Outemu Cream Yellow vs. Outemu Tom
An in-depth look at the Outemu Cream Yellow and the Outemu Tom switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Cream Yellow and Outemu Tom stand out as popular choices among tactile switch enthusiasts. The Cream Yellow is praised for its smooth and satisfying tactile feedback, making it a favorite among typists and gamers alike. On the other hand, the Outemu Tom is known for its pronounced tactile bump and slightly heavier actuation force, providing a more pronounced typing experience. While both switches offer a tactile typing experience, the Cream Yellow provides a smoother feel while the Tom offers a more pronounced tactile bump. 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
55g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Cream Yellow and Outemu Tom switches, it is evident that they both utilize nylon in their bottom housing. This choice results in a similar typing experience for both switches, as nylon's softer nature absorbs sound, creating a deeper and fuller sound profile. However, when it comes to the top housing, the Cream Yellow features a nylon construction while the Tom utilizes polycarbonate. The Cream Yellow's nylon top housing contributes to a duller and rounder sound profile, while the Tom's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This contrast in material highlights how the choice of housing can significantly impact the overall sound and feel of a switch.
While both the Outemu Cream Yellow and Outemu Tom switches share a nylon bottom housing, the difference in their top housing materials leads to distinct sound profiles. The Cream Yellow's nylon top housing creates a softer and more muted sound, while the Tom's polycarbonate top housing produces a clearer and more resonant sound. Additionally, the use of polycarbonate in the Tom switch allows for a translucent housing, making it ideal for RGB lighting effects. This distinction showcases how the choice of materials in the top housing can not only impact the sound but also the aesthetics of a switch.
In understanding the impact of housing materials on switch performance, it becomes clear that the Outemu Cream Yellow and Outemu Tom switches offer contrasting sound experiences due to their different top housing materials. The Cream Yellow's nylon top housing results in a deeper and fuller sound profile, while the Tom's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper and clearer sound. Despite sharing a nylon bottom housing, the top housing of each switch plays a significant role in shaping the overall sound and feel. Whether aiming for a dull and round sound with the Cream Yellow or a crisp and resonant sound with the Tom, the choice of housing material is crucial in achieving the desired typing experience.
Weight
The Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Outemu Tom tactile switch, which has an actuation force of 55 grams, making the Tom switch feel slightly heavier when typing. However, both switches have a similar bottom out force of 60 grams, providing a consistent typing experience once the key is fully pressed. The Cream Yellow is ideal for those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing sessions or gaming, while the Tom is better suited for users who enjoy a more pronounced tactile response with a slightly heavier feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation force and typing experience.
Travel distance
The Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch and the Outemu Tom tactile switch have the same travel distance of 3.3 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key with either of these switches, the distance the switch travels from the top to the bottom is identical. Both switches provide a consistent tactile feedback experience due to their equivalent travel distances, ensuring that users will get similar results when using either switch. Thus, in terms of travel distance, there is no significant difference between the Outemu Cream Yellow and the Outemu Tom switches.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
In this case, both switches are $3.10. As such, price can't serve as a tiebreaker when choosing between the Cream Yellow and Tom.
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 is known for its smooth and buttery feel, providing a satisfying tactile bump with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Tom switch offers a slightly different tactile experience, with a more pronounced bump that provides a bit more feedback to the user. When it comes to sound, the Cream Yellow switch is known to have a quiet and subtle sound profile, while the Tom switch produces a slightly higher pitched sound that may be more audible during typing. Ultimately, both switches offer a unique tactile experience and can cater to different preferences in terms of sound and feel. It is important for newcomers to consider their own typing style and preferences when choosing between these two switches to ensure a satisfying typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch and the Outemu Tom tactile switch, you should choose the Cream Yellow if you prefer a medium bottom out force of 60 grams and are looking for a switch best suited for a specific use case that aligns with its unique features. On the other hand, the Tom switch may be more suitable for you if you prioritize a switch with no bottom out force and have preferences that align with its distinct characteristics. Consider your specific needs and preferences in terms of force, sound, and feel to make the best choice between these two switches. Ultimately, the decision should be based on what will enhance your typing experience and meet your individual requirements.
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