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Outemu Cream Yellow vs. Gateron Weightlessness

An in-depth look at the Outemu Cream Yellow and the Gateron Weightlessness switches—which one is the best fit for you?

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Cream Yellow and the Gateron Weightlessness are two tactile options that cater to different preferences. The Cream Yellow is recognized for its unique tactile feedback, providing an engaging typing experience for those who enjoy a distinct physical response with each keystroke. In contrast, the Gateron Weightlessness offers a subtle to moderate tactile feel, striking a balance that can appeal to users who appreciate a more refined touch without overwhelming feedback. Additionally, the Weightlessness switches are known for their balanced sound profile, making them a great choice for a quieter typing experience. Both switches have their unique attributes that make them appealing; the Cream Yellow for its pronounced tactile action and the Weightlessness for its smooth, balanced performance. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.

By the numbers

Technical specifications

Actuation force

45g

Actuation force

50g

Bottom-out force

60g

Bottom-out force

N/A

Pre-travel

2.00 mm

Pre-travel

2.00 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

Nylon

Bottom housing material

Nylon

Bottom housing material

Nylon

Mount type

PCB (5-pin)

Mount type

PCB (5-pin)

Spring

Stainless steel

Spring

22mm double-staged spring

Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Cream Yellow and the Gateron Weightlessness, it is notable that both switches utilize nylon for their top and bottom housings. This similarity in material directly influences the overall sound profile and tactile experience of each switch. Nylon, being a softer plastic, inherently absorbs sound waves more effectively than harder materials, resulting in a deeper and fuller typing sound. This shared characteristic means that users can expect a comparably duller and rounder sound when typing on either switch, enhancing a pleasant acoustic atmosphere conducive to both casual and serious typing sessions.

In terms of feel and performance, since both switches employ nylon in both housings, the overall typing experience can be expected to envelop similar qualities. The bottom housing significantly influences the bottom-out feel and sound, while the top housing contributes more to the tactile and auditory experience when releasing a key. Therefore, when using these switches, users might find that the tactile feedback and sound produced during the key press and release fosters an engaging experience, which is consistent across both models due to their shared housing materials.

However, the cohesion in housing materials does not mean that the switches are identical in their overall behavior or feel. While both the Cream Yellow and Weightlessness switches provide the advantages of nylon's sound-absorbing properties, other factors such as stem design, spring tension, and keycap compatibility may lead to unique typing experiences. Despite these potential differences, the sound and feel during key presses will maintain a similar essence owing to the uniformity of nylon used in their construction. Thus, while users can anticipate familiar auditory profiles across both switches, nuances in feel may arise from additional attributes beyond just the housing materials.

Weight

When comparing the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch, a notable difference can be observed in their actuation forces, as well as an absence of data for one of their respective bottom out forces. The Cream Yellow switch has an actuation force of 45 grams, making it lighter, which is ideal for those who prefer a softer touch, such as for extended typing sessions or gaming marathons. In contrast, the Weightlessness switch has a heavier actuation force of 50 grams, suggesting a firmer push that may appeal to users preferring a more substantial feel while typing. However, the bottom out force for the Weightlessness is unknown, making it difficult to fully evaluate its characteristics in comparison to the Cream Yellow, which has a bottom out force of 60 grams. Therefore, if you're looking for a lighter switch for comfort, the Outemu Cream Yellow would be the preferred choice, while those looking for a heavier, more tactile experience might lean towards the Gateron Weightlessness—provided they find the right bottom out data to finalize their preference.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch, it is evident that they differ slightly. The Cream Yellow has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Weightlessness features a travel distance of 3.4 mm. This makes the Cream Yellow the shorter option, providing a slightly more responsive feel that may appeal to gamers seeking faster response times. On the other hand, the Weightlessness, with its longer travel distance, offers a more pronounced depth that some users may prefer for a richer typing experience. Therefore, if a quicker and more immediate feedback is desired, the Cream Yellow would be the better choice, while those who appreciate a fuller typing sensation might lean towards the Weightlessness.

Price comparison

Which switch is more bang for your buck?

The Gateron Weightlessness has an MSRP of $6.10 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Weightlessness for $5.50.

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 is characterized by a sound profile that is relatively quiet, making it suitable for environments where noise reduction is a priority. In contrast, the Gateron Weightlessness switches have a balanced sound profile that complements their tactile nature, offering a subtle to moderate tactile feedback without being overly noisy. Both switches can deliver a pleasing auditory experience, but the Weightlessness may have a slight edge in terms of producing a more nuanced sound that pairs well with its tactile feedback.

When it comes to feel, the Cream Yellow switch stands out with a unique tactile response that is distinct and noticeable, providing a satisfying experience for typists and gamers alike. On the other hand, the Weightlessness switches offer a tactile feel that is more subtle to moderate, making them less pronounced compared to the Cream Yellow. While both switch types provide tactile feedback, the experience will differ, with the Cream Yellow likely appealing to those who appreciate a more defined tactile bump, whereas the Weightlessness may attract users who prefer a smoother, less intrusive tactile sensation.

In summary, the Outemu Cream Yellow switch offers a quieter sound and a more pronounced tactile feel, while the Gateron Weightlessness switch presents a balanced sound profile with a subtle tactile sensation. Choosing between these switches will ultimately come down to personal preference; if you favor a defined tactile bump with a quieter sound, the Cream Yellow will be a good fit. If you lean towards a moderate tactile feel with balanced acoustics, the Weightlessness is likely to meet your expectations. Both options provide unique characteristics that cater to different typing and gaming styles, ensuring a satisfying experience depending on your preference.

Conclusion

To conclude, choosing between the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch hinges on your personal preferences for feel and feedback when typing or gaming. If you prefer a medium resistance with a tactile bump that provides a clear sense of activation, the Cream Yellow is an excellent choice. It’s great for both typing and gaming, offering a satisfying experience without feeling overly stiff. On the other hand, if you're inclined towards a lighter, more nuanced tactile response, the Gateron Weightlessness switch is designed for you. It delivers a subtle and balanced tactile feedback that can enhance your overall typing experience, especially if you favor a quieter sound profile and softer feel. Ultimately, consider your typing style, the type of work or gaming you do, and whether you value a more pronounced tactile sensation or a more understated touch. Both switches have unique attributes that cater to different users, ensuring that you can find the right fit for your mechanical keyboard setup.

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