Outemu Cream Blue vs. Dareu Snow
An in-depth look at the Outemu Cream Blue and the Dareu Snow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Cream Blue and the Dareu Snow offer unique experiences for users. The Cream Blue is a clicky switch with a reputation for none, while the Snow is a linear switch that makes use of innovative POK material in its construction, resulting in a deeper sound signature when typing. The Cream Blue falls into the category of clicky switches, while the Snow is characterized as thocky, neutral, low-pitched, and bouncy. Each switch has its own strengths and appeal, making them suitable for different preferences and typing styles. Let's dive deeper beyond generalities to help you decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Pre-travel
1.30 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
POK
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Outemu Cream Blue and the Dareu Snow both utilize nylon for their bottom housing, offering a similar experience when it comes to typing sound and feel. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softness and sound-absorbing properties. This results in a duller and rounder sound compared to harder plastics. With both switches using nylon for the bottom housing, users can expect a consistent typing experience in terms of sound production and tactile feedback.
However, when it comes to the top housing, the Cream Blue differs from the Snow in material choice. The Cream Blue features a nylon top housing, while the Snow incorporates a POK top housing. Nylon top housings are known for their ability to produce a deeper sound profile, whereas POK material offers a smoother and clackier typing experience. Additionally, POK material is highly durable with superior wear resistance and shock resistance compared to nylon. This difference in top housing material can impact the overall typing experience, with the Cream Blue providing a deeper sound and the Snow offering a smoother and more durable feel.
In conclusion, while both switches share the use of nylon for their bottom housing, the difference in top housing material sets the Outemu Cream Blue and the Dareu Snow apart in terms of sound and feel. The Cream Blue's nylon top housing provides a deeper sound profile, while the Snow's POK top housing offers a smoother and more durable typing experience. Whether you prefer the deeper sound of nylon or the smoothness of POK, both switches deliver unique qualities that cater to different preferences in typing sound and feel.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch and the Dareu Snow linear switch, it is clear that both switches have the same actuation force of 50 grams. However, the Cream Blue has a bottom out force of 65 grams, making it slightly heavier than the Snow, which has a bottom out force of 60 grams. This means that while both switches require the same amount of force to initiate a keystroke, the Cream Blue will provide a slightly more substantial and solid typing experience due to the higher bottom out force. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Snow would be the better option as it has a lighter bottom out force. Both switches offer a different feel in terms of actuation and bottom out force, catering to the preferences of different users.
Travel distance
The Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Dareu Snow linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. This means that the Cream Blue has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Snow. When it comes to typing or gaming, this difference in travel distance may not be noticeable for everyone. However, for those who are more sensitive to the feel of a keyboard, the Cream Blue may provide a more satisfying depth when pressed. On the other hand, the Snow may offer a quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and the specific typing or gaming needs of the individual.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Dareu Snow has an MSRP of $7.78 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Snow for $5.76.
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 praised for its unique None. On the other hand, the Dareu Snow linear switch is known for its thocky sound profile, resulting in a deep and satisfying typing experience. The Cream Blue switch's sound characteristics are unknown, while the Snow switch offers a low-pitched and bass-heavy tone, creating a distinct auditory experience. It's important to note that the sound produced by a switch is influenced by various factors such as the keyboard chassis and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Cream Blue switch does not have a specific feel associated with it. In contrast, the Dareu Snow linear switch is described as bouncy, offering a spring-like feedback sensation that enhances the typing experience. The Cream Blue switch's tactile feel remains a mystery, but the Snow switch provides users with a lively and responsive key press, allowing for comfortable and enjoyable typing sessions.
In conclusion, while the Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch and the Dareu Snow linear switch offer distinct sound and feel qualities, it's important to consider personal preference when choosing between the two. If you prefer a switch with a deeper sound profile and bouncy feel, the Snow switch may be the ideal choice for you. However, if the sound and feel of the Cream Blue switch align more with your preferences, you can expect a comparable experience to the Snow switch. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences, making them suitable options for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding between the Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch and the Dareu Snow linear switch, you should consider your preferences for typing experience. If you enjoy a clicky and tactile feedback with a medium-heavy bottom out force of 65 grams, the Cream Blue switch is the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth and quiet linear switch with a medium bottom out force of 60 grams, the Dareu Snow switch would be the better choice. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize a satisfying clicky feel or a smooth linear typing experience. Consider how the sound and feel characteristics of each switch align with your preferences for an optimal typing experience.