Outemu Cream Blue vs. Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring
An in-depth look at the Outemu Cream Blue and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Cream Blue and Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring offer distinct options for different preferences. The Cream Blue is a clicky switch, providing a satisfying audible feedback with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring is a tactile switch, offering a medium-high level of tactility and deep thocks when typing. While the Cream Blue is ideal for those who enjoy the clicky sound and feel, the Shadow switch variant is perfect for individuals looking for a tactile 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
55g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
63g
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
20mm dual-stage spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Cream Blue and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switches, it is evident that the Cream Blue features nylon top and bottom housings, while the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring utilizes polycarbonate for both the top and bottom housings. The Cream Blue's nylon housing material is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic and sound-absorbing properties. On the other hand, the polycarbonate housing of the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, thanks to its stiffer composition.
While the Cream Blue and Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switches differ in their housing materials, both materials offer unique sound profiles with distinct characteristics. The Cream Blue's nylon housing provides a duller and rounder sound, ideal for those seeking a softer typing experience. In contrast, the polycarbonate housing of the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring produces a clearer and resonant sound, making it suitable for those who prefer a more distinct typing feedback. Despite their differences, both housing materials contribute to enhancing the overall typing experience, catering to varying preferences.
It is essential to note that the choice between nylon and polycarbonate housing materials ultimately depends on individual preferences for sound profiles and typing feel. While the Cream Blue's nylon housing may appeal to those who favor a deeper and fuller sound, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring's polycarbonate housing caters to users seeking a sharper and crisper sound. Regardless of the material used, each housing plays a crucial role in determining the overall sound and feel of the switch when typing, making both the Outemu Cream Blue and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring unique options for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch, it is evident that the Cream Blue requires a lighter actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Shadow's 55 grams, making it more sensitive to keystrokes. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Cream Blue has a heavier requirement of 65 grams, while the Shadow requires 63 grams, making the Cream Blue the heavier option in this aspect. Despite these differences, both switches fall within the medium to medium-heavy range, offering a balance between typing comfort and tactile feedback. Overall, the Cream Blue is lighter in actuation force but heavier in bottom out force compared to the Shadow, providing users with varying preferences to choose from for their typing needs.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch is the same, with both switches having a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key with either switch, you will experience a consistent distance traveled from the top to the bottom. Therefore, in terms of travel distance, both switches offer similar results and would be suitable options for those looking for a key switch with a 4 mm travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring has an MSRP of $4.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring for $3.57.
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 Cream Blue switch lacks a specific descriptor, so it is hard to compare directly to the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch, which is known for being clacky and high-pitched. The Cream Blue is likely to have a lighter sound profile compared to the sharp and percussive noise of the Shadow switch. However, it's important to note that the sound produced by a switch also depends on other factors like the keyboard and keycaps being used.
Moving on to the feel, the Cream Blue switch does not have a specific descriptor, so it is challenging to provide a direct comparison to the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch. The Shadow switch is known for being sharp, accented, snappy, bouncy, and stepped, offering a significant level of tactility with each keypress. In contrast, the Cream Blue switch may offer a different tactile experience that could be softer or less pronounced.
In conclusion, the Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch offer contrasting qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Cream Blue has an unknown sound profile and tactile feel, the Shadow switch is defined by its clacky sound and sharp, accented, and bouncy tactile feedback. For those looking for a quieter and potentially softer typing experience, the Cream Blue may be the preferred choice. On the other hand, if you seek a more pronounced and tactile typing experience with a sharper sound, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch would be the suitable option. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on personal preference for sound and tactility in a mechanical keyboard.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a clicky switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force and enjoy the sound of a crisp click with each keypress, then the Outemu Cream Blue switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile switch with a medium bottom out force and want a switch that provides a high level of tactility with deep thocks when typing, then the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch would be the better option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your preference for either a clicky or tactile switch, as well as the specific qualities of sound and feel that you prioritize in your typing experience.
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