Outemu Cream Blue vs. KTT Semi Mute
An in-depth look at the Outemu Cream Blue and the KTT Semi Mute switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Cream Blue and KTT Semi Mute offer unique features catering to different preferences. The Cream Blue is a clicky switch that provides a tactile feedback with an audible click, perfect for those who enjoy the satisfying sound of typing. On the other hand, the Semi Mute switch is a linear switch that operates silently, ideal for creating a noise-free environment for late-night typing or gaming sessions. While the Cream Blue is known for its clicky response, the Semi Mute stands out for its buttery and muted feel. 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
43g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
58g
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Pre-travel
1.60 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
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
15mm spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Cream Blue and the KTT Semi Mute, the Cream Blue utilizes a nylon top and bottom housing, while the Semi Mute features a polycarbonate top and bottom housing. The Cream Blue's nylon housing creates a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic properties, absorbing more sound and resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Semi Mute's polycarbonate housing produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile as a result of its stiffer plastic composition, leading to a clearer and more resonant sound. While both housing materials have their unique sound characteristics, the choice between nylon and polycarbonate ultimately comes down to personal preference in sound profile.
When examining the top housing specifically, the Cream Blue's nylon top housing and the Semi Mute's polycarbonate top housing offer distinct differences in sound production. The Cream Blue's nylon top housing creates a deeper and fuller sound, enhancing the overall typing experience with a softer and more muted sound profile. In contrast, the Semi Mute's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper and crisper sound, adding a high-pitched resonance to key presses. Additionally, the use of translucent polycarbonate in the top housing of the Semi Mute allows for RGB lighting effects, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the switch.
While the bottom housing may have a lesser impact on the overall sound profile compared to the top housing, it still plays a role in the typing experience. The Cream Blue's nylon bottom housing and the Semi Mute's polycarbonate bottom housing contribute to the overall sound and feel of the switch. The Cream Blue's nylon bottom housing adds to the deeper and fuller sound, while the Semi Mute's polycarbonate bottom housing enhances the sharper and crisper sound profile. Whether you prefer a softer, fuller sound or a sharper, crisper sound, both housing materials offer unique qualities that can affect the overall typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch and the KTT Semi Mute linear switch, we can see some clear differences. The Cream Blue switch has a higher actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Semi Mute's 43 grams, making the Cream Blue slightly heavier in this aspect. In terms of bottom out force, the Cream Blue requires 65 grams, while the Semi Mute requires 58 grams, again showing the Cream Blue as the heavier option. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Semi Mute may be the better choice due to its lower force requirements. However, for those who enjoy a more substantial typing feel, the Cream Blue would be the preferred option. In either case, both switches offer a satisfying tactile feedback, with the differences in force providing users with the option to choose based on their personal preference.
Travel distance
Both the Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch and the KTT Semi Mute linear switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key with either of these switches, you will experience a consistent distance traveled from the top to the bottom. This similarity in travel distance ensures that users will get a similar tactile experience when typing on keyboards equipped with either of these switches. Overall, the travel distance of both switches is equal, providing a comparable typing experience for those who prefer either clicky or linear switches.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Semi Mute has an MSRP of $3.97 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Semi Mute for $3.55.
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
The Cream Blue switch is known for its clicky sound profile, providing a satisfying auditory feedback with each key press. On the other hand, the KTT Semi Mute switch lives up to its name by producing a muted sound, perfect for those seeking a quiet typing experience. The Cream Blue switch will deliver a crisp and audible click, while the Semi Mute switch will offer a softer and quieter typing experience.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the Cream Blue provides a tactile and crisp typing experience, with a noticeable bump at the actuation point. In contrast, the KTT Semi Mute switch offers a buttery and smooth keystroke, allowing for a seamless and effortless typing sensation. The Cream Blue switch gives a more pronounced tactile feedback, while the Semi Mute switch provides a gentler and more uniform typing experience.
In conclusion, if you prefer a clicky switch with a tactile bump and a louder sound profile, the Outemu Cream Blue switch would be the way to go. However, if you value a silent operation and a smooth keystroke feel, the KTT Semi Mute switch would be more suitable for your needs. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, so choosing between the two would depend on your individual typing preferences and the environment in which you plan to use the keyboard.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch and the KTT Semi Mute linear switch, consider your preferences and needs. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and enjoy clicky switches with a distinctive sound profile, the Cream Blue may be the perfect choice for you. On the other hand, if you value a noise-free environment and desire a comfortable, muted typing experience with a medium bottom out force, the Semi Mute switch is the way to go. Ultimately, the decision comes down to whether you prioritize sound or silence, as well as the specific typing feel you are looking for in your mechanical keyboard. Choose wisely based on what matters most to you in your keyboarding experience.
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