Outemu Cream Blue vs. HMX Vintage Citrus
An in-depth look at the Outemu Cream Blue and the HMX Vintage Citrus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, it's essential to consider how the switch's characteristics will enhance your typing and gaming experience. The Outemu Cream Blue, a clicky switch, is designed to provide tactile feedback and an audible click with every keystroke, making it ideal for those who enjoy the physical sensation and sound of typing. This can be particularly satisfying for writers or typists who appreciate the confirmation that their inputs have been registered. In contrast, the HMX Vintage Citrus is a linear switch crafted specifically for gamers, featuring an exceptionally low actuation force of just 1mm. This switch excels in high-speed gaming, allowing for rapid key presses without the tactile resistance that the Cream Blue offers, providing a smooth and almost effortless push feel. While the Cream Blue caters to enthusiasts who favor the acoustic and tactile nuances of typing, the Vintage Citrus focuses on speed and responsiveness. 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
48g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.00 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
The Outemu Cream Blue and HMX Vintage Citrus switches both utilize nylon for their housing materials, which allows for a remarkably similar typing experience in terms of sound and feel. The use of nylon, a classic switch housing material, is prevalent in both switches and contributes to a deeper and fuller acoustic profile. As a softer plastic, nylon absorbs sound more effectively than harder alternatives, leading to a duller and rounder sound. This characteristic is particularly advantageous for those seeking a quieter keyboard experience, as both types can replicate the warmth and depth associated with typing on nylon switches.
When examining the bottom housings of both the Cream Blue and Vintage Citrus switches, the nylon composition remains the same. This means that the bottoming-out sound and tactile feedback will also share similarities; both switches are likely to provide a soft thud when pressed to their limit. The softer nature of the nylon contributes to this dampened bottom-out experience, which enhances overall typing comfort. Users can expect a consistent level of satisfaction with both switches regarding the feel and acoustic quality during bottom-out engagements, whether using the Cream Blue or Vintage Citrus.
In scenarios where the top and bottom housings might differ in other switches, the impact of each material plays a distinct role in the overall typing experience. However, in the case of both the Cream Blue and Vintage Citrus, the identical nylon housing throughout ensures that users will enjoy a consistently rich typing sound and feel across both switch types. The synchronous characteristics of the nylon in both switches result in a seamless transition for users who may switch between the two, making either option a solid choice for individuals looking to enjoy a satisfying and deeply resonant typing experience.
Weight
The Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch present distinct characteristics regarding actuation and bottom out forces. The Cream Blue requires an actuation force of 50 grams and has a bottom out force of 65 grams, categorizing it as medium-heavy. In contrast, the Vintage Citrus features an actuation force of 48 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, making it medium-light. This difference means that the Cream Blue is the heavier switch, providing a more substantial push feel which some users may prefer for a tactile typing experience. Meanwhile, the lighter Vintage Citrus allows for easier actuation and less fatigue during prolonged use, making it a suitable choice for long typing sessions or gaming marathons. Overall, individuals who favor a heavier switch may lean towards the Outemu Cream Blue, while those who prioritize a lighter touch might opt for the HMX Vintage Citrus.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch, the differences are quite pronounced. The Cream Blue features a traditional travel distance of 4 mm, which allows for a more pronounced tactile feedback that many users find satisfying. In contrast, the Vintage Citrus has a shallower travel distance of 3 mm, making it a more responsive option that caters to gamers who seek quicker actuation for faster response times. Ultimately, if you're leaning towards a more balanced depth in your keystrokes, the Cream Blue is the ideal choice, while the Vintage Citrus may appeal to those who prefer a quicker, more abrupt feel in their typing experience. Thus, the Cream Blue is the longer switch at 4 mm, while the Vintage Citrus, at 3 mm, is the shorter option.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Vintage Citrus has an MSRP of $3.49 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Vintage Citrus for $2.79.
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 switch is notable for its characteristic clicky feedback, which many typists find satisfying and reminiscent of traditional typewriter sounds. This audible sharpness can enhance typing experiences, particularly for users who appreciate a more tactile auditory response. On the other hand, the HMX Vintage Citrus switch produces a bright, clacky sound profile, designed to stand out during gaming sessions. While both switches offer distinct auditory experiences, the Cream Blue leans towards a more pronounced click, whereas the Vintage Citrus provides a sharper, snappier sound that aligns well with fast-paced action. Therefore, while you may enjoy the engaging click of the Cream Blue, the bright clack of the Vintage Citrus might be more suited for those prioritizing speed and quick feedback.
In terms of feel, the Outemu Cream Blue does not have specific qualities mentioned, leaving its overall tactile response somewhat ambiguous. However, the HMX Vintage Citrus switch is designed for a smooth push feel, allowing for fluid keystrokes with minimal resistance. This smoothness, coupled with the low actuation force of just 1mm, can significantly enhance the responsiveness during intense gaming scenarios. The clear distinction here is that users seeking a traditional typing experience might have to explore the Cream Blue to truly understand its feel, while the Vintage Citrus provides a consistent and very straightforward tactile sensation that lends itself well to high-speed inputs.
In summary, both the Outemu Cream Blue and HMX Vintage Citrus switches cater to different preferences; the former emphasizes a nostalgic click sound that many typists cherish, while the latter focuses on quick actuation and a bright, engaging sound suited for gaming. The feel of the Cream Blue is less defined, leaving prospective users to ascertain its tactile feedback, whereas the Vintage Citrus confidently delivers a very smooth and responsive keystroke experience. Ultimately, if you're aiming for a typing rhythm reminiscent of classic keyboards, the Cream Blue might be your choice; if speed, loudness, and minimal resistance are your priorities, the Vintage Citrus will undoubtedly elevate your gaming experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch depends heavily on your specific needs and preferences as a keyboard user. If you enjoy a tactile and clicky experience with a satisfying sound profile that offers a medium-heavy resistance, the Cream Blue would suit you well, especially if you appreciate the added feedback that comes with each keystroke. It’s great for typists who enjoy the feedback while typing or those who simply love the nostalgic sound of traditional clicky switches. On the other hand, if you're a gamer seeking performance, the Vintage Citrus is a standout option with its low actuation force and impressive responsiveness, making it ideal for rapid inputs and a fast-paced gaming experience. The smoothness of the Vintage Citrus paired with its lighter feel is perfect for extended gaming sessions where speed and precision are paramount. In summary, your choice should align with what you value more: a tactile feedback experience for typing with the Cream Blue, or rapid sensitivity and smoothness tailored for gaming with the Vintage Citrus.
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