Outemu Cream Blue vs. Durock Piano
An in-depth look at the Outemu Cream Blue and the Durock Piano switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Outemu Cream Blue, a clicky switch, and the Durock Piano, a linear switch. The Cream Blue switch is best known for its None qualities and is categorized as a clicky switch. On the other hand, the Durock Piano stands out for its proprietary material blend, providing users with a smooth and pleasant typing experience. Classified as a linear switch, the Piano is described as 'Bassy', 'Frictionless', and 'Silky'. While these general pointers give a basic idea of what each switch offers, diving deeper into their specific characteristics will help you make the best decision for your typing needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Mystery material
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Proprietary POM blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary POM blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The Outemu Cream Blue and Durock Piano both utilize unique housing materials for their switches, creating distinct typing experiences. The Cream Blue features a nylon top housing, which is known for its softer and more sound-absorbent properties, resulting in a deep and fuller sound profile when typing. In contrast, the Piano uses a proprietary POM blend for its top housing, offering a satisfying and deep sound profile. While both materials aim to enhance the typing experience, they may produce slightly different sound characteristics due to their unique compositions.
In terms of bottom housing, the Cream Blue utilizes a nylon material, similar to its top housing, to maintain a consistent typing experience. The nylon bottom housing of the Cream Blue contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, enhancing the overall typing experience. On the other hand, the Durock Piano features a proprietary POM blend for its bottom housing, which aims to provide a uniquely satisfying sound profile. Despite the differences in materials, both switches strive to create a pleasant typing experience by focusing on sound absorption and depth.
Overall, the choice between the Outemu Cream Blue and Durock Piano may come down to personal preference in terms of sound profile and typing feel. While both switches utilize unique housing materials to enhance the typing experience, the Cream Blue's nylon housing may provide a slightly rounder sound profile compared to the Piano's POM blend housing. However, both switches aim to offer a satisfying and deep typing experience, making them excellent choices for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts looking for an enhanced typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch and the Durock Piano linear switch, it is evident that the Cream Blue has a lighter actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Piano, which has an unknown actuation force. However, both switches have a similar bottom out force, with the Cream Blue requiring 65 grams and the Piano needing 63.5 grams. The Cream Blue provides a medium-heavy typing experience with a lighter initial push, perfect for those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing sessions. In contrast, the Piano offers a medium-heavy typing experience overall, with a slightly heavier push compared to the Cream Blue. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on the individual's preference for actuation force and bottom out force in their typing experience.
Travel distance
Both the Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch and the Durock Piano linear switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key attached to either of these switches, you will experience the same amount of travel before the key registers. This makes them both suitable for those who prefer a standard travel distance when typing or gaming. Overall, the travel distance of these switches is identical, providing consistent feedback for users regardless of the switch they choose to use.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock Piano has an MSRP of $6.70 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Piano for $5.57.
The Outemu Cream Blue 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 Blue clicky switch is known for its None. On the other hand, the Durock Piano linear switch is praised for its proprietary material blend, providing a smooth typing experience with a deep and creamy sound signature. The Cream Blue switch's sound profile is not specified, while the Piano switch is described as having a bassy sound profile, offering a rich and deeper tone during key presses. Keep in mind that the sound produced by a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Cream Blue switch's tactile sensation is not mentioned, whereas the Durock Piano linear switch is characterized by a frictionless and silky feel. These qualities translate to an effortless and smooth typing experience, minimizing resistance and enhancing the overall typing feel. The gliding push sensation of the Piano switch adds to its appeal, making it a popular choice among keyboard enthusiasts looking for a pleasant typing experience.
In conclusion, while the Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch and the Durock Piano linear switch offer different sound profiles and tactile experiences, both switches are highly regarded for their unique qualities. If you are looking for a tactile and clicky switch, the Cream Blue may be the option for you. Conversely, if you prefer a smooth linear switch with a deep and creamy sound signature, the Durock Piano switch might be more suitable. Keep in mind that personal preference plays a significant role in choosing the right switch for your needs, so experimenting with different options can help you find the perfect fit for your typing style.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch and the Durock Piano linear switch, consider the type of typing experience you prefer. If you enjoy a clicky switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force and are not concerned with sound or feel profiles, the Cream Blue may be the right choice for you. However, if you prioritize a smooth, frictionless typing experience with a deep, creamy sound profile, the Durock Piano linear switch with its proprietary material blend may be more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, the decision should be based on personal preference and what feels most comfortable for you during extended typing sessions.
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