Outemu Cream Blue vs. TTC Silent Red
An in-depth look at the Outemu Cream Blue and the TTC Silent Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Cream Blue and TTC Silent Red offer unique experiences that cater to different preferences. The Cream Blue is a clicky switch that provides a satisfying tactile feedback with each key press, perfect for those who enjoy the audible click sound while typing. On the other hand, the Silent Red is a linear switch known for its smooth and quiet typing experience, making it ideal for office environments or shared living spaces where noise levels need to be kept low. While the Cream Blue offers a more pronounced typing experience with its clicky mechanism, the Silent Red delivers a buttery and polished feel without all the noise. 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
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Partial box
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
In comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Cream Blue and the TTC Silent Red, we can see that the Cream Blue utilizes nylon for both the top and bottom housings, while the Silent Red features a polycarbonate top housing and a nylon bottom housing. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, polycarbonate, being a stiffer plastic, generates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This contrast in material properties leads to a noticeable difference in the typing experience between the two switches.
However, when it comes to the bottom housings of both switches being made of nylon, the typing experience is expected to be quite similar. The absorption of sound by nylon in the bottom housing will contribute to a deeper and fuller sound profile for both the Cream Blue and the Silent Red. This consistency in material for the bottom housing implies that users can expect a similar tactile feedback and acoustics when pressing down on the keys of either switch. While the top housing material may differ between the two switches, the shared nylon bottom housing ensures a level of uniformity in the typing experience for users who value sound and feel in their mechanical keyboards.
Ultimately, the choice between the Outemu Cream Blue and the TTC Silent Red will depend on personal preference regarding the sound profile and tactile feedback desired. Users who prefer a deeper and fuller sound with a duller and rounder tone may lean towards the Cream Blue with its nylon top and bottom housings. On the other hand, those who prefer a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile may find the polycarbonate top housing of the Silent Red more to their liking. Whether the sound and feel impact more by the top or bottom housing, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different typing preferences.
Weight
The Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams compared to the TTC Silent Red linear switch, which has an actuation force of 45 grams. Both switches have a medium-heavy bottom out force, with the Cream Blue requiring 65 grams and the Silent Red needing 63.5 grams to fully press down. The Cream Blue provides a slightly more substantial typing experience with a bit more resistance, making it ideal for those who prefer a stronger push feel. On the other hand, the Silent Red offers a lighter actuation force, making it perfect for longer typing sessions or gaming marathons where fatigue may become an issue. In the end, while both switches fall in the medium-heavy category, the Cream Blue leans towards the heavier side, while the Silent Red is slightly lighter, offering users a choice based on their preferences.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch and the TTC Silent Red linear switch, we can see that the Cream Blue has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm compared to the Silent Red's 3.7 mm. The Cream Blue offers a bit more depth when pressing down on the key, which may be preferred by those who enjoy a more substantial feel. On the other hand, the Silent Red provides a slightly shorter travel distance, which can cater to individuals looking for quicker response times, such as gamers. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Cream Blue being on the longer side and the Silent Red on the shorter side. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference and the specific needs of the user.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Silent Red has an MSRP of $5.28 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Red for $4.38.
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 does not have a specific descriptor provided, but it typically offers a loud and satisfying clicky noise that is beloved by many enthusiasts. On the other hand, the Silent Red switch is known for its muted sound profile, which is ideal for those looking for a quieter typing experience, especially in shared environments. The Silent Red switch reduces the noise traditionally associated with mechanical keyboards, making it a popular choice for office settings.
When it comes to feel, the Cream Blue switch is known for None information provided. In contrast, the Silent Red switch is described as having a buttery and smooth keystroke experience, offering a seamless and uniform typing sensation. The switch provides a comfortable bottom-out feel, ensuring maximum comfort during extended typing sessions. The Silent Red switch is also characterized as mild and polished, providing a gentle typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.
Overall, the Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch and the TTC Silent Red linear switch offer distinct qualities tailored to different preferences. While the Cream Blue switch provides a loud and satisfying clicky sound, the Silent Red switch offers a muted and quieter typing experience ideal for office environments. Both switches prioritize comfort and smoothness, making them suitable choices for different typing preferences. Ultimately, the decision between these switches will depend on personal preference in terms of sound and feel.
Conclusion
To wrap up, if you value a clicky and tactile typing experience with a medium-heavy bottom out force, the Outemu Cream Blue switch is the way to go. On the other hand, if you prioritize a smooth and quiet typing experience with a similar bottom out force, the TTC Silent Red switch is your ideal choice. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to your preference for noise level and feedback during typing. Consider your surroundings and typing habits to determine which switch will best suit your needs. Happy typing!
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