Durock Medium Tactile vs. Outemu Cream Blue
An in-depth look at the Durock Medium Tactile and the Outemu Cream Blue switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Durock Medium Tactile and the Outemu Cream Blue offer distinct experiences for users. The Medium Tactile is praised for its unique tactile feedback, striking a perfect balance between pronounced tactility and a smooth typing experience. On the other hand, the Cream Blue is a clicky switch that delivers a satisfying click sound with each keystroke. While the Medium Tactile is categorized as ['Accented', 'Stepped', 'Mild', 'Polished'], the Cream Blue does not fall into any specific category. Both switches have their own strengths and appeal to different preferences in typing 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
N/A
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
65g
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
In comparing the housing materials of the Durock Medium Tactile and the Outemu Cream Blue switches, one key difference lies in the material used for the top housing. The Medium Tactile features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper and higher-pitched sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate's stiffness, which results in a clear and resonant sound. In contrast, the Cream Blue utilizes a nylon top housing, known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's softer composition absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound compared to polycarbonate.
Moving on to the bottom housing, both the Medium Tactile and the Cream Blue switches feature a nylon bottom housing. This material choice allows for a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing, as nylon's softness absorbs more sound than harder plastics. The qualities of the nylon bottom housing are felt more prominently during the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch. This similarity in bottom housing material ensures that both switches provide a similar typing experience in terms of sound profile and tactile feedback, despite their differences in top housing material.
Overall, the choice between the Durock Medium Tactile and the Outemu Cream Blue switches may come down to personal preference in sound and feel. The polycarbonate top housing of the Medium Tactile offers a sharper and crisper sound, ideal for those looking for a more clear and resonant typing experience. On the other hand, the nylon top housing of the Cream Blue provides a deeper and fuller sound, appealing to users who enjoy a rounder and duller sound profile. Both switches share a nylon bottom housing, ensuring a consistent typing experience in terms of sound and feel, regardless of the differences in top housing material.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch and the Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch, we can see some similarities and differences. The actuation force for the Medium Tactile is None grams, while the Cream Blue requires 50 grams. Both switches have a bottom out force of 65 grams, which makes them medium-heavy in that aspect. In terms of weight, the Cream Blue is the lighter option due to its lower actuation force, making it more suitable for longer typing sessions or gaming. On the other hand, the Medium Tactile provides a stronger push feel for those looking for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference regarding actuation force and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Durock Medium Tactile and Outemu Cream Blue switches both have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. When comparing the travel distance of both switches, they provide a similar experience in terms of how far the switch travels from the top to the bottom. This means that users can expect a consistent feel when pressing down on keys equipped with either switch. Whether using the Durock Medium Tactile or the Outemu Cream Blue, the travel distance of 4 mm ensures a tactile and clicky typing experience for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock Medium 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 Medium 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
In terms of sound, the Durock Medium Tactile switch is often praised for its jelly-like sound signature, creating a unique auditory experience that is not too harsh or distracting. On the other hand, the sound profile of the Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch is characterized by a crisp and clicky noise that is more reminiscent of traditional mechanical keyboards. When it comes to personal preference, the choice between the two switches ultimately comes down to whether you prefer a softer, more subtle sound like that of the Medium Tactile, or a louder, more pronounced click like that of the Cream Blue.
Moving on to feel, the Durock Medium Tactile switch is often described as having an accented, stepped, mild, and polished tactile feel. These qualities combine to provide a satisfying typing experience that is both tactile and smooth, catering to users who enjoy a balanced level of tactility without being too overwhelming. On the other hand, the Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch's feel information is unknown at this time.
Overall, when considering the subjective qualities of the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch and the Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch, it is important to weigh both sound and feel preferences to determine which switch is the best fit for your typing needs. The Medium Tactile offers a unique sound signature and a well-rounded tactile feel, while the Cream Blue provides a traditional clicky sound profile. By considering your personal preferences in terms of sound and feel, you can make an informed decision on which switch will enhance your typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Durock Medium Tactile and the Outemu Cream Blue switches, consider the following guidelines: opt for the Durock Medium Tactile if you prefer a balanced tactility with a medium-heavy bottom out force, a jelly-like sound signature, and an accented, stepped, mild, or polished feel. On the other hand, choose the Outemu Cream Blue if you enjoy a clicky switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force, a unique sound profile, and a clicky feel. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for tactility, sound, and feel in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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