Outemu Cream Yellow vs. Aflion Thunder Shadow
An in-depth look at the Outemu Cream Yellow and the Aflion Thunder Shadow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Cream Yellow and the Aflion Thunder Shadow are both excellent options to consider. The Cream Yellow is known for its unique design and tactile feedback, perfect for those who love a bit of resistance in their typing experience. On the other hand, the Thunder Shadow by Aflion is making waves in the switch industry with its pronounced tactile bump and medium weight feel, creating a satisfying typing experience. While the Cream Yellow offers a different tactile experience, the Thunder Shadow provides a balanced feel and a neutral sound signature. Ultimately, choosing between these two switches will depend 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
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
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
Partial box
Stem material
pom
Stem material
POM
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
20mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
The main difference between the Outemu Cream Yellow and the Aflion Thunder Shadow lies in their top housing materials. The Cream Yellow's nylon top housing creates a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, the Thunder Shadow's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile as a result of its stiffer plastic composition. While both materials offer their own unique sound characteristics, the choice between the two ultimately depends on personal preference and desired sound profile.
On the other hand, both switches share a nylon bottom housing, which contributes to the overall deep and fuller sound profile experienced while typing. Being a classic switch housing material, nylon's softer plastic composition helps absorb sound and create a more rounded sound. Despite having different top housings, the shared nylon bottom housing between the Cream Yellow and Thunder Shadow ensures a consistent typing experience with a focus on deeper and fuller sound quality. This similarity in bottom housing material may lead to comparable typing experiences between the two switches, with the main distinction lying in the top housing material's impact on sound profile.
In terms of construction, the division between top and bottom housing materials in a switch plays a crucial role in determining the overall sound and feel of typing. The qualities brought by each housing material are distinct, with the bottom housing influencing the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing affects the sound when releasing a key. The choice between nylon and polycarbonate for top and bottom housings can significantly alter the typing experience, highlighting the importance of housing material selection in customizing the sound profile of mechanical switches. Whether opting for the deeper and fuller sound of nylon or the sharper and crisper tones of polycarbonate, enthusiasts have the opportunity to tailor their typing experience to suit their preferences with switches like the Outemu Cream Yellow and Aflion Thunder Shadow.
Weight
The Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Aflion Thunder Shadow tactile switch, which has an unknown actuation force. However, the Cream Yellow has a slightly lighter bottom out force of 60 grams, while the Thunder Shadow has a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, making it slightly heavier. Both switches fall within the medium range in terms of actuation force, with the Cream Yellow being on the lighter side while the Thunder Shadow is more towards the medium-heavy range. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Cream Yellow may be the better choice, allowing for longer typing sessions without fatigue. On the other hand, individuals who prefer a more substantial typing feel may opt for the Thunder Shadow with its slightly heavier bottom out force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.3mm, while the Aflion Thunder Shadow tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.5mm. Both fall within the range of shorter travel distances, with the Aflion Thunder Shadow having a slightly longer travel distance than the Cream Yellow. Gamers looking for faster response times may prefer the Cream Yellow with its shorter travel distance, while those who enjoy a more substantial keypress may lean towards the Thunder Shadow. Ultimately, both switches offer a tactile experience with differing travel distances to cater to individual preferences.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Aflion Thunder Shadow has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Thunder Shadow for $3.91.
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
When it comes to sound, the Outemu Cream Yellow switch does not have a specific reputation or description, so it is difficult to directly compare it with the Aflion Thunder Shadow switch, which is known for its neutral sound profile. A neutral sound profile means that the switch has a moderate actuation force requirement and sound profile, making it suitable for various purposes. However, it is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps being used.
Moving on to feel, the Outemu Cream Yellow switch does not have a specific description available for comparison. On the other hand, the Aflion Thunder Shadow switch is described as invigorating, offering pronounced feedback, a moderate to firm actuation force, and a snappy, reactive feel. This creates an immersive typing sensation for the user, making it a popular choice among tactile switch enthusiasts.
In conclusion, while subjective qualities such as sound and feel differ between the Outemu Cream Yellow and Aflion Thunder Shadow switches based on the available information, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. Whether you prefer a neutral sound profile with a harmonious balance like the Thunder Shadow or are looking for an invigorating typing experience with pronounced feedback, both switches provide a fulfilling tactile typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch and the Aflion Thunder Shadow tactile switch, consider the following guidelines. If you prefer a slightly lighter bottom out force of 60 grams and are looking for a switch with no specific standout feature, the Cream Yellow may be the better option for you. However, if you are drawn to a slightly heavier bottom out force of 63.5 grams and are intrigued by Aflion's innovative approach in creating a switch with a pronounced tactile bump and a harmonious balance, then the Thunder Shadow might be the switch for you. Additionally, if you appreciate a switch with a neutral sound signature and a moderate actuation force requirement, the Thunder Shadow would be a good fit. On the other hand, if you seek an invigorating typing experience with pronounced feedback and a snappy feel, the Thunder Shadow would be the preferable choice. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to your personal preference in terms of bottom out force, tactile feel, sound profile, and overall typing experience. Choose the switch that aligns best with your typing needs and preferences.
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