Outemu Cream Blue vs. Outemu Dustproof Red
An in-depth look at the Outemu Cream Blue and the Outemu Dustproof Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Cream Blue and the Outemu Dustproof Red offer distinct typing experiences. The Cream Blue is a clicky switch, providing tactile feedback and an audible click with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Dustproof Red is a linear switch, offering a smooth and consistent keystroke without any tactile bump or audible click. Choosing the Cream Blue may appeal to those who enjoy the satisfying click sound and tactile feedback while typing, whereas the Dustproof Red may be preferred by users who prefer a quieter and smoother typing experience. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
60g
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
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Cream Blue and the Outemu Dustproof Red, it is clear that they each offer distinct characteristics based on their composition. The Cream Blue features a nylon top housing, which provides a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic that absorbs more sound. On the other hand, the Dustproof Red boasts a polycarbonate top housing, offering a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile thanks to its stiffer plastic. The choice between these two housing materials ultimately comes down to personal preference in sound and feel.
In terms of bottom housing, both the Cream Blue and the Dustproof Red utilize nylon, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile similar to their nylon top housing counterparts. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when typing on these switches. While the distinction between the top housing materials may create differences in sound and feel between the two switches, their shared nylon bottom housing ensures a consistent typing experience in terms of sound profile.
Overall, the use of different housing materials in the top and bottom components of a switch can influence the overall typing experience. The bottom housing's impact is more noticeable during bottom-out sounds and feels, while the top housing plays a more significant role in the sound when releasing a key. This split in housing materials allows for a more nuanced and customized typing experience, catering to individual preferences for sound and feel. Whether opting for the Cream Blue with its nylon top and bottom housing or the Dustproof Red with its polycarbonate top and nylon bottom housing, each switch offers a unique typing experience based on the materials used.
Weight
The Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Outemu Dustproof Red linear switch's 45 grams, making the Cream Blue slightly harder to press to register a keystroke. Both switches have similar bottom out forces, with the Cream Blue at 65 grams and the Dustproof Red at 60 grams. This means that once the keys are pressed all the way down, they require a similar amount of force to fully bottom out. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Dustproof Red may be the better choice due to its lighter actuation force. On the other hand, those who enjoy a more substantial typing feel may lean towards the Cream Blue with its slightly higher actuation force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for typing force and feel.
Travel distance
Both the Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch and the Outemu Dustproof Red linear switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that when pressing down on a key with either switch, users can expect a consistent travel distance experience. Although both switches have the same travel distance, they offer different typing experiences due to their clicky (Cream Blue) and linear (Dustproof Red) properties. The Cream Blue switch will provide a tactile bump and audible click while typing, whereas the Dustproof Red switch will offer a smooth keystroke without tactile feedback. Despite these differences, users can expect a similar travel distance when using either switch.
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 Cream Blue and Dustproof Red.
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 Cream Blue clicky switch is known for its satisfying click sound, reminiscent of typewriters, providing a tactile and auditory feedback with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Outemu Dustproof Red linear switch offers a smoother and quieter typing experience, perfect for those who prefer a more subtle sound profile. When it comes to feel, the Cream Blue switch has a more tactile bump and audible feedback, while the Dustproof Red switch offers a smooth keystroke without any tactile bump.
Overall, the Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch is ideal for those who enjoy the audible feedback and tactile bump, while the Outemu Dustproof Red linear switch is more suitable for users who prefer a quiet and smooth typing experience. Both switches have their own unique characteristics, and choosing between them ultimately comes down to personal preference in sound and feel. However, if you enjoy one quality over the other, you will still get similar results in terms of durability and build quality as both switches are made by the same manufacturer.
Conclusion
To sum up, when it comes to choosing between the Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch and the Outemu Dustproof Red linear switch, you should consider the bottom out force and your preference for sound and feel. If you prefer a clicky switch with a slightly heavier bottom out force of 65 grams and enjoy the sound of a clicky switch, the Cream Blue would be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a linear switch with a lighter bottom out force of 60 grams and a smoother typing experience, the Dustproof Red would be more suitable for your needs. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to personal preference and what feels most comfortable for you while typing.
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