Outemu Cream Blue vs. Outemu Silver
An in-depth look at the Outemu Cream Blue and the Outemu Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Cream Blue and Outemu Silver are two popular options that cater to different preferences. The Cream Blue is a clicky switch, meaning it provides tactile feedback and an audible click when pressed, making it ideal for those who enjoy a satisfying typing experience with each key press. On the other hand, the Silver is a linear switch, offering a smoother and quieter typing experience without any tactile feedback, perfect for those who prefer a more streamlined and quieter typing experience. Both switches have their own unique characteristics that may appeal to different users depending on their personal preferences. 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
65g
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Pre-travel
1.60 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 Silver switches both feature nylon bottom housing, which creates a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition that absorbs more sound. This results in a duller and rounder sound when typing on these switches. In contrast, the Cream Blue has a nylon top housing, while the Silver has a polycarbonate top housing. The polycarbonate top housing of the Silver creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile compared to the Cream Blue's nylon top housing. The use of polycarbonate in the Silver switch also allows for translucency, making it ideal for RGB lighting effects.
Despite the differences in top housing material between the Outemu Cream Blue and Outemu Silver switches, their shared nylon bottom housing still contributes to a similar experience of a deeper and fuller sound profile. The nylon bottom housing in both switches absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. However, the top housing material plays a significant role in determining the overall sound profile of the switches. While the Cream Blue's nylon top housing creates a softer and more absorbent sound, the Silver's polycarbonate top housing produces a clearer and more resonant sound, especially when combined with RGB lighting effects.
In terms of functionality, the bottom housing material of a switch has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when typing, while the top housing material influences the sound when releasing a key. The choice between nylon and polycarbonate in the top housing of a switch can significantly alter the overall typing experience, with nylon creating a duller and rounder sound profile compared to the sharper and crisper sound produced by polycarbonate. Ultimately, the housing materials of the Outemu Cream Blue and Outemu Silver switches play a crucial role in shaping the auditory feedback and tactile feel of each keystroke.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch and the Outemu Silver linear switch, it is evident that the Cream Blue has a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Silver's 45 grams. However, both switches share the same bottom out force of 65 grams, making them medium-heavy in that aspect. The Cream Blue offers a stronger push feel, which some users may prefer for a more substantial typing experience, while the Silver provides a slightly lighter actuation force that may be more desirable for longer typing sessions. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation force and bottom out feel.
Travel distance
Both the Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch and the Outemu Silver linear switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key with either of these switches, you will experience the same amount of travel distance before reaching the bottom. As a result, the typing experience on both switches will feel similar in terms of the distance the key travels. While some switches may vary in travel distance, both the Cream Blue and Silver switches offer consistent and equal travel distances for users looking for a precise and tactile typing experience.
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 Silver.
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 Cream Blue clicky switch is known for its loud and satisfying click with a tactile bump, making it a popular choice for those who enjoy auditory feedback while typing. On the other hand, the Outemu Silver linear switch is known for its smooth and quiet operation, lacking the audible click found in the Cream Blue. When it comes to sound, the Cream Blue will provide a more pronounced and clicky typing experience compared to the quieter and more linear sound of the Silver switch.
As for the feel of the switches, the Cream Blue switch offers a tactile bump that provides feedback to the typist as the key is actuated, resulting in a satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Silver switch offers a smooth and linear keystroke without any tactile feedback, allowing for a consistent and seamless typing experience. Depending on personal preference, some may prefer the tactile feedback of the Cream Blue while others may appreciate the smoothness of the Silver switch.
In conclusion, the Cream Blue clicky switch and the Outemu Silver linear switch offer distinct experiences when it comes to sound and feel. The Cream Blue provides a loud and tactile typing experience, ideal for those who enjoy a satisfying click with each key press, while the Silver switch offers a quiet and smooth keystroke, perfect for those who prefer a more subtle typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of sound, feel, and typing style.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch and the Outemu Silver linear switch, you should consider your preference for typing experience. If you enjoy a clicky sound and tactile feedback, the Cream Blue switch would be a suitable choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth and consistent typing experience without any tactile feedback, the Silver switch would be a better option. Ultimately, your decision should come down to your personal preference for typing feel and sound.
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