Outemu Cream Blue vs. Outemu Red
An in-depth look at the Outemu Cream Blue and the Outemu Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Cream Blue and Outemu Red offer distinct experiences for users. The Cream Blue is a clicky switch, known for providing tactile feedback and an audible click with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Red is a linear switch, offering smooth and consistent keystrokes without any tactile bump or audible click. The Cream Blue might be preferred by those who enjoy the satisfying sound and feel of a clicky switch, while the Red could be chosen by users who prefer a quieter and more linear typing experience. 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
50g
Actuation force
46g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Pre-travel
2.10 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
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 housing materials of the Outemu Cream Blue and the Outemu Red switches differ in their top housing material. The Cream Blue features a nylon top housing, which creates a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer and more sound-absorbent nature. On the other hand, the Red switches have a polycarbonate top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile because of the material's stiffness. While the Cream Blue offers a duller and rounder sound, the Red provides a more clear and resonant sound, making them suitable for different preferences in typing sound and feel.
In terms of their bottom housing material, both the Outemu Cream Blue and the Outemu Red switches utilize nylon for this component. This shared housing material ensures that both switches will elicit a deeper and fuller sound profile, thanks to nylon's softer nature that absorbs more sound than harder plastics. Despite having different top housing materials, the use of nylon for the bottom housing in both switches maintains consistency in the sound and feel they produce during typing. This demonstrates how the choice of housing material can greatly impact the overall typing experience, even when other components may differ.
The contrast between the top and bottom housing materials in the Outemu Cream Blue and Outemu Red switches highlights the importance of each component in influencing the sound profile and feel of the switch. The difference in materials allows for distinct characteristics in sound output, with the top housing contributing to the sound when a key is released and the bottom housing affecting the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed down. This division of qualities between the top and bottom housing materials showcases how manufacturers can tailor the typing experience by selecting specific materials for different parts of the switch, catering to various preferences in typing sounds and sensations.
Weight
The Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Outemu Red linear switch's 46 grams, making the Cream Blue the heavier of the two. When it comes to bottom out force, the Cream Blue also requires more force at 65 grams, while the Red linear switch bottoms out at 62 grams. Overall, the Cream Blue switch offers a more substantial typing experience with its heavier actuation and bottom out forces, making it ideal for those who prefer a stronger push feel. On the other hand, the Red switch provides a lighter typing experience, which may be more suitable for users who type for extended periods or engage in long gaming sessions. Both switches offer distinct advantages depending on the user's preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch and the Outemu Red linear switch, we find that both switches have the same travel distance of 4mm. This means that pressing down on a key with either switch will result in a similar amount of travel from the top to the bottom. As a result, users can expect a consistent typing experience in terms of the distance the keys travel, whether they choose the Cream Blue clicky switch or the Red linear switch. Overall, the travel distance of both switches is equal, providing a standard typing experience for users.
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 Blue and Red.
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
Overall, when comparing the Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch and the Outemu Red linear switch, there are distinct differences to consider. Sound-wise, the Cream Blue offers a crisp clicky sound, adding a satisfying auditory element to typing, while the Red provides a smooth and quiet typing experience without any click. In terms of feel, the Cream Blue switch offers a tactile bump as you press down, providing additional feedback to the typist, while the Red switch offers a consistent linear actuation without any tactile bump. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preference for sound and feel during typing. If you prefer a clicky sound with tactile feedback, the Cream Blue switch would be the better option. However, if you prefer a quieter and smoother typing experience without any tactile feedback, the Red switch would be more suitable. Keep in mind that individual preferences vary, and it's always best to try out different switches before making a decision.
Conclusion
In closing, it is important to consider your personal preferences and typing style when choosing between the Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch and the Outemu Red linear switch. If you enjoy a tactile and clicky typing experience, the Cream Blue switch with its medium-heavy bottom out force of 65 grams may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth and consistent typing experience without the audible click, the Red switch with its medium bottom out force of 62 grams may be more suitable. Consider the sound and feel of each switch as well, as these can greatly impact your overall typing experience. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on what you prioritize in a mechanical keyboard switch – whether it be the tactile feedback and audible click of the Cream Blue, or the smooth and quiet operation of the Red. Choose wisely based on your own preferences and needs.
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