Outemu Cream Blue vs. Durock T1
An in-depth look at the Outemu Cream Blue and the Durock T1 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When looking at mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Outemu Cream Blue, a clicky switch, and the Durock T1, a tactile switch. The Cream Blue is known for its unique feel and clicky sound, providing a satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the T1 is praised for its comfortable tactile bump and soothing sound, making it a favorite among typists who prefer a quieter option. While the Cream Blue offers a more pronounced click, the T1 provides a subtle tactile feedback that some users may find more enjoyable. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
67g
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
Yes
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
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The Outemu Cream Blue and Durock T1 both offer unique sound profiles based on their housing materials. The Cream Blue utilizes a nylon top housing, which absorbs more sound and creates a duller, rounder sound compared to the T1's polycarbonate top housing, which produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. The choice between these two materials ultimately comes down to personal preference in sound quality - whether you prefer a deeper, fuller sound or a clearer, more resonant sound experience.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the Cream Blue and T1 feature nylon materials, providing a similar deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer plastic that absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics. This similarity ensures that typing on switches with nylon bottom housings will elicit consistent sound qualities across both switches. It is worth noting that the bottom housing plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, contributing to the overall typing experience and feedback.
Overall, while the top housing materials of the Outemu Cream Blue and Durock T1 offer contrasting sound profiles, their shared nylon bottom housing provides a consistent typing experience in terms of sound and feel. Whether you prefer the deeper, fuller sound of nylon or the sharper, crisper sound of polycarbonate, both switches are designed to enhance the typing experience through their unique housing materials. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound and feel.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch and the Durock T1 tactile switch differ slightly in terms of weight. The Cream Blue has an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, making it a medium-heavy option. On the other hand, the T1 has an actuation force that is not specified and a bottom out force of 67 grams, also falling in the medium-heavy category. In terms of weight, it can be said that the Cream Blue is slightly lighter in terms of actuation force, while the T1 is slightly heavier when it comes to bottom out force. Both switches offer a satisfying typing experience, but individuals with a preference for a lighter actuation force may lean towards the Cream Blue, while those who prefer a more substantial push feel may prefer the T1. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch and the Durock T1 tactile switch is the same, with both switches having a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key equipped with either of these switches, you can expect to feel the same distance traveled from the top to the bottom. The similarities in the travel distance of these switches make them comparable in terms of key feel and overall typing experience. Due to their identical travel distances, users can expect similar results in terms of tactile feedback and keypress response when using either the Cream Blue or the T1 switches.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock T1 has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the T1 for $4.90.
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 known for creating a loud and crisp typing experience, which some users may find satisfying for its audible feedback. On the other hand, the Durock T1 tactile switch is distinguished by its low-pitched and neutral sound profile. This means that the T1 offers a more subdued and calming typing sound compared to the Cream Blue, making it a great choice for those who prefer a quieter typing experience without sacrificing tactile feedback.
In terms of feel, the Outemu Cream Blue switch does not have any specific descriptors provided, so it may be considered a standard clicky switch with a tactile bump. On the contrary, the Durock T1 tactile switch is characterized as having a stepped, accented, and polished feel. This means that the T1 switch provides a more nuanced tactile experience with distinct stages of feedback, a moderate level of tactility that is not overwhelming, and a smooth key travel due to its polished finish. Users who appreciate a refined and comfortable typing feel may prefer the T1 over the Cream Blue.
In conclusion, the Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch and the Durock T1 tactile switch offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Cream Blue provides a loud and crisp typing sound with a tactile bump, the T1 presents a quieter and more refined typing experience with a stepped and polished feel. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound levels and tactile feedback. Regardless of the choice made, both switches are sure to deliver a satisfying typing experience for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you're someone who enjoys a clicky typing experience with a medium-heavy bottom out force, the Outemu Cream Blue switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile switch that provides a comfortable typing experience with a medium-heavy bottom out force and a subtle bump, the Durock T1 switch is the way to go. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches will depend on whether you prioritize clicky feedback or tactile comfort in your mechanical keyboard. Happy typing!
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