Outemu Cream Yellow vs. Gazzew U4
An in-depth look at the Outemu Cream Yellow and the Gazzew U4 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to tactile mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options that stand out are the Outemu Cream Yellow and the Gazzew U4. The Cream Yellow is known for its category of None, while the U4 is renowned for its sharp and exhilarating tactile bump, accompanied by a plush, felt-like bottom-out sensation. The U4 also boasts a sound profile that is whisper quiet, making it an attractive choice for those seeking a discreet typing experience. If you're looking for a tactile switch that offers a tactile bump and a silent typing experience, the Gazzew U4 may be the switch for you. 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
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel 14mm Korean spring
Housing materials
The Outemu Cream Yellow and Gazzew U4 switches both utilize unique and proprietary materials for their housing components. While the Cream Yellow features a nylon top and bottom housing, the Gazzew U4 boasts a proprietary Gazzew blend for both the top and bottom housing. Both materials are described as soft and absorbent, creating a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing on the switches. The Cream Yellow's nylon housing is known for its ability to produce a duller and rounder sound, while the Gazzew blend in the U4 switch delivers a rich and deep sound.
One key difference between the two switches lies in the material used for the top housing. The Cream Yellow utilizes nylon for its top housing, which is known for its ability to create a deeper sound profile. Meanwhile, the Gazzew U4 employs a proprietary Gazzew blend for its top housing, which is described as "boba plastic" and is known for delivering a rich and deep sound. Despite this difference, both housing materials share the quality of softness, which contributes to their ability to absorb sound and create a pleasing typing experience.
Another point of comparison between the Outemu Cream Yellow and Gazzew U4 switches is the impact of the housing material on the overall sound and feel of the switch. The qualities of the bottom housing material are felt more prominently when bottoming out a key, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch. On the other hand, the top housing material has a greater impact on the sound produced when releasing a key. Both switches aim to provide a unique and enjoyable typing experience, with their housing materials playing a crucial role in shaping the sound profile and tactile feel of the switches.
Weight
The Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch and the Gazzew U4 tactile switch both have a similar actuation force of 45 grams, making them lighter options for typing. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Cream Yellow requires 60 grams while the U4 requires 62 grams, making the U4 slightly heavier. This means that the Cream Yellow might be more suitable for those looking for a lighter typing experience, while the U4 offers a bit more resistance for those who prefer a stronger push feel. Both switches offer a medium level of force overall, providing a balance between ease of typing and tactile feedback. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Gazzew U4 tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. In this case, the Gazzew U4 has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Cream Yellow. The Cream Yellow falls on the shorter end of the spectrum with its 3.3 mm travel distance, making it a good choice for those who prefer a faster response time, such as gamers. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4's 3.6 mm travel distance provides a bit more depth to the key press, which may be preferred by individuals who enjoy a more substantial feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the type of typing or gaming experience desired. Both switches will provide tactile feedback, but the slight difference in travel distance may result in a slightly different typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Outemu Cream Yellow comes in at $3.10, whereas the Gazzew U4 comes in at $6.50.
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 any specific qualities mentioned, so it is difficult to compare directly to the Gazzew U4. However, the U4 is praised for its muted and low-pitched sound profile, ensuring a quiet typing experience that is less likely to disturb those around you. The Cream Yellow's sound may vary depending on other factors, such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
Moving on to feel, the Outemu Cream Yellow switch also lacks specific descriptors of its tactile feel, making it challenging to directly contrast with the Gazzew U4. The U4, on the other hand, is characterized by its sharp and intense tactile feedback, providing a satisfying tactile bump that is distinctly felt with each key press. This tactile sensation adds a layer of responsiveness to typing on the U4 switches.
In conclusion, while the subjective qualities of the Outemu Cream Yellow and Gazzew U4 switches may vary, with the Cream Yellow lacking specific descriptors, both switches offer unique experiences for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. The U4 stands out for its muted sound profile and sharp tactile feedback, providing a quiet yet satisfying typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference for sound and feel, as well as other factors such as keyboard customization and keycap selection.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding between the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch and the Gazzew U4 tactile switch, you should choose the Cream Yellow if you prefer a slightly lighter bottom out force and are looking for a more subtle and traditional typing experience. On the other hand, if you are seeking a switch with a unique tactile bump and a quieter sound profile, the Gazzew U4 is the way to go. The U4 offers a sharp tactile bump and a plush bottom-out sensation, making it a great choice for those who prioritize tactile feedback and a quieter typing experience. Ultimately, your choice between these switches will depend on your personal preferences for typing feel and sound.
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