Outemu Cream Blue vs. Durock Sea Glass
An in-depth look at the Outemu Cream Blue and the Durock Sea Glass switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Cream Blue and Durock Sea Glass stand out as popular options, offering different typing experiences for users. The Cream Blue is a clicky switch, known for its tactile feedback and audible click when pressed. On the other hand, the Sea Glass is a linear switch, presenting a smooth and quiet typing experience thanks to its proprietary material blend. While the Cream Blue provides a satisfying click with each key press, the Sea Glass offers a unique dryness and weightlessness that sets it apart. 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
62g
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
P3+
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Outemu Cream Blue and Durock Sea Glass switches both offer unique sound profiles due to their use of nylon in their construction. The Cream Blue's nylon top housing creates a deeper and fuller sound, while the Sea Glass's Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend top housing produces a slightly brighter tone. Both materials absorb sound effectively due to their softer nature, resulting in a rounder and more pleasant sound overall. However, the Sea Glass's blend offers a unique twist on the classic nylon material, making it stand out from the Cream Blue in terms of sound signature.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the Cream Blue and Sea Glass switches utilize nylon to create a deeper and fuller sound profile. The nylon material in the bottom housing of both switches absorbs sound effectively and contributes to a duller and rounder sound when typing. While the Cream Blue and Sea Glass likely have similar bottom-out sound characteristics due to the shared nylon material, the slight differences in their overall sound profiles can still be attributed to the unique blend of materials used in the Sea Glass's construction. This highlights how subtle variations in housing materials can impact the overall typing experience.
Overall, the differences between the Outemu Cream Blue and Durock Sea Glass switches lie in the unique blend of materials used in the Sea Glass switch, as opposed to the more traditional nylon construction of the Cream Blue. While both switches offer a deep and full sound profile, the Sea Glass switch leans slightly towards a brighter tone, providing a different typing experience compared to the Cream Blue. However, the shared use of nylon in the bottom housing ensures that both switches likely offer a similar bottom-out sound and feel, showcasing how different housing materials can influence various aspects of a switch's sound signature.
Weight
The Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Durock Sea Glass linear switch, which has an actuation force of 45 grams. Both switches have a similar bottom out force, with the Cream Blue at 65 grams and the Sea Glass at 62 grams. This means that while the Cream Blue requires a bit more force to start a keystroke, both switches will feel relatively similar once fully pressed. For those who prefer a lighter touch, the Sea Glass may be the better option, as it has a lighter actuation force. However, for those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience, the Cream Blue's slightly heavier actuation force may be more appealing. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will come down to personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
Comparing the travel distance of the Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch and the Durock Sea Glass linear switch, we can see that the Cream Blue has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Sea Glass has a slightly shorter distance of 3.8 mm. The Cream Blue falls into the more traditional range of travel distances, while the Sea Glass is on the shallower end. Gamers who prioritize faster response times may prefer the Sea Glass with its shorter travel distance. On the other hand, those who enjoy a more substantial key press may lean towards the Cream Blue with its slightly longer travel distance. Both switches offer a different tactile experience based on their travel distance, catering to individual preferences.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock Sea Glass has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sea Glass for $4.87.
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
In terms of sound, the Cream Blue switch is known for its satisfying clicky sound, creating a tactile and audible typing experience. On the other hand, the Sea Glass switch is recognized for its uniquely hollow sound signature, providing a different auditory experience. Keep in mind that the sound produced by a switch can also be influenced by the keyboard itself and the keycaps used.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the Cream Blue switch offers a tactile bump with a clicky feedback, making each keystroke distinct and responsive. On the other hand, the Sea Glass switch is praised for its frictionless and mild feel, providing a smooth and effortless typing experience. Additionally, the feathery and easy-to-press nature of the Sea Glass switch makes it comfortable for extended typing sessions, reducing finger fatigue.
In conclusion, while the Cream Blue and Sea Glass switches offer different sound and feel experiences, both provide high-quality mechanical keystrokes. The Cream Blue switch is ideal for those who enjoy a tactile and clicky typing experience, while the Sea Glass switch caters to individuals looking for a smooth and effortless feel with a unique sound profile. By considering your personal preferences in sound, feel, and typing experience, you can select the switch that best suits your needs and preferences.
Conclusion
In closing, if you're looking for a satisfying clicky switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force, the Outemu Cream Blue would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth and weightless linear switch with a medium bottom out force, the Durock Sea Glass would be the way to go. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference in terms of sound, feel, and overall typing experience. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so make sure to consider what factors are most important to you when making your decision. Happy typing!
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