Outemu Cream Yellow vs. HMX Sunset Gleam
An in-depth look at the Outemu Cream Yellow and the HMX Sunset Gleam switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Cream Yellow and the HMX Sunset Gleam present two distinct options catering to different typing preferences. The Cream Yellow, while not explicitly known for a particular characteristic, is a tactile switch that offers a noticeable bump to enhance the feel of each keystroke, making it a solid choice for typists who appreciate feedback with every press. In contrast, the HMX Sunset Gleam, often referred to as the Duck Duck switch, is a linear switch celebrated for its smooth keystrokes and a satisfying clack sound thanks to its expertly blended materials and excellent factory lube. This makes it ideal for gamers and those who prioritize a fluid typing experience without tactile interruptions. Ultimately, your choice may come down to whether you prefer the tactile feedback of a switch like the Cream Yellow or the seamless action of the Sunset Gleam. 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
42g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
pom
Stem material
Ly
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Cream Yellow and the HMX Sunset Gleam, we can observe a clear distinction between their top housings. The Cream Yellow utilizes nylon for its top housing, which is known for its ability to create a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is largely because nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs sound, resulting in a duller and more rounded auditory output when typing. In contrast, the HMX Sunset Gleam employs polycarbonate for its top housing, generating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to polycarbonate's rigid structure. The translucency of the polycarbonate also makes it suitable for RGB lighting setups, enhancing the visual appeal of the keyboard while offering a luminous effect that nylon simply cannot replicate.
On the bottom housing front, both the Cream Yellow and Sunset Gleam switch models incorporate nylon. This shared material contributes to similar deeper and fuller sound profiles upon bottoming out. A distinguishing feature here is that both switches will maintain a consistent auditory characteristic in this respect, since nylon’s sound absorption capabilities are leveraged effectively in the bottom housings of both models. As a result, while the top housing of each switch introduces different sound profiles, the shared nylon bottom housing ensures a unified auditory experience during keypresses, enriching the overall typing experience with a satisfying sound.
Finally, the interplay between different housing materials in these switches plays a significant role in shaping the user's experience. The Cream Yellow’s nylon top and bottom housings create a cohesive sound profile that emphasizes warmth and richness. Meanwhile, the HMX Sunset Gleam benefits from its hybrid material approach, combining the resonant clarity of its polycarbonate top with the soft, sound-absorbing qualities of its nylon bottom. This duality allows users to experience a unique combination of auditory feedback when pressing and releasing keys, with the crisper release note from the polycarbonate contrasted against the full-bodied bottoming sound from the nylon. Thus, despite having a common bottom housing material, the distinct top materials create different aural experiences when interacting with the switches.
Weight
When comparing the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch and the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switch, we find notable differences in both actuation force and bottom out force. The Cream Yellow requires an actuation force of 45 grams and has a bottom out force of 60 grams, categorizing it as a medium weight switch. In contrast, the Sunset Gleam is lighter, with an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, making it ideal for users who prefer a softer touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. The differences in forces suggest that typists may experience a more pronounced keystroke feedback with the Cream Yellow, while the Sunset Gleam provides a gentler resistance. Ultimately, for those who enjoy a heavier, more tactile feel while typing, the Cream Yellow would be the preferred choice, whereas lighter preferences would be better served by the Sunset Gleam.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch and the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switch, we find that they differ slightly, with the Cream Yellow having a travel distance of 3.3 mm and the Sunset Gleam at 3.5 mm. This means that the Cream Yellow offers a shorter travel distance, which can lead to quicker response times, making it a suitable choice for gamers looking for enhanced responsiveness. On the other hand, the Sunset Gleam, with its longer travel distance, might appeal to those who prefer a more substantial feel when typing, providing a deeper engagement with each keystroke. While both switches cater to different preferences in terms of touch and feedback, the Cream Yellow's shorter travel distance can be advantageous for those who value speed, whereas the Sunset Gleam's longer travel distance may be better for users who enjoy a more deliberate typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Sunset Gleam has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sunset Gleam for $2.99.
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 tactile switch does not have a specific characterization regarding its sound. In contrast, the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switch is recognized for delivering a pleasing auditory experience, producing a subtle top-out combined with a satisfying clack. The sound profile of each switch can be influenced by various elements, including the keyboard build and the type of keycaps used, meaning that even without completely defined sound quality for the Cream Yellow, there is potential for a broadly similar result depending on the overall setup.
When it comes to the feel of each switch, the Cream Yellow lacks an explicit description of its tactile feedback, which may leave users uncertain about its tactile nature. Conversely, the Sunset Gleam is noted for its smooth linear action, enhanced by HMX's excellent factory lube, contributing to an exceptionally pleasant typing experience. Without concrete details on the Cream Yellow's feel, users may miss out on a direct comparison, but it might still yield a usable sensation based on individual preference and other components.
In conclusion, while the Outemu Cream Yellow switch may not have distinct characteristics that can be readily discussed, the HMX Sunset Gleam offers an enjoyable auditory and tactile experience with its satisfying clack and smooth actuation. For newcomers, understanding that the subjective qualities of mechanical switches can heavily depend on how they are implemented in a build is essential, and they may find that experimenting with different combinations will yield results that meet their preferences.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch and the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences and intended use. If you prefer a switch that offers a medium bottom-out force of 60 grams, providing a tactile feel that can help with typing accuracy and reduce accidental key presses, the Cream Yellow could be the right choice for you. Its tactile nature is suitable for typists who enjoy a bit of resistance and feedback while typing, as it helps to create a satisfying experience without being overly heavy. On the other hand, if you favor a lighter, smoother experience with a bottom-out force of only 48 grams, the Sunset Gleam would likely strike your fancy. Ideal for gaming and fast-paced typing, this switch shines with its subtle top-out and satisfying clack, making it a great option for those who prioritize speed and fluidity. Ultimately, your decision should align with what you value most in your mechanical keyboard experience—whether it's the tactile feedback of the Cream Yellow or the seamless, quieter motion of the Sunset Gleam.
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