Outemu Cream Pink vs. Aflion Thunder Shadow
An in-depth look at the Outemu Cream Pink and the Aflion Thunder Shadow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Cream Pink and Aflion Thunder Shadow offer distinctive experiences for different preferences. The Cream Pink is a linear switch known for its smooth keystrokes and responsive feel. On the other hand, the Thunder Shadow from Aflion is a tactile switch that provides a satisfying bump with a medium weight feel. While the Cream Pink offers a straightforward typing experience, the Thunder Shadow caters to those who enjoy a more tactile response. Both switches have their own unique qualities that appeal to different users, making them suitable for various purposes. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
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
20mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
In terms of housing materials, the Outemu Cream Pink utilizes a nylon top housing, while the Aflion Thunder Shadow boasts a polycarbonate top housing. The nylon top housing of the Cream Pink creates a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic properties, absorbing more sound and resulting in a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, the polycarbonate top housing of the Thunder Shadow produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, thanks to its stiffer plastic composition. While both housing materials offer unique sound characteristics, the Cream Pink's nylon top housing is ideal for those seeking a more muted typing experience, whereas the Thunder Shadow's polycarbonate top housing is better suited for those who prefer a clearer, more resonant sound.
Moving on to the bottom housings of these switches, both the Cream Pink and the Thunder Shadow feature nylon bottom housings. Being a softer plastic, nylon absorbs sound effectively, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile for both switches. This similarity in bottom housing material contributes to a consistent typing experience in terms of sound and feel, making the Cream Pink and Thunder Shadow equally effective in providing a quieter and more rounded typing experience. While the top housings may differ between the two switches, the shared nylon bottom housing ensures a cohesive typing experience in terms of sound profile.
Overall, the choice between the Outemu Cream Pink and the Aflion Thunder Shadow ultimately comes down to personal preference in sound profile. The Cream Pink with its nylon top housing offers a softer, quieter typing experience, while the Thunder Shadow with its polycarbonate top housing provides a crisper, more resonant sound. Both switches share nylon bottom housings, ensuring a consistent deep and full sound profile. Whether you prefer a duller and rounder sound or a sharper and clearer sound, both switches offer distinct qualities that cater to different typing preferences.
Weight
The Outemu Cream Pink linear switch is lighter in terms of actuation force compared to the Aflion Thunder Shadow tactile switch. The Cream Pink requires 50 grams of force to actuate, while the Thunder Shadow's actuation force is unspecified. However, both switches have a medium-heavy bottom out force, with the Cream Pink requiring 65 grams and the Thunder Shadow needing 63.5 grams. Those who prefer a lighter actuation force for extended typing or gaming sessions may lean towards the Cream Pink, while those seeking a more substantial typing experience may prefer the Thunder Shadow. Despite the differences in actuation force, both switches offer a similar medium-heavy bottom out force, providing comparable results in that aspect. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
The Outemu Cream Pink linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Aflion Thunder Shadow tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that the Cream Pink has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Thunder Shadow. The Cream Pink's 4.0mm travel distance falls within the traditional range, offering a good balance between responsiveness and key depth. On the other hand, the Thunder Shadow's 3.5mm travel distance is slightly shorter, making it potentially more suitable for those looking for fast response times. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance, as both options provide unique benefits based on individual typing or gaming needs.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Aflion Thunder Shadow has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Thunder Shadow for $3.91.
The Outemu Cream Pink 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 Pink switch is known for its silence, making it a great option for those who prefer a quieter typing experience. On the other hand, the Thunder Shadow switch is recognized for its neutral sound profile, which means it strikes a balance between being audible without being overly loud. Depending on personal preference and the other components used in the keyboard setup, both switches can provide satisfying auditory feedback during use.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Cream Pink is known for its smooth linear action, offering a consistent and frictionless keystroke that some users find very enjoyable. In contrast, the Thunder Shadow switch provides an invigorating tactile experience with its pronounced feedback and moderate to firm actuation force. This tactile response can be quite satisfying for those who prefer to feel the actuation point while typing. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches may come down to individual preferences for linear vs tactile switches.
Overall, the Outemu Cream Pink linear switch and the Aflion Thunder Shadow tactile switch offer distinct qualities in sound and feel that cater to different user preferences. The Cream Pink provides a quiet, smooth typing experience, while the Thunder Shadow offers a balanced sound profile and an invigorating tactile feedback. Depending on whether you prioritize sound, feel, or a combination of both, either of these switches can provide a satisfying typing experience. It is recommended that newcomers try out both switches to determine which aligns best with their typing style and preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a linear switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force of 65 grams, the Outemu Cream Pink may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile switch with a slightly lighter bottom out force of 63.5 grams, the Aflion Thunder Shadow could be the better option. The Cream Pink offers a smooth typing experience, while the Thunder Shadow provides a satisfying tactile bump for a more immersive typing sensation. Ultimately, your decision between these two switches will depend on your personal preference for linear versus tactile switches and the weight of the key press that feels most comfortable to you.
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