attributes of the Cream Yellow may cater to more personalized sound preferences. Ultimately, your choice will hinge on whether you desire tactile feedback or the effortless glide of linear switches, so consider what aligns best with your typing habits and preferences before making your decision.

Mentioned in this article

Outemu Cream Yellow Tactile

$3.10 per 10

Learn more

Huano Strawberry Latte Linear

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

Learn more