Outemu Cream Blue vs. KTT Phalaenopsis
An in-depth look at the Outemu Cream Blue and the KTT Phalaenopsis switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Cream Blue and the KTT Phalaenopsis offer distinct advantages for different preferences. The Cream Blue is a clicky switch, providing an audible and tactile feedback with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Phalaenopsis is a tactile switch, offering a light actuation force of 37g and a satisfying tactile bump at 50g, making typing effortless and enjoyable. While the Cream Blue is best known for its clicky feedback, the Phalaenopsis is recognized for its beautiful translucent appearance and tactile qualities. 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
37g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
50g
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
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The Outemu Cream Blue and the KTT Phalaenopsis both feature different housing materials for their top and bottom parts, with the Cream Blue using nylon for both, while the Phalaenopsis utilizes polycarbonate. The nylon top housing of the Cream Blue creates 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 Phalaenopsis produces a sharper, higher-pitched sound with a clearer and resonant profile, especially suitable for RGB lighting due to its translucency. While they both offer unique sound characteristics, the Cream Blue's nylon and the Phalaenopsis's polycarbonate top housing provide different auditory experiences for users.
On the other hand, when it comes to the bottom housing, the Cream Blue and the Phalaenopsis both maintain consistency with their choice of materials. The nylon bottom housing of the Cream Blue, like its top housing, results in a deeper and fuller sound profile, emphasizing a duller and rounder sound due to its softer plastic nature. Similarly, the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Phalaenopsis continues to contribute to a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile with a clearer and resonant tonality. This consistency in housing materials throughout the switches ensures a cohesive and unified sound experience for users, regardless of whether they are pressing down on a key or releasing it.
Overall, the combination of different housing materials for the top and bottom parts of a switch can impact the overall sound and feel of typing on them. The split qualities between the nylon and polycarbonate housings in the Cream Blue and Phalaenopsis divide the characteristics that each material brings to the switch. The bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed, while the top housing has a more significant impact on the sound produced when a key is released. Understanding how each housing material contributes to the overall typing experience can help users make an informed choice based on their preferences for sound profiles and tactile feedback.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch and the KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch differ significantly. The Cream Blue has a higher actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Phalaenopsis's 37 grams, making it a heavier switch. Additionally, the Cream Blue also has a higher bottom out force of 65 grams compared to the Phalaenopsis's 50 grams, further emphasizing its heavier feel. The Cream Blue offers a more substantial typing experience with its medium-heavy forces, while the Phalaenopsis provides a lighter touch, ideal for those who prefer a lighter typing experience. Overall, the Cream Blue is heavier in both actuation and bottom out forces, catering to users who prefer a stronger push feel, while the Phalaenopsis is lighter, allowing for longer typing sessions without fatigue.
Travel distance
Both the Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch and the KTT Phalaenopsis tactile 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 a similar travel distance. The tactile feedback of the Phalaenopsis switch may differ from the clicky feedback of the Cream Blue switch, but in terms of travel distance, they are equal. This similarity allows for consistent typing experiences regardless of which switch is chosen.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Phalaenopsis has an MSRP of $4.73 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Phalaenopsis for $4.15.
The Outemu Cream Blue comes in at $3.10 per 10 switches.
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
When it comes to sound, the Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch does not have a specific descriptor available. On the other hand, the KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch is known for its bassy and thocky sound profile. This means that the Phalaenopsis switch will provide a deeper, richer, and more satisfying sound when pressed, reminiscent of a deep "thud" or soft "knock". However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by the keyboard itself and the keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Outemu Cream Blue does not have a descriptor available. In contrast, the KTT Phalaenopsis switch is described as being stepped, offering a tactile experience with two distinct stages. This means that users can feel some pre-travel and/or post-travel, providing a more subtle and nuanced typing sensation compared to switches with a single large tactile bump.
In conclusion, while the specific qualities of the Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch may not be readily available, the KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch offers a unique typing experience with its bassy and thocky sound profile, as well as a stepped tactile feel. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preferences for sound, feel, and overall typing experience. If you enjoy a deeper, richer sound and a more nuanced tactile feel, the KTT Phalaenopsis switch may be the ideal choice for you.
Conclusion
In summary, when choosing between the Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch and the KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch, you should consider your preference for bottom out force. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force of 65 grams, the Cream Blue would be a good choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force of 50 grams, the Phalaenopsis switch would be more suitable. Additionally, if you value a satisfying tactile bump with each keystroke and minimal finger fatigue during typing sessions, the Phalaenopsis switch would be the way to go. However, if you prefer a switch with a deeper and richer sound profile during key presses, you may lean towards the Cream Blue. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for typing experience, sound, and feel.
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