Outemu Cream Blue vs. Kailh Sage
An in-depth look at the Outemu Cream Blue and the Kailh Sage switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Cream Blue and Kailh Sage both offer a clicky typing experience, but with unique characteristics to consider. The Cream Blue is categorized as a tactile switch, known for its smooth keypress, while the Sage switches are described as invigorating, sharp, and crunchy. The Cream Blue may be a good choice if you prefer a switch with a softer feel, while the Sage switches provide a heavier key press and sharp clickiness. However, let's dive a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can make the best decision 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
70g
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Pre-travel
1.70 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Outemu Cream Blue and Kailh Sage switches both use nylon for their bottom housings, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. Nylon is known for its softer plastic composition, which absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, creating a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Cream Blue's top housing is made of nylon, while the Sage features a polycarbonate top housing. Polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic, leading to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The use of polycarbonate also allows for RGB lighting effects due to its translucency, making it a popular choice for switches seeking aesthetic appeal.
In terms of sound and feel, the top and bottom housings of a switch play different roles. The qualities of the housing material impact the sound produced when bottoming out a key or when releasing a key. With the Cream Blue, both the top and bottom housings are nylon, providing a consistent deep and full sound profile. Meanwhile, the Sage's top polycarbonate housing contrasts the nylon bottom housing, offering a clear and resonant sound profile that stands out when letting go of a key. This split housing material configuration in the Sage allows for a distinctive typing experience with a mix of sound profiles between pressing down and releasing a key.
Overall, while the Outemu Cream Blue and Kailh Sage switches have different top housing materials, they both utilize nylon for their bottom housing, resulting in a similar deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. The Cream Blue's nylon top and bottom housing combination create a consistent typing experience with a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, the Sage's mix of nylon and polycarbonate housings provides a unique typing experience with a sharper, higher-pitched sound when releasing a key. Both switches offer distinct sound profiles and typing experiences, catering to different preferences among mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch and the Kailh Sage clicky switch, it is evident that the Cream Blue has a lighter actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Sage, which has an unknown actuation force. However, both switches have a similar bottom out force of 65 grams for the Cream Blue and 70 grams for the Sage, making them both fall into the medium-heavy category. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Cream Blue may be a more suitable option, allowing for longer periods of typing without fatigue. On the other hand, the Sage provides a slightly heavier push feel, offering a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger force when typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Kailh Sage clicky switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. The Cream Blue offers a more traditional travel distance, providing a deeper key press feel, which some users may prefer for its hearty depth. On the other hand, the Sage's shorter travel distance may appeal to gamers looking for faster response times and a more responsive keystroke. Both switches offer a satisfying clicky sound, but the Cream Blue provides a slightly longer keypress experience compared to the Sage. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and keypress feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Outemu Cream Blue comes in at $3.10, whereas the Kailh Sage comes in at $6.25.
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 Outemu Cream Blue switch is known for its quiet operation without any specific sound characteristics. On the other hand, the Kailh Sage switch is described as producing a crunchy sound reminiscent of stepping on piles of crisp and crunchy autumn leaves. The distinct clicky typing experience provided by the Sage switch adds an audible element to your typing sessions, creating a satisfying auditory feedback.
In terms of feel, the Cream Blue switch does not have a specific feel associated with it. However, the Kailh Sage switch offers an invigorating and sharp tactile experience. The pronounced feedback, firm actuation force, and snappy feel of the Sage switch contribute to an immersive typing sensation. The sharp tactile bump in each keypress gives a satisfying tactile feedback, making every keystroke feel deliberate and responsive.
Overall, the Outemu Cream Blue and Kailh Sage switches offer different experiences in terms of sound and feel. While the Cream Blue switch provides a quiet operation without any specific sound or feel characteristics, the Sage switch adds a crunchy sound and an invigorating tactile experience to your typing sessions. Depending on your preferences for sound and feel, both switches can deliver a satisfying typing experience. Whether you prefer a quieter and smoother typing experience with the Cream Blue switch or a more audible and tactile typing experience with the Sage switch, both options can cater to your individual preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a medium-heavy clicky switch with a slightly lighter bottom out force, you may prefer the Outemu Cream Blue switch. On the other hand, if you prefer a distinct and sharp clicky typing experience with a heavier bottom out force, the Kailh Sage switch may be the better choice for you. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will come down to your personal preferences in terms of weight, sound, and feel. Consider what type of typing experience you are looking for and choose the switch that best aligns with your preferences.
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