Outemu Cream Blue vs. KTT Purple Star
An in-depth look at the Outemu Cream Blue and the KTT Purple Star switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Cream Blue and KTT Purple Star offer unique typing experiences. The Cream Blue is a clicky switch, providing a satisfying tactile feedback with an audible click sound upon actuation. On the other hand, the Purple Star is a linear switch known for its smooth keypress with a quiet sound profile. While the Cream Blue is best suited for those who enjoy a tactile and audible typing experience, the Purple Star is ideal for those seeking 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
43g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Outemu Cream Blue and KTT Purple Star both offer unique characteristics when it comes to their housing materials. The Cream Blue's nylon top and bottom housing create a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer plastic that absorbs more sound. In contrast, the Purple Star's POM top and bottom housing provide a pleasing and unique sound that is on the deeper side and relatively more muted. Despite these differences, both switches aim to enhance the typing experience through their housing materials.
While the Cream Blue's nylon housing focuses on creating a duller and rounder sound, the Purple Star's POM housing emphasizes a deeper and more muted sound profile. The nylon bottom housing of the Cream Blue plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key, while the POM bottom housing of the Purple Star contributes to a similar experience but with its unique characteristics. The top housing of each switch also influences the sound when releasing a key, showcasing how the housing material impacts different aspects of typing on mechanical keyboards.
In terms of housing materials, both the Outemu Cream Blue and KTT Purple Star offer distinct sound profiles that cater to different preferences. While the Cream Blue's nylon housing absorbs more sound and creates a deeper and fuller typing experience, the Purple Star's POM housing provides a more muted and pleasing sound profile. Regardless of the differences in material, both switches are designed to enhance the overall typing experience by focusing on the impact of housing materials on sound and feel.
Weight
The Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch has a higher actuation force of 50 grams compared to the KTT Purple Star linear switch, which has an actuation force of 43 grams, making the Cream Blue the heavier option. When it comes to bottom out force, the Cream Blue requires 65 grams of force, while the Purple Star only needs 50 grams. This means that the Cream Blue is also heavier in terms of bottom out force. For those who prefer a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel, the Cream Blue would be the ideal choice. However, if you prefer a lighter touch to type for longer periods of time, the Purple Star would be the better option. Both switches offer different typing experiences due to their varying actuation and bottom out forces, allowing users to choose based on their preferences for typing or gaming.
Travel distance
The Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the KTT Purple Star linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. The Cream Blue has a slightly longer travel distance than the Purple Star, making it a better choice for those who prefer a more traditional and deeper key press feel. On the other hand, the Purple Star offers a slightly shorter travel distance, making it a preferred choice for gamers looking for faster response times. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for key press depth and responsiveness. If you prefer a shorter travel distance and faster response times, the Purple Star may be the better option. However, if you prefer a deeper key press feel, the Cream Blue would be the ideal choice. Both switches offer a satisfying typing experience, just with slightly different travel distances.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Outemu Cream Blue comes in at $3.10, whereas the KTT Purple Star comes in at $4.88.
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 switch and KTT Purple Star switch offer different experiences. The Cream Blue switch offers a unique sound signature that is not described in the provided information, while the Purple Star switch is noted for its low-pitched sound profile, which typically provides a more bass-heavy and mellow tone. It is important to consider that the sound of a switch is influenced by various factors, such as the keyboard and keycaps being used.
When it comes to feel, the Cream Blue switch lacks a specific description, making it difficult to directly compare to the Purple Star switch. However, the Purple Star switch is known for its mild and easy-to-press attributes. These characteristics indicate that the Purple Star switch provides a gentle and comfortable typing experience, with a light actuation force that reduces finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. Overall, the Purple Star switch falls within a safe middle ground, offering a low-impact and responsive typing feel that is approachable to most users.
In conclusion, while there are differences in sound and feel between the Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch and the KTT Purple Star linear switch, they both offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Cream Blue switch provides a sound profile that is not specified but may appeal to those seeking a distinctive auditory experience, while the Purple Star switch offers a mellow low-pitched sound and a comfortable typing feel with its easy-to-press characteristic. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will come down to personal preference and the specific typing experience that each individual is looking to achieve.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch and the KTT Purple Star linear switch, you should consider your typing preferences and needs. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom-out force and a clicky typing experience, then the Cream Blue switch is the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom-out force and a smooth, easy-to-press typing feel, then the Purple Star switch would be more suitable for you. Ultimately, the decision depends on whether you prioritize tactile feedback and a louder typing sound (Cream Blue) or a smooth, effortless typing experience with minimal finger fatigue (Purple Star). Choose the switch that best aligns with your typing style and comfort preferences.
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