Outemu Cream Blue vs. Gateron Smoothie
An in-depth look at the Outemu Cream Blue and the Gateron Smoothie switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Cream Blue and the Gateron Smoothie stand out as popular choices among enthusiasts. The Cream Blue is a clicky switch, known for its tactile feedback and audible click sound. On the other hand, the Smoothie is a linear switch, praised for its smooth keystrokes and thocky sound signature. While the Cream Blue offers a satisfying clicky experience for those who enjoy auditory feedback, the Smoothie provides a buttery smooth typing experience with a lightweight touch. 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
40g
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
3.60 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
22mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
The Outemu Cream Blue and Gateron Smoothie switches both have unique housing materials that contribute to their sound profiles. The Cream Blue's nylon top and bottom housings create a deeper and fuller sound when typing, thanks to nylon's softer plastic that absorbs more sound. On the other hand, the Smoothie's POM top and bottom housings produce a pleasing and unique sound that is deeper and more muted compared to the Cream Blue. Despite these differences, both switches offer a satisfying typing experience with their distinct sound profiles.
In terms of housing materials, the Cream Blue and Smoothie switches share similarities in the sense that both nylon and POM are considered classic switch housing materials. Typing on switches with these materials elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile, providing a more rounded and dull sound compared to harder plastics. While the Cream Blue's nylon housing absorbs more sound, creating a deeper sound profile, the Smoothie's POM housing offers a relatively more muted sound that is still pleasing and unique. These subtle differences in sound make each switch stand out in its own way.
When considering the impact of the top and bottom housings on the overall sound of a switch, it is important to note how each material contributes to different aspects of the typing experience. The bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed, while the top housing has a greater impact on the sound when a key is released. In the case of the Cream Blue and Smoothie switches, the split between the qualities of the top and bottom housings offers a balanced typing experience with a focus on creating a satisfying sound profile for users to enjoy.
Weight
In comparing the Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch and the Gateron Smoothie linear switch, it is evident that the actuation force and bottom out force play a significant role in the typing experience. The Cream Blue has a higher actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Smoothie's 40 grams, making the Cream Blue feel slightly heavier when pressing down on the keys. Additionally, the Cream Blue has a bottom out force of 65 grams, while the Smoothie's bottom out force is unknown. The Cream Blue provides a more substantial typing experience due to its heavier actuation and bottom out forces, which some users may prefer for a more tactile feel. On the other hand, the Smoothie's lighter actuation force may be better suited for those who prefer a lighter touch when typing for extended periods. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Gateron Smoothie linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that the Cream Blue has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Smoothie. The Cream Blue's 4 mm distance is more traditional and may provide a deeper key press feel, which could be preferred by those who like a solid keystroke. On the other hand, the Smoothie's 3.6 mm travel distance is slightly shorter, which might appeal to gamers looking for faster response times. Both switches offer different experiences based on their travel distance, so the choice between the two ultimately depends on personal preference for key press depth and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron 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 Smoothie for $2.60.
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 best known for its clicky and tactile feedback, giving a satisfying audible click with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie linear switch offers a thocky sound signature that is deep, rich, and satisfying, with a low-pitched and subdued sound profile. Both switches provide unique auditory experiences depending on the user's preference, but the Cream Blue will give a more pronounced click while the Smoothie offers a more subtle thocky sound.
In terms of feel, the Cream Blue switch is known for None. Meanwhile, the Gateron Smoothie linear switch is described as having a buttery, creamy, and silky feel, providing a smooth and fluid typing experience. The Creamy and Silkiness of the Smoothie switch indicate a seamless and effortless keystroke that's comfortable for long typing sessions. This is in contrast to the unknown feel of the Cream Blue switch, where users might not have the same level of smoothness and uniformity in typing sensation.
In conclusion, the Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch and the Gateron Smoothie linear switch offer distinct qualities in sound and feel. The Cream Blue provides a clicky feedback while lacking a specific feel descriptor, while the Smoothie delivers a thocky sound and a buttery, creamy, and silky typing experience. Both switches have their unique characteristics, and choosing between them ultimately depends on the user's preference for sound and typing feel. If you prefer a more tactile and clicky switch, the Cream Blue may be the way to go, but if you seek a smoother and quieter typing experience, the Gateron Smoothie would be the better choice.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch and the Gateron Smoothie linear switch, consider your preferences and typing style. If you enjoy a clicky and tactile typing experience with a medium-heavy bottom out force, the Cream Blue may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth and buttery typing experience with a lightweight touch and a thocky sound signature, the Gateron Smoothie could be the perfect fit. Both switches have their own unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so choose based on what suits your typing needs the best. Ultimately, the decision between the Cream Blue and Smoothie switches comes down to your personal preference for sound, feel, and typing experience.
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