Outemu Cream Blue vs. Everglide Tourmaline Blue
An in-depth look at the Outemu Cream Blue and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue 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 Everglide Tourmaline Blue offer distinctive typing experiences. The Cream Blue is a clicky switch that provides a satisfying audible feedback with each key press, perfect for those who enjoy the tactile sensation and distinct sound. On the other hand, the Tourmaline Blue is a linear switch known for its deep and thocky sound profile, offering a smooth and consistent typing experience. While the Cream Blue is best suited for those who prefer a tactile feedback, the Tourmaline Blue is perfect for users looking for a buttery and easy-to-press switch. 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
59g
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
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Cream Blue and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue, we can see that the Cream Blue features a nylon top and bottom housing, while the Tourmaline Blue has a polycarbonate top and bottom housing. The nylon housing of the Cream Blue creates a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, the polycarbonate housing of the Tourmaline Blue produces a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile because of its stiffer plastic, leading to a more clear and resonant sound. Aesthetic-wise, the clear polycarbonate housing of the Tourmaline Blue is ideal for RGB lighting, enhancing the visual appeal of the switch.
Despite the differences in housing materials, both the Cream Blue and Tourmaline Blue switches offer distinct sound profiles and tactile experiences. While the Cream Blue's nylon housing provides a softer and deeper typing sound, the Tourmaline Blue's polycarbonate housing offers a crisper and sharper sound, making each switch suitable for different preferences. Additionally, the translucency of the polycarbonate housing in the Tourmaline Blue allows for the illumination of RGB lighting, adding a visually appealing element to the keyboard setup. Overall, the choice between nylon and polycarbonate housing ultimately comes down to personal preference in sound and aesthetics.
In terms of functionality, the bottom and top housing materials play a significant role in influencing the overall sound and feel of the switch. The bottom housing affects the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch, while the top housing impacts the sound when releasing a key. This means that the unique qualities of each housing material will be experienced differently depending on the phase of typing, showcasing how the design of the housing can impact the overall typing experience. Whether it's the softer, fuller sound of nylon in the Cream Blue or the sharper, crisper sound of polycarbonate in the Tourmaline Blue, the housing material choice can make a noticeable difference in the overall typing experience.
Weight
The Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch has a lighter actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch's slightly heavier actuation force of 59 grams. However, both switches have a similar bottom out force, with the Cream Blue requiring 65 grams and the Tourmaline Blue needing 67 grams. This means that while the Cream Blue may feel slightly lighter to type on initially, both switches will provide a similar typing experience once fully pressed down. Some users may prefer the Cream Blue for its lighter actuation force, which allows for longer typing sessions without fatigue, while others may prefer the Tourmaline Blue for its slightly heavier actuation force, providing a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for actuation force and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch both have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. When comparing and contrasting the two switches, it can be noted that despite having the same travel distance, the Cream Blue provides a clicky tactile feedback while the Tourmaline Blue offers a smooth linear feel. This means that although the travel distance is the same for both switches, the tactile experience when pressing down on the keys will be different. Ultimately, users can expect similar results in terms of travel distance when using either switch, but the typing experience will vary based on the clicky or linear feedback provided by each switch.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Everglide Tourmaline Blue has an MSRP of $6.86 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Tourmaline Blue for $3.89.
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
In terms of sound, the Outemu Cream Blue switch does not have any specific details known about its sound profile. On the other hand, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue switch is described as having a deep and thocky sound profile, providing a satisfying typing experience. The Tourmaline Blue switch falls under the category of a neutral switch, which means it has a moderate actuation force requirement and a moderate sound profile, suitable for a wide range of users. Keep in mind that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Outemu Cream Blue switch does not have any specific details known about its typing experience. In contrast, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue switch is described as providing a buttery, easy-to-press, and mild typing experience. The buttery feel indicates a smooth and fluid keystroke, offering a seamless and effortless typing sensation. Easy-to-press switches require minimal force to activate, making typing comfortable and reducing finger fatigue. The mild characteristics of the Tourmaline Blue switch provide a gentle typing experience that is approachable to most users.
Overall, while the Outemu Cream Blue and Everglide Tourmaline Blue switches have different sound and feel profiles, they both offer unique qualities that can cater to different preferences. If you enjoy a neutral sound profile and a buttery, easy-to-press typing experience, the Tourmaline Blue switch may be the right choice for you. However, if you are looking for a switch with different characteristics, experimenting with both switches on your preferred keyboard and keycaps can help you determine which one suits your typing style the best. Ultimately, both switches have their own strengths, and with the right combination of components, you can achieve similar satisfying results with either switch.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch, you should consider your preferences for typing experience. If you enjoy a clicky tactile feedback with a medium-heavy bottom out force, then the Cream Blue would be a suitable choice for you. However, if you prefer a deep and thocky sound profile with a bouncy feel and easy-to-press keys, then the Tourmaline Blue would be a perfect fit. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to personal preference and what type of typing experience you are looking for. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities that can enhance your overall typing experience.