Outemu Cream Blue vs. Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie
An in-depth look at the Outemu Cream Blue and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Outemu Cream Blue and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie present two distinct options that cater to different typing preferences. The Cream Blue, a clicky switch, is celebrated for its tactile feedback and pronounced audible click, making it an excellent choice for typists who enjoy a more engaging and responsive typing experience. In contrast, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie, categorized as a linear switch, offers a smooth keystroke without tactile bumps or audible clicks, appealing to gamers and those who prefer a quieter, more fluid typing sensation. While the Cream Blue is perfect for those who thrive on sound and tactile response, the Sea Salt Smoothie is designed for users seeking performance without sound distraction. 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
48g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 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
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
20mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
The Outemu Cream Blue and Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie switch share some fundamental characteristics when it comes to their sound profiles, despite having different housing materials. The Cream Blue utilizes nylon for both its top and bottom housings, which is known for its sound-dampening properties. This allows for a deeper, rounder sound that can enhance the typing experience by producing a fuller auditory profile. On the other hand, the Sea Salt Smoothie employs POM for its housings, which, while also contributing to a deeper sound, tends to create a sound that is more muted and unique, differing in texture and tone from that of nylon.
When we analyze the bottom housing of each switch, both nylon in the Cream Blue and POM in the Sea Salt Smoothie contribute significantly to the bottom-out sound and feel. The nylon bottom housing of the Cream Blue lends a rounded character to the sound, reinforcing its overall sound profile. Conversely, the POM material in the Sea Salt Smoothie provides a pleasingly unique auditory experience that is also deep but not as resonant as nylon. This difference can impact a typist's experience by providing varied tactile feedback and sound when keys are pressed down, suggesting that while both switches strive for a fuller auditory experience, the nuances in material change how that depth is realized during use.
At the same time, the distinctions in sound profiles between the two switches can lead to surprisingly similar results in terms of overall experience. The Cream Blue's nylon has a soft texture that absorbs sound, while the Sea Salt Smoothie's POM creates a distinct yet muted sound. Therefore, despite the use of different plastic materials, users can expect a satisfying typing experience from both switches, albeit with varying auditory nuances when releasing keys. This suggests that while personal preference in sound is crucial in selecting a switch, both the Outemu Cream Blue and Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie offer satisfying acoustics that cater to those who appreciate deeper sounds in their mechanical keyboards.
Weight
When comparing the Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch, we find some interesting distinctions in their actuation forces. The Cream Blue switch has an actuation force of 50 grams, slightly heavier than the Sea Salt Smoothie's actuation force of 48 grams. This makes the Sea Salt Smoothie the lighter option, which may appeal to users who prefer a less strenuous typing experience, especially during prolonged use at work or in gaming sessions. In terms of bottom out force, the Cream Blue switch reaches a bottom out force of 65 grams, indicating a medium-heavy resistance when fully pressed down. Conversely, the bottom out force for the Sea Salt Smoothie is not specified, leaving that aspect unknown. Overall, the Outemu Cream Blue's heavier actuation and bottom out forces cater to those who enjoy a more substantial feel when typing, while the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie offers a lighter experience, although its lack of specified bottom out force leaves some uncertainty in its overall feedback.
Travel distance
The Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.7 mm. This means that when pressing down on the keys, the Cream Blue switch offers a deeper and more pronounced action compared to the Sea Salt Smoothie switch, which offers a quicker, more responsive feel with its shorter travel distance. Gamers may lean towards the Sea Salt Smoothie for its shorter distance, which can facilitate faster response times, whereas those who prefer a more substantial keystroke might find the Cream Blue more satisfying. Ultimately, if you value depth in your typing experience, the Cream Blue switch would be the better choice, while the Sea Salt Smoothie may appeal to those seeking a more immediate response.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sea Salt Smoothie for $2.70.
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 it comes to sound, the Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch is recognized for its distinct auditory feedback, providing a sharp and crisp click with each keystroke, making it ideal for typists who enjoy an audible confirmation of their actions. In contrast, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch features a thocky sound profile, which delivers a deeper, more muted sound that many users find satisfying and pleasant. The different sound signatures will also be influenced by the keyboard construction and choice of keycaps, but generally, the Cream Blue will resonate with those who prefer a clicky, percussive experience, while the Sea Salt Smoothie caters to individuals seeking a quieter, more subdued auditory interaction.
In terms of feel, the Cream Blue switch is known for its tactile bump that occurs before the click, providing a sensation of resistance that many typists appreciate for its feedback. This tactile response can enhance typing accuracy and engagement. In contrast, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie switch offers a smooth linear motion without any tactile bump, making it ideal for those who favor fluid key presses and quick key actuation without interruption. This difference in feel caters to distinct preferences: the tactile and clicky nature of the Cream Blue will appeal to users who enjoy feedback during typing, while the smoothness of the Sea Salt Smoothie is perfect for those who prefer uninterrupted keystrokes.
In conclusion, both the Outemu Cream Blue and Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie switches provide unique experiences tailored to different typing styles. The Cream Blue excites with its clicky sound and tactile feel, while the Sea Salt Smoothie impresses with its thocky sound and smooth linear actuation. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you prioritize auditory feedback and tactile sensations or a smoother and quieter typing experience. Either way, both switches offer quality that can enhance your keyboard setup, ensuring that you find the right fit for your personal preferences.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you appreciate tactile feedback and enjoy an audible click while typing, the Cream Blue is an excellent option. Its medium-heavy actuation force of 65 grams can provide satisfying resistance, which is particularly appealing for typists who enjoy a more deliberate keystroke. On the other hand, if you favor a smoother and quieter typing experience, the Sea Salt Smoothie would be the better pick. Known for its exceptional smoothness and thocky sound profile, this switch caters to users who prefer a linear feel without those pronounced clicks. Consider how much weight and sound affect your typing experience, as well as whether you prioritize tactile feedback or smoothness. Ultimately, both switches have their unique strengths, and the right choice for you will align with your specific needs and preferences on your mechanical keyboard journey.
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