Outemu Cream Blue vs. Jerrzi Violet
An in-depth look at the Outemu Cream Blue and the Jerrzi Violet switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the Outemu Cream Blue, a clicky switch, and the Jerrzi Violet, a tactile switch. The Cream Blue switch is best known for None and is categorized as a clicky switch, providing a satisfying audible click with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Violet switch is best known for its gentle tactile feedback and is categorized as a tactile switch, offering a smooth actuation and a pleasingly poppy tactility. While the Cream Blue switch is preferred for its clicky sound and response, the Violet switch is chosen for its balanced and enjoyable typing experience with a 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
45g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Cream Blue and the Jerrzi Violet, we see that both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housing. This means that users can expect a similar deep and full sound profile from both switches, as nylon's softer plastic absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound. However, the Cream Blue features a nylon top housing, while the Violet uses polycarbonate for its top housing. This contrast in materials results in a significant difference in sound profile, with the Cream Blue offering a softer and deeper sound, while the Violet provides a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper tone due to the stiffness of polycarbonate.
While both switches share the characteristic of a nylon bottom housing, the differences in their top housings affect their overall performance. The Cream Blue, with its nylon top housing, continues to deliver a deeper and fuller sound upon key press, thanks to nylon's sound-absorbing properties. In contrast, the Violet's polycarbonate top housing produces a more resonant and transparent sound, especially when combined with RGB lighting. The choice between the Cream Blue and the Violet may come down to personal preference in sound profile, with the Cream Blue offering a more traditional and mellow typing experience, while the Violet provides a brighter and more defined sound.
The split in housing materials between the top and bottom of the switch allows for a nuanced typing experience. With the bottom housing influencing the bottom-out sound and feel, users can expect a consistent deep and full tactile response from both the Cream Blue and the Violet due to their shared nylon bottom housing. However, the top housing plays a crucial role in determining the sound as the key is released. The Cream Blue's nylon top housing offers a softer and more rounded sound when compared to the Violet's polycarbonate top housing, which provides a crisper and higher-pitched sound. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on the desired sound profile, with the Cream Blue delivering a classic typing experience and the Violet offering a more modern and vibrant sound.
Weight
In comparing the Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch and the Jerrzi Violet tactile switch, the actuation force of the Cream Blue is 50 grams, slightly heavier than the Violet's 45 grams. The Cream Blue also has a bottom out force of 65 grams, while the Violet's bottom out force is not specified. The lighter actuation force of the Violet may provide a lighter typing experience, making it ideal for extended typing sessions. On the other hand, the Cream Blue's heavier actuation and bottom out forces may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Jerrzi Violet tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm. In this case, the Cream Blue has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Violet. A 0.3 mm difference may not seem significant, but it can affect the overall feel and responsiveness of the switch. Players looking for faster response times may prefer the Cream Blue with its slightly longer travel distance, while those who prefer a more abrupt feel may lean towards the Violet with its shorter travel distance. Ultimately, both switches offer different travel distances, allowing users to choose based on their personal preferences and typing style.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Jerrzi Violet has an MSRP of $2.79 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Violet for $2.30.
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 and the Jerrzi Violet tactile switch offer different experiences. The Cream Blue switch is known for its crisp and tactile click sound, providing a satisfying auditory feedback with each keypress. On the other hand, the Violet switch is described as having a neutral sound profile, which means it produces a moderate noise level suitable for various environments. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches will depend on whether you prefer a more pronounced click or a quieter typing experience.
Moving on to the feel of these switches, the Cream Blue switch does not have specific descriptors provided, so we can assume it offers a standard clicky switch experience with a tactile bump. In contrast, the Jerrzi Violet switch is classified as a stepped switch, offering a more subtle tactility compared to hyper-tactile switches. This means that the Violet switch provides a gentler tactile feedback with a smoother actuation, ideal for those who enjoy a more controlled typing experience without sacrificing the tactile feel.
Considering all the available information, if you are looking for a switch with a loud and satisfying click sound, the Outemu Cream Blue switch would be a great choice. However, if you prefer a switch with a more muted sound and a smoother tactile experience, the Jerrzi Violet switch might better suit your preferences. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences, so it's important to consider your personal preferences and typing habits when choosing between the two.
Conclusion
Bringing it all together, when deciding between the Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch and the Jerrzi Violet tactile switch, consider your personal preferences and typing habits. You may want to choose the Cream Blue if you enjoy a medium-heavy bottom out force and are looking for a tactile switch with a distinct auditory feedback. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a lighter bottom out force and a smooth, gentle tactility, the Violet switch may be the better option for you. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on whether you prioritize a clicky feel and sound or a subtle, stepped tactile sensation in your typing experience.