Outemu Brown vs. Outemu Cream Blue
An in-depth look at the Outemu Brown and the Outemu Cream Blue switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Brown and Outemu Cream Blue offer distinct typing experiences. The Outemu Brown is a tactile switch that provides a satisfying bump when the key is pressed, making it ideal for typists who prefer a more subtle feedback. On the other hand, the Outemu Cream Blue is a clicky switch that offers a loud click sound with each key press, which is great for those who enjoy audible feedback while typing. Each switch has its own unique characteristics that cater to different preferences; 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
53g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Outemu Brown switch features a polycarbonate top housing, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which creates a clear and resonant sound. In contrast, the Outemu Cream Blue switch uses a nylon top housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, leading to a duller and rounder sound compared to the Brown switch.
Both the Brown and Cream Blue switches utilize a nylon bottom housing, which enhances the deeper and fuller sound profile of the switches. The softer plastic of the nylon material absorbs more sound, creating a more muted and round sound compared to switches with harder plastic bottom housings. This similarity in material for the bottom housing between the two switches means that they will both provide a consistent typing experience with a focus on sound quality.
The differences in the top housing materials of the Outemu Brown and Cream Blue switches ultimately affect the sound when pressing down on a key and when releasing it. The polycarbonate top housing of the Brown switch creates a sharp and crisp sound upon key release, while the nylon top housing of the Cream Blue switch produces a deeper and fuller sound. These contrasting sound profiles demonstrate how the choice of housing material can impact the overall typing experience and sound output of a mechanical keyboard switch.
Weight
When comparing the Outemu Brown tactile switch and the Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch, it is evident that they both have a similar bottom out force of 65 grams, providing a consistent typing experience in terms of how much pressure is needed to fully press a key. However, the Brown switch has a slightly higher actuation force of 53 grams compared to the Cream Blue's 50 grams, making it slightly heavier when triggering a keystroke. This difference may result in a slightly firmer typing feel with the Brown switch, while the Cream Blue switch may feel slightly lighter when initially actuating a key. Both switches fall into the medium-heavy category, offering a balance between typing comfort and tactile feedback. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation force and typing experience.
Travel distance
The Outemu Brown tactile switch and the Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch both have a travel distance of 4 mm, making their travel distances equal. When comparing the two switches, despite having the same travel distance, they offer different typing experiences. The Brown switch provides a tactile bump without an audible click, offering a quieter typing experience. On the other hand, the Cream Blue switch also has a tactile bump but includes an audible click sound, making it more satisfying for those who prefer a clicky feedback while typing. Overall, while the travel distances of both switches are the same, the typing experience they offer is what sets them apart.
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 Brown and Cream Blue.
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 Brown tactile switch is known for its smooth and subtle tactile bump without an audible click, providing a quiet typing experience suitable for office environments. On the other hand, the Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch is characterized by its crisp tactile bump and distinctive click sound that is satisfying for those who enjoy auditory feedback while typing. The Cream Blue switch offers a more pronounced tactile response compared to the Brown switch, which may appeal to users who prefer a more tactile typing experience.
When it comes to sound, the Outemu Brown switch is generally quieter compared to the Outemu Cream Blue switch due to the absence of a click mechanism. The Cream Blue switch, on the other hand, produces a clear and audible click sound with each key press, providing a more audible and satisfying typing experience for those who enjoy the auditory feedback.
In terms of feel, the Outemu Brown switch offers a smooth and gentle tactile bump that provides a subtle feedback during typing, making it suitable for users who prefer a quieter typing experience with a slight tactile feel. The Outemu Cream Blue switch, on the other hand, delivers a more pronounced tactile bump with a distinct clicky sound, offering a more tactile and auditory typing experience that is preferred by users who enjoy a more tactile and clicky switch.
In conclusion, the Outemu Brown and Cream Blue switches offer distinct typing experiences based on sound and feel preferences. The Brown switch provides a quiet and subtle tactile bump, while the Cream Blue switch delivers a more pronounced tactile feedback with an audible click sound. When choosing between the two switches, it ultimately comes down to personal preference on sound and feel, with the Brown switch being quieter and gentler, and the Cream Blue switch offering a more pronounced tactile and auditory typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Outemu Brown tactile switch and the Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch, consider the following guidelines. Choose the Outemu Brown tactile switch if you prefer a quieter typing experience with a tactile bump and medium-heavy bottom out force of 65 grams. This switch is ideal for those who want a more subtle tactile feedback without the loud clicky sound. On the other hand, opt for the Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch if you enjoy a clicky typing experience with a tactile bump and the same medium-heavy bottom out force of 65 grams. This switch is perfect for those who want an audible click with each keystroke, providing a satisfying typing experience. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your preference for sound and feel during typing.
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