Outemu Blue vs. Outemu Cream Pink
An in-depth look at the Outemu Blue and the Outemu Cream Pink switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Blue and Outemu Cream Pink offer distinct characteristics to consider. The Outemu Blue switch is a clicky switch known for its tactile feedback and audible click sound upon actuation, which can provide a satisfying typing experience for those who enjoy auditory feedback. On the other hand, the Outemu Cream Pink is a linear switch with a smooth and consistent keystroke, offering a quieter typing experience ideal for those who prefer a more subtle feel. While both switches have their own unique attributes, such as the Blue's clicky feedback and the Cream Pink's linear response, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and intended use. 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
50g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
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
When comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Blue and Outemu Cream Pink switches, one noticeable difference is in the top housing material. The Blue uses a polycarbonate top housing, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The Cream Pink, on the other hand, opts for a nylon top housing, creating a deeper and fuller sound. While the Blue's polycarbonate top housing is stiffer and resonant, the Cream Pink's nylon top housing absorbs more sound, resulting in a rounder and duller sound profile. These differences in material greatly influence the overall typing experience and sound produced by each switch.
Moving on to the bottom housing material, both the Outemu Blue and Outemu Cream Pink switches utilize nylon for the bottom housing. This choice results in both switches having a deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon is known for absorbing more sound compared to harder plastics. The nylon bottom housing contributes to the overall sound and feel of the switch, impacting the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed. Despite the different top housing materials between the two switches, the shared use of nylon for the bottom housing ensures a similar typing experience in terms of sound quality.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in the Outemu Blue and Outemu Cream Pink switches plays a crucial role in determining the sound profile and typing experience of each switch. While the Blue's polycarbonate top housing creates a clear and resonant sound, the Cream Pink's nylon top housing offers a deeper and fuller sound profile. Both switches utilize nylon for the bottom housing, resulting in a consistent deep and full sound when typing. Whether one prefers a sharper, crisper sound or a rounder, fuller sound, the housing materials of these switches cater to different preferences and provide unique typing experiences for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
The Outemu Blue clicky switch and the Outemu Cream Pink linear switch both have an actuation force of 50 grams, making them equally responsive in terms of triggering keystrokes. However, the key difference lies in their bottom out force. The Outemu Blue clicky switch does not provide information on its bottom out force, while the Outemu Cream Pink linear switch has a bottom out force of 65 grams, making it a bit heavier in comparison. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Outemu Blue switch, as the lack of information suggests a potentially lighter bottom out force. On the other hand, those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience may opt for the Outemu Cream Pink switch for its medium-heavy bottom out force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
Both the Outemu Blue clicky switch and the Outemu Cream Pink linear switch have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them identical in this aspect. This means that when pressing down on a key with either of these switches, you will experience the same level of travel distance, resulting in similar typing experiences. This makes it easier for users who enjoy either a clicky or linear switch to achieve consistent results regardless of which switch they choose. The equal travel distance of these switches ensures that the typing experience remains consistent and familiar, making them both reliable options for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
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 Blue and Cream Pink.
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 Blue switch is well-known for its loud clicky sound, which some users find satisfying for typing but can be disruptive in quieter environments. On the other hand, the Outemu Cream Pink switch is known for its smooth and quiet linear action, making it ideal for those who prefer a more subtle typing experience. The feel of the Blue switch is characterized by a tactile bump and audible feedback, providing a satisfying typing experience for those who enjoy the clicky feedback. In contrast, the Cream Pink switch offers a smooth and consistent keystroke without any tactile bump or audible click, catering to users who prioritize a quiet and seamless typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between the Outemu Blue clicky switch and the Outemu Cream Pink linear switch comes down to personal preference in sound and feel – with the Blue switch providing a more traditional and tactile typing experience, while the Cream Pink switch offers a quieter and smoother alternative.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Outemu Blue clicky switch and the Outemu Cream Pink linear switch, you should choose the Blue if you prioritize a lighter typing experience without a defined bottom out force and enjoy the satisfying clicking sound it produces. On the other hand, you should opt for the Cream Pink if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and a smooth, uninterrupted keystroke without any tactile feedback or audible click. Ultimately, the choice between the Outemu Blue and Cream Pink switches will come down to your personal preference for typing feel, sound, and force requirements.
Mentioned in this article
