KTT Mallo vs. Outemu Cream Blue
An in-depth look at the KTT Mallo and the Outemu Cream Blue switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the KTT Mallo and the Outemu Cream Blue offer distinct experiences for typists. The KTT Mallo switch is praised for its subtle tactility and medium-light typing feel, providing just enough feedback without being overwhelming. Its neutral sound signature makes it a versatile option for different typing environments. On the other hand, the Outemu Cream Blue switch is a clicky switch that offers a more pronounced tactile and audible experience. While the Mallo switch is categorized as feathery, mild, and subtle, the Cream Blue switch lacks specific descriptors. If you prefer a gentle and understated typing experience, the Mallo may be the choice for you. However, if you enjoy a more tactile and audible typing experience, the Cream Blue switch could be the better fit. 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
N/A
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
55g
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
No
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
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the KTT Mallo and the Outemu Cream Blue differ in their composition and resulting sound profiles. The Mallo utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound compared to the Cream Blue's nylon top housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate leads to a more clear and resonant sound profile, while the softer nylon absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound. Both materials have their own unique qualities that cater to different preferences in terms of sound and typing experience.
In terms of bottom housing, both the Mallo and the Cream Blue utilize nylon, resulting in a similar sound profile for the bottom-out sound and feel when typing on the switches. Nylon's softness absorbs more sound, creating a deeper and fuller sound profile for both switches. The use of this classic switch housing material ensures a consistent typing experience across the two switches, despite any other differences in their top housings. Whether you prefer a sharper, crisper sound or a deeper, fuller sound, the nylon bottom housing of both switches delivers a reliable performance.
Overall, the choice of housing materials for a switch plays a significant role in determining the sound profile and typing experience. The differences between polycarbonate and nylon in the top housing of the KTT Mallo and the Outemu Cream Blue result in distinct sound profiles that cater to different preferences. While the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key, the bottom housing has more of an impact on the bottom-out sound and feel. Despite these differences, the use of nylon in the bottom housing of both switches ensures a consistent typing experience in terms of sound, offering users a reliable option for their mechanical keyboard setup.
Weight
The KTT Mallo tactile switch and the Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch have different actuation and bottom out forces. The Mallo has an actuation force of None grams compared to the Cream Blue's 50 grams, making the Cream Blue the lighter of the two in terms of actuation force. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Mallo requires 55 grams while the Cream Blue needs 65 grams, making the Mallo the lighter option for bottoming out. This means that while the Cream Blue requires a lighter touch to actuate, it needs more force to bottom out compared to the Mallo. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on whether the user prefers a lighter actuation force or a lighter bottom out force for their typing experience. If a user is looking for similar results in terms of force required, they may want to consider the Mallo for a well-rounded medium-light typing experience.
Travel distance
Both the KTT Mallo tactile switch and the Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that when pressing down on a key equipped with either switch, users can expect a similar tactile experience and feel a consistent travel distance. The comparable travel distances of both switches make them suitable choices for individuals who prioritize consistent keypress feedback. Whether you opt for the KTT Mallo or the Outemu Cream Blue, you can expect a similar tactile experience with a 4 mm travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Mallo has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Mallo for $4.40.
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 KTT Mallo switch offers a neutral sound profile that is neither too loud nor too quiet, making it a versatile option for different environments. On the other hand, there is no specific information available about the sound profile of the Outemu Cream Blue switch. When it comes to feel, the Mallo switch provides a feathery and mild typing experience, with a subtle tactility that is comfortable for extended typing sessions. The Cream Blue switch has no specific details provided about its tactile feel.
Overall, the KTT Mallo switch seems to offer a balanced and versatile option for typists who value a gentle tactility and a neutral sound profile. Without specific information about the Outemu Cream Blue switch, it is difficult to directly compare the two switches in terms of sound and feel. However, based on the available information, it appears that the Mallo switch may provide similar qualities in terms of a subtle and approachable typing experience. As an expert in mechanical keyboard switches, I would recommend trying out both switches to determine which one best suits your preferences in sound and feel.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the KTT Mallo tactile switch and the Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch, consider the following guidelines. You may want to choose the Mallo if you prefer a medium-light bottom out force, subtle tactile feedback, and a neutral sound signature that is versatile for various typing environments. The Mallo's feathery feel and subtle resistance make it comfortable for extended typing sessions. On the other hand, you may want to opt for the Cream Blue if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and a clicky switch experience. The Cream Blue offers a more pronounced clicky feel without specific details provided. Ultimately, your choice should reflect your personal typing preferences and the environment in which you will be using the keyboard.
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