TTC Iron vs. Outemu Cream Blue
An in-depth look at the TTC Iron and the Outemu Cream Blue switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the TTC Iron linear switch to the Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch, some key differences and similarities come to light. The TTC Iron is favored for its distinctive clacky sound signature and remarkably light actuation, making it a popular choice for those seeking a pleasurable typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Cream Blue switch is known for its clicky feedback, which offers a satisfying tactile response with each keystroke. While the Iron switch may appeal to individuals looking for easy-to-press and mild switches, the Cream Blue switch is ideal for those who prefer a more pronounced tactile feel. 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
41g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Total travel
3.80 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
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The TTC Iron and the Outemu Cream Blue both feature unique housing materials that affect the sound profile of the switches. The Iron's POM top housing provides a deeper and relatively more muted sound compared to the Cream Blue's nylon top housing, which offers a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound compared to the POM material. While both materials contribute to a pleasing sound, the difference in sound profiles can be attributed to the properties of POM and nylon.
Both the Iron's POM bottom housing and the Cream Blue's nylon bottom housing play a significant role in the overall sound profile of the switches. The POM material in the Iron creates a unique and pleasing sound, while the Cream Blue's nylon material elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon allows it to absorb more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound compared to the POM material. The bottom housing of a switch has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, showcasing the differences in sound produced by the housing materials in each switch.
In switches where the top and bottom housings are different, such as in the TTC Iron and the Outemu Cream Blue, the qualities of each housing material are distinctly felt during use. While the bottom housing affects the bottom-out sound and feel, the top housing has a greater impact on the sound when releasing a key. The POM and nylon materials in the Iron and Cream Blue switches, respectively, create varying sound profiles that cater to individual preferences. Overall, the differences in housing materials contribute to the unique sound experiences offered by each switch.
Weight
The TTC Iron linear switch has a lighter actuation force and bottom out force compared to the Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch. The Iron switch has an actuation force of 41 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it a lighter option. In contrast, the Cream Blue switch has a higher actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, placing it in the medium to heavy range. For those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions, the Iron switch would be the more suitable choice. However, for individuals who enjoy a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel, the Cream Blue switch would provide that satisfying tactile feedback. Both switches offer unique qualities, with the Iron switch being lighter and the Cream Blue switch being heavier, catering to different preferences for typing and gaming enthusiasts.
Travel distance
The TTC Iron linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, making it slightly shorter than the Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch, which has a travel distance of 4 mm. While both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Cream Blue being the more common 4.0 mm option, the Iron provides a slightly shorter experience. Gamers may prefer the Iron switch for its faster response time due to the shorter travel distance, while those who enjoy a more robust feel when typing may opt for the Cream Blue switch with its longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Iron has an MSRP of $5.40 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Iron for $4.30.
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
In terms of sound, the TTC Iron linear switch stands out for its clacky and sharp sound profile, providing a satisfying auditory feedback with each press. On the other hand, the sound profile of the Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch is unknown. It is important to note that the actual sound produced by a switch can vary depending on factors such as the keyboard's construction and the keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the TTC Iron linear switch is known for its easy-to-press actuation, offering minimal force required for key presses. This results in a smooth typing experience that reduces finger fatigue, making it a popular choice for long typing sessions. In contrast, the feel of the Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch is not specified.
Overall, while the TTC Iron linear switch boasts a distinctive clacky sound and easy-to-press feel, the subjective qualities of the Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch remain unknown. If you appreciate a light actuation force and a pronounced sound signature, the TTC Iron switch may be a great fit for your typing needs. However, for those seeking information on the Outemu Cream Blue switch, it would be best to try it out firsthand or gather more specific details on its sound and feel before making a decision.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the TTC Iron linear switch or the Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing habits. If you prioritize a light actuation force, buttery smooth travel, and a pronounced clacky sound signature, then the TTC Iron would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy actuation force and a clicky typing experience, the Outemu Cream Blue switch may be more suitable. Consider your typing style, noise tolerance, and keypress preferences to make the best decision for your mechanical keyboard setup. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different needs and preferences, so choose the one that aligns best with your typing experience goals.
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