Outemu Cream Blue vs. KTT Rose
An in-depth look at the Outemu Cream Blue and the KTT Rose switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Cream Blue and the KTT Rose offer distinct typing experiences. The Cream Blue is a clicky switch, known for its audible and tactile feedback, making it ideal for those who appreciate a satisfying click with every keystroke. On the other hand, the KTT Rose is a linear switch, offering a smooth and consistent typing feel without any audible feedback, perfect for those who prefer a quieter typing experience. While the Cream Blue is categorized as a clicky switch, the Rose is categorized as low-pitched, neutral, mild, and polished. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
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
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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Progressive spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Cream Blue and the KTT Rose, it is clear that they both feature a nylon bottom housing. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, which absorbs more sound. This results in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches with nylon housing. As a result, users can expect a similar typing experience in terms of sound and feel with both the Cream Blue and the Rose switches due to their shared nylon bottom housing.
However, when it comes to the top housing, the Cream Blue utilizes a nylon material while the Rose features a polycarbonate housing. The Cream Blue's nylon top housing contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, while the Rose's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper and crisper sound. Polycarbonate is known for its stiffness, which leads to a more clear and resonant sound profile. Additionally, the Rose's polycarbonate top housing is transparent, making it ideal for use with RGB lighting. This key difference in the top housing materials will result in a distinct sound and feel between the two switches.
In terms of aesthetics, the choice of housing material for switches can play a significant role. While both the Cream Blue and the Rose feature nylon bottom housing, the difference in their top housing materials sets them apart visually. The transparent polycarbonate top housing of the Rose allows for RGB lighting to shine through, creating a vibrant and customizable look. On the other hand, the Cream Blue's opaque nylon top housing may not offer the same level of visual appeal when it comes to lighting effects. Ultimately, the housing materials of these switches not only influence their sound and feel but also impact their overall appearance and compatibility with RGB lighting.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch and the KTT Rose linear switch, it is evident that the Cream Blue is the lighter option with an actuation force of 50 grams, while the Rose is slightly heavier with a bottom out force of 63.5 grams. Both switches fall into the category of medium-heavy, providing a substantial typing experience for those who prefer a bit more resistance. The actuation force of the Cream Blue allows for a lighter touch when typing, ideal for longer periods of use or gaming sessions, while the Rose offers a slightly stronger push feel for those who enjoy a more robust typing experience. In terms of bottom out force, both switches are fairly similar, providing a consistent amount of resistance for a satisfying typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference regarding weight and feel.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch and the KTT Rose linear switch, both switches have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. The travel distance of a switch is the distance the switch travels from the top to the bottom, which is the distance felt when pressing down on a key. In this case, both the Cream Blue and the Rose offer users the same key travel experience, allowing for consistent feedback and performance. As a result, users can expect similar results in terms of key actuation and typing experience with either switch.
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 Rose comes in at $3.01.
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 None characteristic, which means it may not produce a distinctive sound profile. On the other hand, the KTT Rose linear switch is described as having a low-pitched sound, offering a more bass-heavy and mellow tone. The choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for sound, as well as how the switch interacts with the keyboard and keycaps being used.
Moving on to feel, the Cream Blue switch's tactile feedback is not specifically mentioned, so it may have a standard tactile feel associated with clicky switches. In contrast, the KTT Rose linear switch is noted for its mild and polished feel. The mild typing experience of the Rose switch offers a gentle and approachable feel, while the polished finish results in smooth and refined key travel. This combination creates a comfortable and satisfying typing experience for users.
In conclusion, if you prefer a switch with a more distinctive sound profile, the Cream Blue may be the choice for you, while if you value a smooth and gentle typing experience, the KTT Rose switch would be the better option. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, and the final decision should be based on personal taste and how the switch complements your overall keyboard setup. Remember that the sound and feel of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard structure and keycaps used, so experimenting with different combinations may help you achieve your desired typing experience.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when considering whether to choose the Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch or the KTT Rose linear switch, you should take into account your preference for sound and feel. If you enjoy a clicky sound and a tactile typing experience, the Cream Blue may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a low-pitched sound and a polished, mild typing experience, the Rose switch might be more suited to your taste. Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference and the typing experience you value most in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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