Outemu Cream Blue vs. HMX SU

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switch can greatly influence your typing experience, and two popular options are the Outemu Cream Blue and the HMX SU. The Cream Blue is a clicky switch that is often favored by typists who enjoy the tactile feedback and audible clicks, providing a satisfying experience with each keystroke. In contrast, the HMX SU is a linear switch known for its smooth and quiet operation, making it ideal for gamers or those who prefer a less distracting environment while typing. While the Cream Blue offers an engaging sound profile that can enhance the joy of typing, the HMX SU focuses on a streamlined, uninterrupted experience that is perfect for rapid key presses. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.

By the numbers

Outemu Cream Blue Clicky

HMX SU Linear

$3.10 per 10

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

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Housing materials

The housing materials of the Outemu Cream Blue and the HMX SU switches share a commonality in their use of nylon for both the top and bottom housings. This consistency in material is noteworthy, as nylon is recognized for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. Both switches will likely deliver a similar auditory experience due to the properties of nylon, which is a softer plastic that helps absorb sound more effectively than harder alternatives. Consequently, users of both the Cream Blue and HMX SU can expect a typing sound that is comparably muted and rounded, enhancing the overall acoustic experience of their keyboards.

Despite their identical top and bottom housing materials, the impact of each component on the overall performance of the switch may lead to subtle differences. In a switch, the bottom housing predominantly influences the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing affects the sound during key release. Since both switches use nylon throughout, it can be inferred that the tactile feedback and sound profile upon bottoming out and releasing the keys will be similarly characterized. This similarity underscores a shared acoustic characteristic across the two switch types, providing users with an approachable and comfortable typing experience that remains consistent across both switches.

Furthermore, the design unity in the Housing materials suggests that while the overall acoustic feel may be concordant, factors such as switch design and actuation mechanism could still lead to nuanced differences in typing feel. Nevertheless, given that both the Outemu Cream Blue and HMX SU employ nylon for both their top and bottom parts, users can be confident in the knowledge that they will enjoy a rich and pleasant typing sound, making them suitable for those who prioritize auditory feedback in their keyboard experience. Overall, the shared nylon composition of both switch types establishes strong grounds for similarity, with minor variations potentially arising from other switch characteristics.

Weight

When comparing the Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch with its 50-gram actuation force and 65-gram bottom out force to the HMX SU linear switch, which features a lighter 45-gram actuation force and a 50-gram bottom out force, we observe notable differences in actuation weight and overall feel. The Cream Blue switch has a medium-heavy profile, making it suitable for users who enjoy a more substantial typing experience, while the lighter HMX SU may appeal to those who prefer a gentler touch, making it easier to type for extended periods without fatigue. The bottom out force of the Cream Blue at 65 grams further emphasizes its heavier feel compared to the SU's relatively light 50 grams. Thus, users seeking a lighter, more responsive keystroke would likely lean towards the HMX SU, while those who appreciate a firmer push will find the Outemu Cream Blue to their liking.

Travel distance

The Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the HMX SU linear switch has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that when pressing the keys, the Cream Blue offers a more pronounced depth, which can provide a more tactile and satisfying experience for users who appreciate a hearty feel. On the other hand, the shorter 3.6 mm travel distance of the SU switch may cater to those who prefer quicker response times, making it a suitable choice for gamers who prioritize speed and efficiency in their keyboard strokes. Overall, the Cream Blue switch is the longer option, ideal for those who enjoy a deeper keystroke, whereas the HMX SU is the shorter switch, appealing to users who favor a more responsive touch.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When considering the sound profile of the Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch, it’s essential to note that it is notably characterized by a distinct and sharp click that resonates well, offering a very traditional mechanical keyboard auditory experience. This clicky nature often feels satisfying to typists who enjoy auditory feedback while typing. In contrast, the HMX SU linear switch produces a more subtle, relatively deep sound profile due to its PA12 housing and T5 stem. While the SU lacks the pronounced auditory feedback of a clicky switch, this can be appealing for users seeking a quieter typing experience. Ultimately, both switches will produce different sound characteristics shaped further by the keyboard construction and keycap material.

When it comes to tactility and overall feel, the Outemu Cream Blue switch typically provides a pronounced tactile bump, creating an engaging typing experience for those who enjoy the sensation of feedback with each keypress. This can assist typists in achieving a rhythmic typing flow. Meanwhile, the HMX SU linear switch features a smoother feel with no tactile bump, allowing for uninterrupted motion between keypresses. This linear characteristic offers a different experience, promoting speed and fluidity, especially for gamers or fast typists who do not need the tactile feedback. Hence, users will choose based on their preference for tactile engagement versus a smooth, linear motion.

In summary, the Outemu Cream Blue and HMX SU switches offer distinctly different qualities in sound and feel. The Cream Blue’s sharp, clicky sound and tactile feel cater to those who appreciate clear auditory and tactile feedback, while the SU’s subtle audio and smooth linearity appeal to users seeking a quieter and more fluid typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound and tactile feedback, making it essential for newcomers to consider what aspects are most important for their typing or gaming style.

Conclusion

To conclude, your choice between the Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch and the HMX SU linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you favor a tactile and auditory feedback, the Cream Blue is an excellent option due to its medium-heavy bottom-out force of 65 grams, which offers a more pronounced click sound and a satisfying feel as you type. This makes it ideal for people who enjoy a more engaging typing experience, especially for typing or gaming where you want to feel each keystroke distinctly. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother and quieter experience, the HMX SU linear switch is a great choice with its lighter 50-gram actuation force, making it easier to press and suitable for fast-paced typing or gaming without the distraction of noise. Additionally, the SU’s subtle sound profile paired with its PA12 housing allows for a more understated experience, making it better for office environments or shared spaces. Therefore, consider what you value more in a switch—whether it’s the tactile feedback and clickiness of the Cream Blue or the smooth and silent operation of the HMX SU.

Mentioned in this article

Outemu Cream Blue Clicky

$3.10 per 10

Learn more

HMX SU Linear

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

Learn more