Outemu Cream Blue vs. Aflion Thunder Shadow
An in-depth look at the Outemu Cream Blue and the Aflion Thunder Shadow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Cream Blue and the Aflion Thunder Shadow are two popular options to consider. The Cream Blue offers a clicky experience, perfect for those who enjoy auditory feedback with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Thunder Shadow provides a tactile bump for a more tactile response, making it ideal for typists who prefer a balance between feedback and smooth actuation. While the Cream Blue is known for its distinct clicking sound, the Thunder Shadow stands out for its smooth, medium weight feel and neutral sound signature. 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
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
20mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
The Outemu Cream Blue and Aflion Thunder Shadow both feature a nylon bottom housing, which means that typing on switches using either of these housings will elicit a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon is known for being a softer plastic that absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. This similarity in housing material suggests that users can expect a similar typing experience in terms of sound when using either switch.
However, when it comes to the top housing, the Cream Blue features a nylon housing, while the Thunder Shadow uses a polycarbonate housing. Nylon in the Cream Blue provides a deeper and fuller sound profile, while polycarbonate in the Thunder Shadow offers a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Additionally, the translucent nature of polycarbonate in the Thunder Shadow's top housing makes it ideal for RGB lighting, adding a visual aesthetic element to the typing experience that the Cream Blue lacks with its opaque nylon top housing.
In terms of feel and sound, the differences between the nylon bottom housing of the Cream Blue and Thunder Shadow are negligible, as both materials offer similar properties that result in a deeper and fuller sound profile. However, the top housing material variation between nylon in the Cream Blue and polycarbonate in the Thunder Shadow will result in distinct typing experiences. The Cream Blue will have a rounder and duller sound profile compared to the crisper and higher-pitched sound of the Thunder Shadow, with the added visual appeal of RGB lighting with the latter. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will come down to personal preference in sound, feel, and aesthetics.
Weight
The actuation force of the Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch is 50 grams, while the Aflion Thunder Shadow tactile switch has an unknown actuation force. However, both switches have a bottom out force in the medium-heavy range, with the Cream Blue requiring 65 grams and the Thunder Shadow requiring 63.5 grams. The weight of the Cream Blue makes it slightly heavier than the Thunder Shadow, which may provide a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. On the other hand, the Thunder Shadow's lighter actuation force, if lighter than the Cream Blue, could potentially make it easier to type on for longer periods of time without causing fatigue. Both switches offer similar results in terms of actuation and bottom out forces, providing options for users based on their preferences for typing and gaming experiences.
Travel distance
Comparing the travel distance of the Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch and the Aflion Thunder Shadow tactile switch, we see that the Cream Blue has a longer travel distance of 4 mm compared to the Thunder Shadow's 3.5 mm. The Cream Blue offers a bit more depth for each keypress, which some users may find satisfying for typing or gaming. On the other hand, the Thunder Shadow provides a slightly quicker response due to its shorter travel distance. Gamers, in particular, may appreciate the faster feedback offered by the Thunder Shadow. However, both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Cream Blue being on the longer side and the Thunder Shadow being slightly shorter. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for keypress depth and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Aflion Thunder Shadow has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Thunder Shadow for $3.91.
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 Cream Blue switch is known for None, while the Thunder Shadow switch boasts a neutral sound profile. This means that the Thunder Shadow switch offers a moderate sound level that should be suitable for various usage scenarios, whether you are a novice or an experienced user. Keep in mind that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors like the keyboard itself and the keycaps being used.
In terms of feel, the Cream Blue switch lacks a specific descriptor, while the Thunder Shadow switch is described as invigorating. The Thunder Shadow switch provides a tactile bump that is pronounced yet well-balanced, delivering a snappy and reactive typing experience. With a moderate to firm actuation force, users can enjoy an immersive typing sensation with the Thunder Shadow switch.
Overall, the Cream Blue and Thunder Shadow switches offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. If you prefer a switch with a neutral sound profile and a tactile bump that provides an invigorating typing experience, the Thunder Shadow switch may be the ideal choice for you. Alternatively, if sound and feel are not your top priorities, both switches are likely to deliver satisfying results. Ultimately, the decision between the Cream Blue clicky switch and the Thunder Shadow tactile switch will depend on your personal preferences and typing style.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding between the Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch and the Aflion Thunder Shadow tactile switch, it all boils down to personal preference and typing experience. If you prefer a clicky switch with a slightly heavier bottom-out force, the Cream Blue may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you are looking for a tactile switch with a medium weight feel and a neutral sound profile, the Thunder Shadow could be more appealing. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing styles, so it is important to consider your preferences before making a decision. Happy typing!
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