Outemu Cream Blue vs. Outemu Gold
An in-depth look at the Outemu Cream Blue and the Outemu Gold switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Cream Blue and the Outemu Gold both offer a clicky typing experience. The Cream Blue switch is known for its tactile bump and audible click, providing a satisfying typing feedback. On the other hand, the Gold switch also offers a clicky feel but with a slightly lighter actuation force. If you prefer a more pronounced click and feedback, the Cream Blue may be the better choice for you. However, if you prefer a lighter touch with a clicky sound, the Gold switch could be a great option. To truly determine which switch is the best fit for you, it's essential to delve deeper into their specific characteristics and qualities.
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
1.80 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
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
The Outemu Cream Blue and Outemu Gold switches both showcase different housing materials, with the Cream Blue featuring a nylon top and bottom housing, while the Gold has a polycarbonate top and nylon bottom housing. The nylon top housing of the Cream Blue offers a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition, absorbing more sound for a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, the polycarbonate top housing of the Gold creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, thanks to its stiffer plastic material providing a more clear and resonant sound. While both switches have nylon bottom housings, they share the qualities of eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon's softness absorbs more sound.
In terms of aesthetics, the polycarbonate top housing of the Outemu Gold stands out for its clear appearance, making it a great choice for switches used in setups with RGB lighting. The transparency of polycarbonate allows for a vibrant display of colors and effects, enhancing the overall look of the keyboard. On the other hand, the Cream Blue's nylon top housing may not offer the same visual appeal but still provides a unique typing experience with its deeper sound profile. Despite their differences in top housing material, both switches maintain a consistent bottom housing material in nylon, ensuring a similar typing experience in terms of the deeper and fuller sound profile that nylon brings to the table.
Overall, the choice between the Outemu Cream Blue and Outemu Gold switches comes down to personal preference and desired sound profile. Those seeking a deeper and fuller sound may opt for the Cream Blue with its nylon top and bottom housing, while those looking for a sharper and crisper sound may prefer the Gold with its polycarbonate top housing. Regardless of the housing materials used, both switches deliver a unique typing experience that can enhance the overall feel and sound of a keyboard setup.
Weight
The Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Outemu Gold clicky switch which has an actuation force of 45 grams. However, the bottom out force of the Cream Blue is also heavier at 65 grams, while the Gold has a bottom out force of 60 grams. This means that the Cream Blue switch will require a bit more force to press down and bottom out compared to the Gold switch. If you prefer a lighter touch for longer typing sessions, the Outemu Gold may be the better option. However, if you prefer a more substantial typing experience with a bit more resistance, the Cream Blue would be the way to go. Ultimately, both switches provide a satisfying clicky feel with their actuation and bottom out forces for a similar overall typing experience.
Travel distance
Both the Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch and the Outemu Gold clicky switch have a travel distance of 4mm, making them equal in this aspect. When comparing the travel distance of these two switches, it is clear that they will provide a similar typing experience in terms of keypress depth. This means that whether you choose the Cream Blue or the Gold switch, you can expect a consistent typing experience with the same amount of key travel. Both switches offer a satisfying tactile feedback with a 4mm travel distance, making them ideal choices for those who prefer a clicky typing experience. Overall, while the Outemu Cream Blue and Outemu Gold switches may differ in other aspects, their travel distance remains the same, ensuring a familiar feel when typing on 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 Gold.
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 distinctive sound, which is typically described as loud and clicky, providing a satisfying auditory feedback with each key press. On the other hand, the Outemu Gold clicky switch is known for its unique sound signature, although specifics are not available.
When it comes to feel, the Cream Blue switch is known for its tactile feedback, offering a pronounced bump during actuation that allows typists to feel when the key has been registered. Conversely, the Gold switch provides a different tactile experience, but details regarding the specifics of its feel are not provided.
Overall, if you are looking for a clicky switch with a loud and satisfying sound, the Outemu Cream Blue may be the choice for you. However, if you are seeking a unique clicky switch with a different sound profile and potentially a different feel, the Outemu Gold could be worth considering. In both cases, remember that the overall typing experience will also be influenced by factors such as your keyboard's construction and the keycaps used.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when choosing between the Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch and the Outemu Gold clicky switch, consider your preference for the bottom out force of the switches. If you prefer a slightly heavier feel, the Cream Blue with a bottom out force of 65 grams may be the better choice for you. However, if you prefer a lighter touch, the Gold with a bottom out force of 60 grams might be more suited to your typing style. Additionally, take into account the sound and feel of the switches, as these can greatly impact your typing experience. Ultimately, the decision between these switches will come down to personal preference and what feels most comfortable to you during extended typing sessions.