Outemu Cream Blue vs. Outemu Red Panda
An in-depth look at the Outemu Cream Blue and the Outemu Red Panda switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Cream Blue and the Outemu Red Panda offer distinct typing experiences for users to choose from. The Cream Blue is a clicky switch, providing a satisfying audible click with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Red Panda is a tactile switch, offering a light-medium amount of tactility while typing. The Cream Blue is best known for its clicky sound, making it ideal for those who enjoy auditory feedback while typing. In contrast, the Red Panda is known for its thocky bottom-out sound and clackier top-out sound, offering a different tactile 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
50g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
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
The Outemu Cream Blue and the Outemu Red Panda both utilize different housing materials in their switches, with the Cream Blue featuring a nylon top and bottom housing, while the Red Panda boasts a polycarbonate top housing and a nylon bottom housing. The Cream Blue's nylon housing is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic that absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Red Panda's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile thanks to its stiffer plastic, resulting in a more clear and resonant sound. While both switches share similar characteristics in their nylon bottom housing, the differing top housing materials lead to distinct audio experiences with the Cream Blue offering a softer sound and the Red Panda delivering a crisper sound.
In terms of aesthetics, the Outemu Red Panda's use of polycarbonate in its clear top housing makes it visually appealing for users who appreciate RGB lighting in their keyboards. The translucency of the polycarbonate material allows for vibrant RGB lighting to shine through, enhancing the overall look of the keyboard. On the other hand, the Outemu Cream Blue's opaque nylon top housing may not offer the same visual flair as the Red Panda, but it still provides a unique typing experience with its deep and fuller sound profile. Both switches cater to different preferences, with the Red Panda focusing on visually stunning RGB effects, while the Cream Blue prioritizes a richer sound experience during typing.
In terms of typing experience, the choice between the Outemu Cream Blue and the Outemu Red Panda ultimately comes down to personal preference. The Cream Blue's nylon housing creates a softer and more rounded sound profile, making it ideal for users who prefer a mellower typing experience. On the other hand, the Red Panda's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper and crisper sound, catering to those who enjoy a more distinct and resonant typing sound. While the bottom housing materials may be similar, the top housing material plays a significant role in shaping the overall sound profile of each switch. Whether you prioritize sound quality, visual aesthetics, or a combination of both, both switches offer unique characteristics that are sure to enhance your typing experience.
Weight
In comparing the Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch and the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch, we can see that both switches have the same actuation force of 50 grams, ensuring a consistent typing experience. However, the Cream Blue has a heavier bottom out force of 65 grams compared to the Red Panda's 60 grams, providing a more substantial feel when typing. This difference in weight between the two switches allows users to choose based on their preference for a lighter or heavier typing experience. Lighter weights are ideal for prolonged typing sessions or gaming, while heavier weights offer a more substantial typing feel. Both switches offer a tactile feedback that enhances typing accuracy and speed, making them suitable options for users seeking a reliable and responsive typing experience.
Travel distance
The Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. In this case, the Cream Blue has a longer travel distance compared to the Red Panda. The longer travel distance of the Cream Blue may provide a more satisfying keypress for those who prefer a deeper feel when typing. On the other hand, the Red Panda's shorter travel distance might be preferred by gamers looking for quicker response times. Both switches offer unique experiences in terms of travel distance, with the Cream Blue being on the longer side and the Red Panda being on the shorter side. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference for travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Outemu Cream Blue comes in at $3.10, whereas the Outemu Red Panda comes in at $3.40.
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 clicky switch is known for its crisp and satisfying click sound when pressed. On the other hand, the Red Panda tactile switch is characterized by a unique thocky sound that is deep and bassy, giving a more substantial feel to each keystroke. The Cream Blue will provide a more traditional clicky sound, while the Red Panda offers a deeper and richer auditory experience, which may be preferred by those who enjoy a more tactile typing experience.
In terms of feel, the Cream Blue switch offers a tactile feedback with a light-medium actuation force, making it responsive and enjoyable to type on. The Red Panda switch, on the other hand, provides a mild tactile feel that is gentle and approachable for most typists. This balance between tactility and comfort makes the Red Panda a versatile option for those looking for a middle-ground typing experience.
Taking all factors into consideration, the Cream Blue clicky switch and the Red Panda tactile switch offer distinct qualities in both sound and feel. While the Cream Blue provides a satisfying click sound and responsive typing experience, the Red Panda offers a deeper thocky sound and a comfortable feel that caters to a wider range of users. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preference for sound, feel, and typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a mechanical keyboard switch with a slightly heavier bottom out force and a distinctive clicky sound profile, the Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch might be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium bottom out force, a tactile typing experience with a thocky sound profile, and a mild overall feel, the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch could be more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches will depend on whether you prioritize the clicky feel and sound of the Cream Blue or the tactile feel and thocky sound of the Red Panda. Choose the switch that best aligns with your typing needs and preferences to enhance your overall typing experience.
Mentioned in this article
