Outemu Cream Blue vs. KTT Vanilla Ice Cream
An in-depth look at the Outemu Cream Blue and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to compare are the Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch. The Cream Blue switch is best known for its clicky feedback, providing typists with a satisfying tactile feel and audible click with each keypress. On the other hand, the Vanilla Ice Cream switch stands out for its smooth and creamy feel, achieved through the use of POK material in the stem and bottom housing. This switch offers a unique typing experience with a high-pitched and clacky sound signature. While the Cream Blue switch may appeal to those who enjoy the audible feedback of clicky switches, the Vanilla Ice Cream switch caters to those seeking a smooth and creamy typing experience. 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
43g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POK
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Proprietary KTT blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POK
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel 18mm spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Cream Blue and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switches, it is clear that both switches prioritize sound profile and feel. The Cream Blue's nylon top housing offers a deep and fuller sound profile, thanks to its softer plastic that absorbs more sound. On the other hand, the Vanilla Ice Cream's proprietary KTT blend top housing provides a high-pitched and clacky sound signature. These differences indicate that while the Cream Blue focuses on a rounder sound, the Vanilla Ice Cream offers a sharper and more distinctive sound experience.
Moving on to the bottom housings, the Cream Blue's nylon bottom housing continues the trend of offering a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its soft material. In contrast, the Vanilla Ice Cream's POK bottom housing boasts exceptional durability and smoothness. Its coefficient of friction is higher than that of nylon, making it one of the smoothest materials available. Additionally, the POK material is significantly stronger and more shock-resistant than nylon, contributing to the overall smooth, clacky, and durable nature of the Vanilla Ice Cream switch.
Overall, the differences in housing materials between the Outemu Cream Blue and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switches result in distinct sound profiles and feel. While the Cream Blue focuses on a deeper and fuller sound with its nylon top and bottom housing, the Vanilla Ice Cream offers a high-pitched and clacky sound signature with its proprietary KTT blend top housing and POK bottom housing. Despite these differences, both switches prioritize creating a unique sound experience for users, showcasing the importance of housing materials in switch design.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch, it is evident that the Cream Blue requires a heavier force for both actuation and bottoming out compared to the Vanilla Ice Cream. The Cream Blue has an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, making it a medium-heavy switch. In contrast, the Vanilla Ice Cream has an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, making it a lighter switch. Those who prefer a more substantial typing experience may opt for the Cream Blue, while those looking for a lighter touch may prefer the Vanilla Ice Cream. Both switches offer a satisfying typing experience, but the difference in forces provides a distinct feel for users to choose from.
Travel distance
The Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. In terms of travel distance, the Vanilla Ice Cream switch is shorter than the Cream Blue switch. A 4.0mm travel distance is more traditional, while a 3.0mm travel distance is considered shallow. Gamers often prefer shorter travel distances for increased response times, so in this case, the Vanilla Ice Cream switch may be the preferred choice. However, some users may find shorter travel distances to feel too abrupt and prefer the longer travel distance of the Cream Blue switch for a more substantial key press. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Vanilla Ice Cream has an MSRP of $5.78 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Vanilla Ice Cream for $4.60.
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 its unique clicky sound that resonates with each keystroke, providing a satisfying auditory experience for typists who enjoy a more tactile feedback. On the other hand, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch offers a high-pitched and clacky sound profile, thanks to its POK material in both the stem and bottom housing, giving typists a smooth and creamy sound that sets it apart from other linear switches on the market.
In terms of feel, the Outemu Cream Blue switch offers a tactile experience with its clicky mechanism, providing a satisfying click and tactile bump with each press. As for the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch, typists can expect a buttery and creamy feel, reminiscent of the dessert it's named after. This smooth and uniform typing sensation makes typing on the Vanilla Ice Cream switch feel seamless and effortless, allowing fingers to glide across the keys with ease.
In conclusion, while the Outemu Cream Blue switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch offer different sound and feel experiences, both switches provide unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Cream Blue delivers a tactile and clicky experience, perfect for those who enjoy a satisfying click with each keystroke, while the Vanilla Ice Cream offers a smooth and creamy feel, ideal for typists looking for a buttery typing experience. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the type of typing experience you're looking to achieve.
Conclusion
In closing, if you are a typist who enjoys a high-pitched and clacky sound with a smooth and creamy typing experience, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch would be the ideal choice for you. With a light bottom out force of 48 grams, these switches offer a delightful typing sensation that is reminiscent of its dessert namesake. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and are looking for a different auditory experience, the Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch might be more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on your personal typing style and what you value most in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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