Outemu Cream Yellow vs. SP-Star Duck
An in-depth look at the Outemu Cream Yellow and the SP-Star Duck switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Cream Yellow and the SP-Star Duck are two popular choices for those looking for a tactile typing experience. The Cream Yellow is renowned for its smooth keypresses and tactile feedback, making it a favorite among gamers and typists alike. On the other hand, the Duck switches offer a more subtle tactile experience with a clean and crispy sound profile, making them ideal for those who prefer a quieter typing experience. While the Cream Yellow is categorized as smooth, the Duck falls under neutral, mild, buttery, polished]. Each switch has its own unique qualities that cater to different preferences, but let's delve 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
58g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold plated
Housing materials
The Outemu Cream Yellow and the SP-Star Duck have distinct differences in their housing materials. While the Cream Yellow features a nylon top and bottom housing, which creates a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition, the Duck boasts a polycarbonate top and bottom housing for a sharper and crisper sound. The Cream Yellow's nylon housing absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound, whereas the Duck's polycarbonate housing is stiffer, leading to a more clear and resonant sound quality. Aesthetically, the Duck's polycarbonate housing is clear and ideal for RGB lighting, whereas the Cream Yellow's nylon housing is opaque.
Despite their differences, the housing materials of the Outemu Cream Yellow and the SP-Star Duck both play a significant role in the sound produced by the switches. While the Cream Yellow's nylon housing generates a deeper and fuller sound by absorbing more noise, the Duck's polycarbonate housing creates a sharper and higher-pitched sound due to its stiffness. The translucency of the Duck's polycarbonate housing allows for RGB lighting, enhancing the overall aesthetic appeal of the switch. In contrast, the Cream Yellow's nylon housing provides a more subdued sound profile, making it suitable for those who prefer a quieter typing experience.
In terms of functionality, the top and bottom housing materials of the Outemu Cream Yellow and the SP-Star Duck impact the overall typing experience differently. The qualities of the bottom housing material are more noticeable when pressing down on the switch, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel. On the other hand, the top housing material plays a greater role in the sound produced when releasing a key. Whether you prefer the deeper and fuller sound of the Cream Yellow's nylon housing or the sharper and crisper sound of the Duck's polycarbonate housing, both switches offer unique sound profiles based on their housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch and the SP-Star Duck tactile switch, it is clear that the Cream Yellow is the lighter option with an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams. On the other hand, the Duck switch is slightly heavier with an unknown actuation force and a bottom out force of 58 grams. Both switches fall into the medium force category, making them suitable for a wide range of users. Those who prefer a lighter touch may opt for the Cream Yellow, which is ideal for extended typing sessions or gaming marathons. In contrast, individuals seeking a more substantial typing experience may lean towards the Duck switch with its slightly heavier bottom out force. Overall, the actuation and bottom out forces play a significant role in determining the typing feel and experience for users of mechanical keyboards.
Travel distance
The Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the SP-Star Duck tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. The Cream Yellow offers a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Duck. A 3.3 mm travel distance provides a quicker response time, which is favored by gamers looking for fast reactions. On the other hand, the Duck's 4 mm travel distance offers a bit more depth and may feel more substantial to some users. Both switches fall within the range of popular travel distances, with the Cream Yellow being slightly shorter and the Duck being slightly longer. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference for travel distance and typing feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The SP-Star Duck has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Duck for $5.40.
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 known for its smooth and creamy typing experience, with a sound profile that is soothing and subtle. On the other hand, the SP-Star Duck tactile switch provides a gentle tactility when typing, with a clean and crispy sound profile. The Cream Yellow switch is best suited for those who prefer a more subdued typing sound, while the Duck switch offers a more moderate sound profile that is suitable for a variety of environments.
When it comes to feel, the Cream Yellow switch's tactile feedback is still unknown. Conversely, the SP-Star Duck switch provides a mild and buttery typing experience that is approachable to most users. It boasts a polished finish, resulting in smooth and refined keystrokes with reduced friction. The Duck switch offers a seamless and effortless typing sensation, making it a favorite among those who enjoy a more refined typing experience.
Overall, both the Outemu Cream Yellow and the SP-Star Duck tactile switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. While the Cream Yellow switch provides a smooth and subtle typing experience with a soothing sound profile, the Duck switch offers a gentle tactility with a clean and crispy typing sound. Depending on your personal preferences, you can expect a satisfying typing experience with either of these switches, as they both offer distinct characteristics that make typing a joy.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch and the SP-Star Duck tactile switch, you should choose the Cream Yellow if you prefer a slightly higher bottom out force and are looking for a more versatile switch without a specific standout feature. On the other hand, if you value a more subtle tactile typing experience with a gentle tactility and clean sound profile, the Duck switch would be the better option for you. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches should depend on your personal preferences in terms of typing feel and sound profile. Consider trying out both switches to see which one aligns more closely with your desired typing experience.
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