Outemu Cream Yellow vs. Outemu Yellow Silver
An in-depth look at the Outemu Cream Yellow and the Outemu Yellow Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the Outemu Cream Yellow and the Outemu Yellow Silver. The Cream Yellow is a tactile switch, offering a satisfying bump when pressed, while the Yellow Silver is a linear switch, providing a smooth and consistent keystroke. The Cream Yellow is best known for its tactile feedback, making it a great option for typists who enjoy a more pronounced actuation. On the other hand, the Yellow Silver is preferred by gamers and typists looking for quick and responsive key presses due to its light actuation force and neutral sound profile. 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
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.30 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The main difference between the Outemu Cream Yellow and Outemu Yellow Silver lies in their housing materials. The Cream Yellow features a nylon top housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic that absorbs more sound. In comparison, the Yellow Silver utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile with its stiffer plastic. This distinction in material ultimately affects the sound produced by the switches, offering users a choice between a duller and rounder sound with the Cream Yellow or a more clear and resonant sound with the Yellow Silver.
Although the bottom housings of the Cream Yellow and Yellow Silver are both made of nylon, they still contribute to the overall sound and feel of the switch. Nylon is known for providing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound. As a result, the bottom housing plays a significant role in determining the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch. Despite sharing the same bottom housing material, the Cream Yellow and Yellow Silver may still offer slightly different typing experiences based on the overall switch design and construction.
If a switch has different top and bottom housings, the qualities of each material will be split between the top and bottom of the switch, affecting both the sound and feel when typing. While pressing down on the switch, the qualities of the bottom housing will be more prominent, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, when releasing a key, the top housing will have a greater impact on the sound produced. Therefore, the choice between the Outemu Cream Yellow and Outemu Yellow Silver ultimately comes down to personal preference in terms of the sound characteristics desired while typing.
Weight
In comparing the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch and the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch, it is evident that both switches have the same actuation force of 45 grams. However, the Cream Yellow has a bottom out force of 60 grams, making it slightly heavier than the Yellow Silver, which bottoms out at 55 grams. The Cream Yellow provides a more substantial typing experience with a heavier bottom out force, while the Yellow Silver offers a lighter touch for longer typing or gaming sessions. Those who prefer a stronger push feel may lean towards the Cream Yellow, while individuals looking for a lighter typing experience may opt for the Yellow Silver. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends 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 Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Cream Yellow has a shorter travel distance compared to the Yellow Silver. A shorter travel distance can be preferred by gamers looking for faster response times, while a longer travel distance may provide a more satisfying key press feel for some users. Both switches offer different experiences based on their travel distances, so choosing between the two would depend on individual preferences for key press depth and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Outemu Cream Yellow comes in at $3.10, whereas the Outemu Yellow Silver comes in at $3.40.
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 Cream Yellow switch from Outemu does not have any specific reputation for sound or feel qualities, making it difficult to compare in that aspect. On the other hand, the Yellow Silver switch is known for its neutral sound profile, which means it has a moderate sound level that is suitable for various purposes. When it comes to feel, however, information on both switches is not available at this time.
In conclusion, while the Cream Yellow and Yellow Silver switches may have different sound profiles, without information on their feel it is hard to directly compare the two in terms of subjective qualities. Both switches come from the same manufacturer and offer their own advantages based on the information provided. If you are looking for a tactile typing experience, the Cream Yellow may be a good option, while the Yellow Silver could be more suitable for those who prefer a linear switch with a neutral sound profile. Ultimately, the best way to determine which switch is right for you is to try them out firsthand to see which one aligns with your preferences the most.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch and the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch, consider your preference for bottom out force and sound profile. If you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force of 60 grams and are looking for a switch with a unique tactile feel, the Cream Yellow may be the better option for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force of 55 grams and value a neutral sound profile that is suitable for various tasks, the Yellow Silver may be the more suitable choice. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences and intended use for the keyboard.
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