Outemu Cream Blue vs. Outemu Purple
An in-depth look at the Outemu Cream Blue and the Outemu Purple switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Outemu Cream Blue, a clicky switch, and the Outemu Purple, a tactile switch. The Cream Blue switch is best known for its satisfying click sound upon actuation, making it ideal for those who enjoy auditory feedback while typing or gaming. On the other hand, the Purple switch is best known for its tactile bump that provides a smooth and responsive keystroke, catering to those who prefer a more pronounced tactile feel. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, with the Cream Blue excelling in clickiness and the Purple excelling in tactility. 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
65g
Bottom-out force
N/A
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 Purple, it is evident that the Cream Blue features a nylon top housing while the Purple boasts a polycarbonate top housing. The Cream Blue's nylon top housing creates a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its relatively softer plastic composition, which absorbs more sound and creates a duller, rounder sound. In contrast, the Purple's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile because of its stiffer plastic nature, resulting in a more clear and resonant sound. While both housing materials serve their purpose effectively, the choice between the two ultimately comes down to personal preference in sound profile.
On the other hand, both the Cream Blue and Purple switches feature a nylon bottom housing. This commonality in bottom housing material results in a consistent deep and full sound profile for both switches. The nylon material's softness allows for sound absorption, creating a more muted and rounded sound compared to harder plastics. Despite the differences in their top housing material, the nylon bottom housing ensures a similar typing experience in terms of sound for both the Cream Blue and Purple switches.
Overall, the use of different housing materials in the switches impacts the sound profile and typing experience in unique ways. While the Cream Blue's nylon top housing contributes to a deeper and fuller sound, the Purple's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper and crisper sound. The choice between the two ultimately depends on individual preferences for sound profiles. However, the shared nylon bottom housing in both switches results in a consistent deep and full sound profile, providing a similar typing experience regardless of the differences in top housing material.
Weight
The Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch and the Outemu Purple tactile switch both have an actuation force of 50 grams, providing a consistent typing experience across the two options. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Cream Blue requires 65 grams, making it slightly heavier compared to the Purple switch, where the bottom out force is unknown. The Cream Blue switch's heavier bottom out force may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial typing feel, while the unknown bottom out force of the Purple switch leaves room for interpretation. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference regarding weight and typing experience.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch and the Outemu Purple tactile switch is equal, with both switches having a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key with either switch, you will experience the same distance of travel from the top to the bottom. This similarity in travel distance indicates that both switches will provide a consistent typing experience in terms of the physical feel of pressing down on the keys. Whether you choose the Cream Blue or the Purple switch, you can expect similar results in terms of travel distance.
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 Purple.
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
In terms of sound, the Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch is known for its satisfying and loud click with a sharp and distinct sound, reminiscent of typewriters. On the other hand, the Outemu Purple tactile switch has a quieter and more subtle sound profile, providing a smoother typing experience without the audible click.
When it comes to feel, the Cream Blue switch offers a tactile bump and audible click with each key press, providing a tactile and audible feedback that some users find satisfying. In contrast, the Purple switch offers a tactile bump without the audible click, offering a quiet and smooth typing experience that still provides tactile feedback.
Overall, the Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch is ideal for those who prefer a loud and tactile typing experience, while the Outemu Purple tactile switch is perfect for users who prefer a quieter and smoother typing experience. Both switches offer a different sound and feel profile, allowing users to choose based on their personal preference. Remember that sound and feel can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard itself and the keycaps used. Ultimately, whether you choose the Cream Blue or Purple switch, you can expect a quality typing experience that suits your preferences.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch and the Outemu Purple tactile switch, consider the following guidelines. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force, clicky sound, and a tactile feel, the Cream Blue switch would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a different bottom out force, a tactile feel without the clicky sound, and perhaps a different sound profile, then the Purple switch may be more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preference for typing feel, sound, and bottom out force. Happy typing!
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