Outemu Cream Blue vs. HC Studio Roselle
An in-depth look at the Outemu Cream Blue and the HC Studio Roselle switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Cream Blue and HC Studio Roselle offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Cream Blue stands out as a clicky switch, providing a satisfying tactile feedback with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Roselle is a linear switch that boasts an unparalleled smoothness attributed to its material blend, offering a different typing experience. While the Cream Blue is favored for its distinct clicky feel, the Roselle's smoothness and low-pitched sound signature make it appealing for those who value a quiet and frictionless 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
52g
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Y3
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
20.5mm lengthened single-staged spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Outemu Cream Blue and the HC Studio Roselle switches both offer unique sound profiles to enhance the typing experience. The Cream Blue's nylon top and bottom housing provide a deep and full sound profile, thanks to the softer nature of nylon that absorbs more sound. On the other hand, the Roselle's POM top and bottom housing create a pleasing and unique sound that is deeper and more muted compared to nylon. While both switches offer a deeper sound profile, the Cream Blue's nylon housing may offer a slightly duller and rounder sound compared to the Roselle's POM housing.
While both switches share similarities in offering a deeper sound profile, there are distinct differences between the housing materials of the Cream Blue and the Roselle. The Cream Blue's nylon top housing may provide a slightly duller and rounder sound compared to the Roselle's POM top housing, which is described as more muted. Additionally, the impact of each housing material is split between the top and bottom of the switch, with the bottom housing influencing the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing affects the sound when releasing a key. This division of qualities between the housing materials can result in unique typing experiences for each switch.
In conclusion, the choice between the Outemu Cream Blue and the HC Studio Roselle may come down to personal preference in sound profile and typing feel. Both switches offer a deep and full sound profile, but the Cream Blue with its nylon housing may provide a slightly different sound compared to the Roselle with its POM housing. The split impact of the housing materials between the top and bottom of the switch further enhances the typing experience, allowing for a unique feel when pressing down and releasing keys. Ultimately, both switches offer high-quality housing materials that contribute to a satisfying typing experience.
Weight
The Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch has a heavier actuation force and bottom out force compared to the HC Studio Roselle linear switch. The Cream Blue requires 50 grams of force to actuate and 65 grams to bottom out, making it a medium-heavy switch. On the other hand, the Roselle only needs 45 grams of force to actuate and 52 grams to bottom out, putting it in the medium-light category. This means that the Cream Blue will provide a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel, while the Roselle will offer a lighter typing feel, allowing for longer typing sessions without causing fatigue. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing force and feel.
Travel distance
The Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, making it a bit longer than the HC Studio Roselle linear switch which has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Cream Blue leaning towards the longer end and the Roselle being slightly shorter. Gamers who prioritize faster response times may favor the Roselle with its shorter travel distance, while those who prefer a more tactile and "hearty" feel may lean towards the Cream Blue. In terms of travel distance, the Cream Blue offers a bit more depth compared to the Roselle, but ultimately the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HC Studio Roselle has an MSRP of $5.90 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Roselle for $4.70.
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 comparing the subjective qualities of sound between the Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch and the HC Studio Roselle linear switch, it is apparent that the Cream Blue switch is known for a distinctive clicky sound profile, providing audible tactile feedback with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Roselle switch offers a subtle and low-pitched sound signature, delivering a more bass-heavy and mellow tone during typing. Depending on personal preference, users may prefer the crisp clicky sound of the Cream Blue or the smooth, bassy sound of the Roselle.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Cream Blue switch does not have specific descriptors available, while the Roselle switch is known for its frictionless and mild typing experience. The Roselle switch offers an extraordinarily smooth and effortless typing sensation, minimizing any resistance or friction when pressing the keys. Additionally, its mild qualities provide a gentle and approachable typing experience for most users. In contrast, the feel of the Cream Blue switch remains subjective and may vary depending on individual preferences.
In conclusion, the Cream Blue and Roselle switches offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Cream Blue switch is best known for its clicky sound profile, while the Roselle switch provides a smooth and bassy typing experience. Whether a user prefers a crisp clicky sound with tactile feedback or a smoother, more bass-heavy typing sensation, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on the user's personal preference for sound and feel when typing on a mechanical keyboard.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding between the Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch and the HC Studio Roselle linear switch, it all comes down to your personal preferences and typing habits. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and a clicky sound for a more tactile typing experience, then the Cream Blue switch would be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-light bottom out force, an impossibly smooth and frictionless typing experience, and a subtle, low-pitched sound profile, then the Roselle switch would be the ideal option. Ultimately, the decision should be based on what feels most comfortable and enjoyable for you while typing.
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