Outemu Cream Blue vs. KTT Pine
An in-depth look at the Outemu Cream Blue and the KTT Pine switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Outemu Cream Blue, a clicky switch, to the KTT Pine, a linear switch, it is clear that they offer different typing experiences. The Cream Blue is best known for its clicky sound and tactile feedback, providing a satisfying typing experience for those who enjoy auditory and tactile feedback. On the other hand, the KTT Pine is best known for its buttery smooth feel and effortless typing experience, making it ideal for those who prefer a quieter and smoother typing experience. While the Cream Blue offers a more tactile typing experience, the Pine focuses on providing a smooth and quiet typing experience. 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
58g
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 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
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
15.5mm gold-plated spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Cream Blue and the KTT Pine switches, it is clear that they offer different sound profiles due to their unique materials. The Cream Blue's nylon top housing contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, emphasizing a duller and rounder tone. In contrast, the Pine's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper and crisper sound, highlighting a more clear and resonant tone. While both materials are distinct in their sound characteristics, they both offer a high-quality typing experience.
Moving on to the bottom housing, the Cream Blue and Pine switches continue to showcase their differences in sound profiles. The Cream Blue's nylon bottom housing produces a sound that is deep and full, promoting a duller and rounder tone. On the other hand, the Pine's polycarbonate bottom housing results in a sharper, higher-pitched sound, enhancing a more crisp and resonant tone. While both housing materials offer unique sound qualities, the choice between nylon and polycarbonate ultimately comes down to personal preference and desired typing experience.
In cases where the top and bottom housings of a switch are different, the qualities of each housing material will be distinctly felt when typing. The bottom housing plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel of a key press, while the top housing affects the sound when releasing a key. Therefore, the choice between the Outemu Cream Blue's nylon housings and the KTT Pine's polycarbonate housings will depend on whether one prefers a deeper, fuller sound profile or a sharper, crisper sound profile. Ultimately, both switches offer high-quality typing experiences with their unique housing materials.
Weight
Comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch and the KTT Pine linear switch reveals some key differences. The Cream Blue has a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Pine's 45 grams, making it a bit more resistant to accidental key presses. Additionally, the Cream Blue has a higher bottom out force of 65 grams compared to the Pine's 58 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. On the other hand, the Pine offers a lighter overall typing experience with its lower actuation and bottom out forces, making it more suitable for extended typing or gaming sessions where fatigue may become a factor. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference in terms of typing feel and desired weight. Both switches offer a satisfying typing experience, but the Cream Blue leans towards a heavier touch while the Pine offers a lighter touch for those who prefer it.
Travel distance
Both the Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch and the KTT Pine linear switch have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that when pressing down on a key with either of these switches, the distance traveled from the top to the bottom is the same. This consistent travel distance ensures that users will get similar results in terms of keypress feel and overall typing experience. In terms of travel distance, there is no difference between the two switches as they both offer a satisfying typing experience with a 4 mm travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Pine has an MSRP of $4.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Pine 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 Cream Blue switch's acoustic profile is yet to be determined. On the other hand, the KTT Pine linear switch is known for producing a bassy and low-pitched sound. This means that while typing on the Pine switches, you can expect a deeper and richer sound with a mellow tone, enhancing the overall auditory experience of typing. Keep in mind that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by the keyboard itself and the type of keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel, the Cream Blue switch's tactile feedback and typing experience remain undefined. In contrast, the KTT Pine linear switch is renowned for its buttery and creamy feel. This implies that typing on the Pine switches will offer a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, providing a seamless and effortless typing sensation. With a factory-lubed finish to minimize friction, the Pine switches aim to deliver a silky and comfortable typing experience that feels like gliding across the keys with ease.
Overall, the Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch and the KTT Pine linear switch present distinct characteristics in terms of sound and feel. While the Cream Blue's qualities are still unknown, the Pine switch stands out for its bassy sound profile and buttery typing experience. If you are aiming for a deeper, richer sound with smooth and effortless keystrokes, the KTT Pine linear switch would be a suitable choice. Remember, ultimately, the best switch for you will depend on your personal preference and typing style.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when considering whether to choose the Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch or the KTT Pine linear switch, it ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing experience. If you enjoy a medium-heavy typing feel with a clicky sound profile, then the Cream Blue switch may be the right choice for you. However, if you prefer a smoother, buttery feel with a lower bottom-out force and a bass-heavy sound profile, then the KTT Pine switch could be more suited to your typing style. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so it's important to consider what features are most important to you when selecting a mechanical keyboard switch. Ultimately, the decision comes down to what type of typing experience you value the most.
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