Outemu Cream Blue vs. Outemu Maple Leaf
An in-depth look at the Outemu Cream Blue and the Outemu Maple Leaf switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Cream Blue and the Outemu Maple Leaf offer distinct typing experiences for users to consider. The Cream Blue is a clicky switch, providing tactile feedback and audible clicks with each keypress, which can be satisfying for those who enjoy the traditional typewriter-like sound. On the other hand, the Maple Leaf is a tactile switch, offering a bump in the keypress without the loud click, making it a quieter option while still providing a satisfying tactile response. Choosing between the Cream Blue and the Maple Leaf ultimately depends on personal preference and typing style. 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
55g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Pre-travel
2.30 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
Nylon
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
Both the Outemu Cream Blue and the Outemu Maple Leaf switches utilize nylon as their housing material, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. The relatively softer nature of nylon allows it to absorb more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. This commonality in housing material between the two switches means that users can expect a similar typing experience in terms of sound production.
While both switches share the same nylon housing material for both the top and bottom housings, the Outemu Cream Blue and the Outemu Maple Leaf may differ in their design and construction. The qualities of the housing material are split between the top and bottom of the switch, with the bottom housing having more impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing affects the sound when releasing a key. These subtle differences in design may lead to variations in typing experience between the Cream Blue and the Maple Leaf switches.
Overall, the use of nylon as the housing material in both the Outemu Cream Blue and the Outemu Maple Leaf switches contributes to a deep and rich sound profile when typing. The softer nature of nylon allows for greater sound absorption, resulting in a smoother and more rounded sound. While the two switches may differ in design and construction, their shared use of nylon as the housing material ensures a similar typing experience in terms of sound quality and profile.
Weight
The Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch has a lighter actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch, which has an actuation force of 55 grams. Both switches have a bottom out force of 65 grams, providing a medium-heavy typing experience. The Cream Blue switch may be preferred by those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions, while the Maple Leaf switch may be chosen by individuals who prefer a slightly firmer push feel for a more substantial typing experience. Overall, both switches offer a similar bottom out force, so users can expect similar results in terms of the overall typing experience.
Travel distance
The Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. The Cream Blue switch has a longer travel distance compared to the Maple Leaf switch. The 4 mm travel distance of the Cream Blue may provide a more satisfying depth when pressing the key, while the 3.3 mm travel distance of the Maple Leaf may offer a quicker response time due to its shallower depth. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference - whether you value a longer travel distance for a more tactile experience or a shorter travel distance for faster responses. Both switches offer unique benefits, so it's important to consider your individual typing style and needs when deciding between them.
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 Maple Leaf.
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 loud and tactile click when pressed. This switch provides a satisfying auditory feedback that is reminiscent of classic mechanical keyboards. On the other hand, the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch is recognized for its subtle tactile bump that is felt while typing. This switch provides a more muted sound compared to the Cream Blue, making it a good option for those who prefer a quieter typing experience.
When it comes to feel, the Cream Blue switch is known for its light actuation force, allowing for quick and responsive typing. The tactile feedback of this switch is sharp and pronounced, providing a satisfying typing experience for those who enjoy the clicky feel. In contrast, the Maple Leaf switch offers a more gentle tactile bump that is still noticeable but not as sharp as the Cream Blue. This switch requires a slightly higher actuation force, providing a more controlled typing experience for those who prefer a more subtle tactile feedback.
Overall, the Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch is ideal for those who enjoy a loud and tactile typing experience, with a light actuation force and sharp tactile feedback. On the other hand, the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch is a good choice for those who prefer a quieter typing experience with a more gentle tactile bump and slightly higher actuation force. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference when choosing between the two.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch and the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch, you should consider your preference for sound and feel. If you enjoy a clicky and tactile typing experience with a medium-heavy bottom out force, the Cream Blue switch may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile typing experience without the audible click, but with the same medium-heavy bottom out force, the Maple Leaf switch could be the better option. Ultimately, both switches offer a satisfying typing experience, so the decision comes down to personal preference on sound and feel. Happy typing!
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