Outemu Black vs. Outemu Cream Blue
An in-depth look at the Outemu Black 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 Outemu Black and the Outemu Cream Blue. The Outemu Black is a linear switch, known for its smooth and consistent keystrokes without any tactile feedback or audible click. On the other hand, the Outemu Cream Blue is a clicky switch, beloved for its satisfying click sound and tactile bump when pressing down on keys. Depending on your preference, you may choose the Black for a quiet and consistent typing experience, or the Cream Blue for a more tactile and audible feedback while typing. 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
65g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
82g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.50 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
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Black and the Outemu Cream Blue, we see a clear distinction in the top housing. The Black features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the stiff nature of polycarbonate. On the other hand, the Cream Blue utilizes a nylon top housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile as nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound. While both materials offer unique sound profiles, the polycarbonate of the Black tends to have a more resonant and clear sound, while the nylon of the Cream Blue provides a duller and rounder sound.
Moving on to the bottom housing, both the Outemu Black and the Outemu Cream Blue utilize nylon for this component. This means that both switches will have a similar deep and fuller sound profile when typing. However, the bottom housing has more of an impact on the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch. The softer nature of nylon allows for a smoother bottom-out experience, giving a more cushioned feel compared to harder plastics. This similarity in bottom housing material means that the overall typing experience in terms of sound and feel may be more consistent between the two switches.
In conclusion, while the Outemu Black and the Outemu Cream Blue differ in their top housing materials, they share a common nylon bottom housing. This results in a typing experience that is characterized by deeper and fuller sound profiles, as nylon is known for its sound-absorbing properties. The distinctiveness of the polycarbonate and nylon top housings brings a clear and crisp sound to the Black, while the Cream Blue offers a deeper and rounder sound. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on whether you prefer a sharper sound with the Black or a fuller sound with the Cream Blue.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Black linear switch and the Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch, it is clear that the Black switch is heavier in both aspects. The Black switch has an actuation force of 65 grams and a bottom out force of 82 grams, making it suitable for those who prefer a stronger push feel. In contrast, the Cream Blue switch is lighter with an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, providing a slightly lighter typing experience. Both switches have a noticeable difference in weight, with the Black being heavier and the Cream Blue being lighter. For those looking for a more substantial typing experience, the Black switch would be the better option, while the Cream Blue switch would be ideal for those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing sessions. Overall, understanding the weight of the switches is important for selecting the one that best suits individual preferences for typing or gaming.
Travel distance
The Outemu Black linear switch and the Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch both have a travel distance of 4mm, making them equally responsive in terms of the distance the switch travels from the top to the bottom. This means that whether you choose the Black or the Cream Blue, you can expect a similar tactile experience when pressing down on a key. Both switches offer a consistent travel distance, providing users with a smooth and efficient typing experience. Despite their differences in clickiness, the travel distance of these switches remains the same, resulting in a familiar feel regardless of which switch you choose.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
In this case, both switches are $3.10. As such, price can't serve as a tiebreaker when choosing between the Black and Cream Blue.
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 Outemu Black linear switch is known for its smooth keystrokes but lacks any distinct sound profile. On the other hand, the Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch offers a satisfying click sound with each press, which some users find to be more engaging or satisfying. In terms of feel, the Black switch provides a consistent and linear typing experience, making it ideal for those who prefer a straightforward keystroke without any tactile bump. In contrast, the Cream Blue switch offers a tactile feedback with each press, providing a more tactile typing experience that some users may find more enjoyable.
Overall, the Outemu Black and Cream Blue switches offer different sound and feel experiences for users to choose from based on their preferences. If a user prefers a silent typing experience with a smooth keystroke, the Black switch would be the better option. On the other hand, if a user enjoys a clicky sound and tactile feedback with each key press, the Cream Blue switch would be the more suitable choice. It is important to consider personal preferences, typing habits, and the overall setup of the keyboard when selecting between these two switches to ensure an optimal typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering whether you'd want to choose the Outemu Black linear switch or the Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch, you should think about your preferences for key feel and sound. If you prefer a heavier bottom out force and a smoother keystroke, the Outemu Black switch may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a lighter bottom out force and crisp clicky sound when typing, the Outemu Cream Blue switch might be more suited to your liking. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will come down to your personal typing preferences and what feels most comfortable to you.
Mentioned in this article
