TTC Flaming Pink vs. Outemu Cream Blue
An in-depth look at the TTC Flaming Pink and the Outemu Cream Blue switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options emerge: the TTC Flaming Pink and the Outemu Cream Blue. The Flaming Pink switch is a linear switch renowned for its smooth and responsive feel, delivering a satisfying bottom-out sound that enhances the typing experience for both gamers and everyday users alike. Its bright yet not overly loud sound profile makes it versatile, allowing for discrete usage in various environments. On the other hand, the Outemu Cream Blue switch is a clicky switch that offers tactile feedback and an audible click, making each keystroke feel crisp and precise. This type of switch is often favored by typists who enjoy a pronounced response while they type, adding an enjoyable rhythm to their workflow. While both switches cater to different preferences—one prioritizing a smooth, silent experience and the other embracing audible feedback—each has its unique appeal. 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
43g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
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
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
24mm single-staged spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the TTC Flaming Pink and the Outemu Cream Blue switches, notable differences emerge in their top housing components. The Flaming Pink features a polycarbonate top housing, renowned for its ability to produce a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile due to its stiffness. This characteristic also enhances the clarity and resonance of the switch, making it especially beneficial for setups with RGB lighting, as the material's translucency allows for vibrant light diffusion. In contrast, the Cream Blue utilizes a nylon top housing, which elicits a markedly different tactile experience. Nylon’s softer nature contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, absorbing more sound to create a dulled, rounded auditory effect. Consequently, users can expect distinctly different sound signatures from these switches while typing or gaming.
In examining the bottom housing, both switches employ nylon, which offers a uniform element to their respective sound profiles. As such, the deep and full sound generated by the nylon bottom is consistent across both switch types. This commonality means that despite the contrasting top housings, the bottom housing serves a significant role in moderating the overall sound and feel during initial key presses. Therefore, the bottom-out experience—the act of pressing a key all the way down—will have a similar auditory character on both switches, lending a cohesive element to their performance when considering bottom housing materials alone.
Overall, the differing characteristics of the top housings will lead to varied auditory experiences, whereas the nylon bottoms align the sound profiles across both switches. Users will feel the effect of the nylon bottom in terms of sound absorption and overall feedback when bottoming out, while the interaction between the top materials will define the type and quality of sound produced during key releases. Thus, the TTC Flaming Pink and Outemu Cream Blue switches present a blend of contrasting and complementary qualities, leading to unique yet nuanced experiences depending on the typing or gaming context.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Flaming Pink linear switch to the Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch, it's clear that there are notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Flaming Pink features a lighter actuation force of 43 grams, making it easier to trigger keystrokes, while its bottom out force is 50 grams. In contrast, the Cream Blue switch has a heavier actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams. For users who prefer a lighter touch, the Flaming Pink is the more suitable option, allowing for longer typing sessions with less strain. Conversely, those who appreciate a firmer push will likely favor the Cream Blue, which provides a more substantial feel with its medium-heavy forces. Essentially, if you're looking for a comfortable and prolonged typing experience, the Flaming Pink is the way to go, while the Cream Blue offers a more tactile and heavier response.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the TTC Flaming Pink linear switch and the Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch, a notable difference emerges; the Flaming Pink has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Cream Blue features a longer travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Flaming Pink offers a shorter travel distance, which can be advantageous for gamers seeking quicker response times. On the other hand, the Cream Blue's 4 mm travel distance provides a heftier feel, which may appeal to those who prefer a deeper key press that feels more reassuring. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you prioritize speed and responsiveness with the Flaming Pink or the substantial feedback and depth of the Cream Blue.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Flaming Pink has an MSRP of $4.29 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Flaming Pink for $4.00.
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
When comparing the sound of the TTC Flaming Pink linear switch and the Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch, the Flaming Pink is known for its smooth and satisfying bottom-out sound, which strikes a nice balance between being audible enough for an engaging typing experience while not being overly loud. This makes it suitable for both gaming and everyday typing situations without disturbing others nearby. The sound profile of the Flaming Pink leans towards a bright tone, adding to its overall appeal. On the other hand, information regarding the sound qualities of the Cream Blue is not detailed, making it difficult to draw a direct comparison on this aspect. However, the sound of any switch can vary significantly depending on the keycap material and the type of keyboard it is used with, which is important to consider.
In terms of feel, the Flaming Pink shines with its smooth and responsive actuation, allowing for a consistently fluid typing experience. This quality is particularly desirable for both gamers seeking quick response times and typists who desire comfort during long sessions. The switch's linear nature means there is no tactile bump, leading to uninterrupted keystrokes. On the other hand, the sensation of the Cream Blue switch is not specified, which makes it challenging to assess how it compares in terms of feedback and responsiveness. It is worth noting that clicky switches like the Cream Blue often provide a distinct tactile response alongside an audible click, which can enhance the typing experience for many users but may not provide the seamless feel that linear switches like the Flaming Pink do.
In conclusion, the TTC Flaming Pink linear switch offers a well-rounded combination of sound and feel that is suitable for a variety of users, excelling in smoothness and an engaging auditory experience. Meanwhile, details on the Outemu Cream Blue switch, particularly regarding its sound and feel, remain undefined, leaving its distinct characteristics somewhat of a mystery. Users seeking a quieter, more fluid typing experience will gravitate towards the Flaming Pink, while those who may prefer the clicky sensation of a tactile switch will have to explore the Cream Blue further to determine if it meets their needs. Ultimately, both switches cater to different preferences, and the choice between them will depend on whether one values the smooth linearity of the Flaming Pink or the potential tactile feedback of the Cream Blue.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the TTC Flaming Pink linear switch and the Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch, it's essential to consider the type of experience you prefer in your typing or gaming sessions. If you lean towards a smoother and lighter typing experience where you appreciate quick key presses without the added resistance, the Flaming Pink switch is an excellent option, especially if you enjoy a more subdued sound profile that doesn't distract others around you. Its 50-gram bottom-out force makes it particularly appealing for fast-paced gaming and extended typing sessions without causing fatigue. On the other hand, if you thrive on tactile feedback and enjoy the audible click that accompanies your keystrokes, the Cream Blue switch would be more your speed. With a heavier 65-gram bottom-out force, it provides a satisfying resistance and feedback that some typists find immensely satisfying, thus enhancing the overall typing experience. Ultimately, it boils down to your preferences regarding sound, feel, and the intended use of your keyboard, guiding you to choose the switch that aligns with your personal needs.
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