Outemu Cream Yellow vs. Jwick Semi-Silent Linear
An in-depth look at the Outemu Cream Yellow and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Cream Yellow, a tactile switch, and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear, a linear switch, offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Cream Yellow, known for its None, falls under the tactile category, providing a tactile bump for feedback during typing. On the other hand, the Semi-Silent Linear stands out for its innovative design, offering a whisper-quiet topping-out sound coupled with a clacky bottom-out sound. It falls under categories like 'Subdued', 'Neutral', and 'Buttery', providing a smooth typing experience without being overly polished. While both switches have their own merits, choosing between them ultimately depends 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
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
3.70 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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Cream Yellow and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear, it is clear that the Cream Yellow utilizes nylon for both its top and bottom housing, while the Semi-Silent Linear uses polycarbonate for the top housing and nylon for the bottom housing. Nylon is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, which absorbs more sound and creates a duller tone. On the other hand, polycarbonate in the Semi-Silent Linear's top housing leads to a sharper, higher-pitched sound with a clearer and more resonant quality. This contrast in materials results in distinct auditory experiences for users of both switches.
Despite their differences, both switches benefit from the use of nylon in their bottom housing, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile with a rounder tone. This similarity in bottom housing material ensures that users of both the Cream Yellow and Semi-Silent Linear will experience a consistent typing feel with a satisfying sound when pressing down on the keys. However, the choice of polycarbonate for the top housing of the Semi-Silent Linear offers a unique advantage in terms of sound quality, creating a crisper and more distinct sound when releasing a key. This difference in top housing material highlights the importance of housing materials in determining the overall sound profile of a switch.
Overall, the housing materials of the Outemu Cream Yellow and Jwick Semi-Silent Linear play a crucial role in shaping the sound and feel of the switches. While both switches share the use of nylon in the bottom housing for a consistent typing experience, the Cream Yellow's nylon top housing produces a deeper sound profile, contrasting with the Semi-Silent Linear's polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper and more resonant sound. Whether users prefer a fuller, rounder tone or a crisper, higher-pitched sound, the choice of housing materials in these switches offers a variety of options to suit different typing preferences. Ultimately, the differences in housing materials contribute to the unique characteristics and user experience of each switch.
Weight
The Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, making it a medium-weight switch. In contrast, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch does not have a specified actuation force, but it has a bottom out force of 62 grams, which is also considered medium. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Cream Yellow may be the better option due to its slightly lower actuation force. However, for those who enjoy a more substantial typing feel, the Semi-Silent Linear switch's slightly higher bottom out force may be more appealing. Overall, both switches provide a medium-weight typing experience, so users can expect similar results in terms of force required for keystrokes.
Travel distance
The Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, making it shorter than the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch, which has a travel distance of 3.7 mm. While both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, the Cream Yellow offers a slightly quicker response time compared to the Semi-Silent Linear. Gamers may prefer the Cream Yellow for its faster actuation, providing a more responsive gaming experience. On the other hand, those who prefer a deeper key press may opt for the Semi-Silent Linear with its slightly longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches boils down to personal preference and the specific typing or gaming experience desired. Both switches offer their own unique advantages, so users can expect similar results in terms of overall performance despite the slight difference in travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Jwick Semi-Silent Linear has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Semi-Silent Linear for $5.27.
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 Cream Yellow tactile switch is known for its quiet and subtle actuation, making it suitable for quiet environments where noise may be a concern. On the other hand, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch is designed to offer a semi-silent experience, with a whisper-quiet topping-out sound and a clacky bottom-out sound. The Semi-Silent Linear switch provides a more subdued and neutral sound profile, offering a more gentle typing experience compared to the Cream Yellow switch.
In terms of feel, the Cream Yellow switch is known for providing a smooth and tactile typing experience, although specific descriptors are not provided. On the other hand, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch offers a mild, snappy, buttery, and polished feel. This means that the Semi-Silent Linear switch provides a more responsive and lively typing experience, with a smooth and fluid keystroke sensation that is enhanced by reduced friction and smooth key travel.
Overall, when considering the subjective qualities of the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch, it's important to note that they offer different sound and feel experiences. The Cream Yellow switch is quieter and provides a smooth tactile feel, while the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch offers a semi-silent experience with a more lively and responsive typing feel. Depending on your preferences for sound and feel, both switches can offer a satisfactory typing experience, although they cater to different user preferences. If you enjoy a quieter and smoother tactile experience, the Cream Yellow switch may be more suitable for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a more responsive and slightly louder typing experience, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch may be the better option for you.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch, you should consider your preferences for sound and feel. If you prefer a switch with a more traditional feel and sound, the Cream Yellow may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you are looking for a switch that offers a unique, semi-silent typing experience with a silky smooth feel, then the Semi-Silent Linear switch would be the way to go. Ultimately, the decision comes down to whether you prioritize the tactile feedback of the Cream Yellow or the innovative design of the Semi-Silent Linear. Both switches have their own strengths, so choose based on what matters most to you in your typing experience.
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