Durock Light Tactile vs. Outemu Cream Blue
An in-depth look at the Durock Light Tactile and the Outemu Cream Blue switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Durock Light Tactile switch, a tactile option, and the Outemu Cream Blue switch, a clicky alternative. The Light Tactile switch from Durock is praised for its gentle tactility, providing a smooth and soft typing experience that stands out from the sharper tactile switches available. In contrast, the Cream Blue from Outemu is known for its clicky feedback, offering a satisfying audible click with each keystroke. While the Light Tactile is categorized as neutral, mild, polished, the Cream Blue does not fall into any specific category. Each switch has its own unique characteristics that appeal to different preferences, making them both worthy of consideration. Let's dig a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
52g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
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
Gold-plated spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Durock Light Tactile and the Outemu Cream Blue switches both offer unique characteristics that contribute to the overall sound profile and feel of the switch. The Light Tactile features a polycarbonate top housing, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. On the other hand, the Cream Blue utilizes a nylon top housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile. While the Light Tactile's polycarbonate top housing allows for a clear and resonant sound, the Cream Blue's nylon top housing absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the Light Tactile and the Cream Blue switches use nylon, which elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. This means that when you press down on either switch, you will feel the qualities of the bottom housing, impacting the bottom-out sound and feel. However, the top housing will have more of an impact on the sound when you release a key. Despite using the same housing material for the bottom housing, the differences in the top housing materials between the two switches contribute to their distinct sound profiles.
Overall, while the Light Tactile and the Cream Blue switches use different top housing materials, the similarities in their nylon bottom housing generate comparable deep and full sound profiles. The Light Tactile's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper and crisper sound, while the Cream Blue's nylon top housing produces a deeper and fuller sound. These differences in top housing materials result in varying sound profiles, with the Light Tactile offering a more resonant and high-pitched sound compared to the Cream Blue's rounder and duller sound. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on personal preference for sound and feel.
Weight
The Durock Light Tactile tactile switch and the Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch both fall into the medium-heavy category when it comes to actuation force and bottom out force. The Light Tactile has an actuation force of 52 grams and a bottom out force of 67 grams, while the Cream Blue has an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams. Both switches provide a substantial typing experience with a slight difference in force required for activation and bottoming out. For those who prefer a slightly lighter feel, the Cream Blue may be the better option, while the Light Tactile offers a slightly heavier touch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing feel and pressure sensitivity.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Durock Light Tactile tactile switch and the Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch is equal, with both switches having a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key equipped with either switch, you will experience the same amount of travel distance. Both switches offer a comfortable amount of travel for typing or gaming.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock Light Tactile has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Light Tactile for $4.25.
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 Durock Light Tactile switch is known for its gentle tactility and jelly-like sound signature, providing a unique and pleasant typing experience. In contrast, the Outemu Cream Blue switch lacks specific information regarding its qualities. When it comes to sound, the Light Tactile switch is described as having a neutral sound profile, suitable for a wide range of users and purposes, while the Cream Blue switch's sound characteristics remain unknown. In terms of feel, the Light Tactile switch is praised for its mild tactility and polished finish, offering a smooth and refined typing experience. However, information regarding the feel of the Cream Blue switch is not provided. Overall, if looking for a switch with gentle tactility and a neutral sound profile, the Durock Light Tactile switch would be a great choice. For those interested in the Outemu Cream Blue switch, further research or testing would be necessary to determine its subjective qualities in sound and feel.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Durock Light Tactile switch and the Outemu Cream Blue switch, consider your typing preferences and environment. If you value a gentle tactility and a quieter typing experience, the Light Tactile would be a great choice, especially if you appreciate a smooth and refined typing feel. On the other hand, if you enjoy a more pronounced click and prefer a clicky switch for a more audible typing experience, the Cream Blue might be the better option for you. Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference and what kind of typing experience you are looking for.
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