Outemu Cream Blue vs. Durock White Lotus
An in-depth look at the Outemu Cream Blue and the Durock White Lotus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to look at are the Outemu Cream Blue, a clicky switch, and the Durock White Lotus, a tactile switch. The Cream Blue is best known for its satisfying clicky sound, providing a tactile response with each keypress. On the other hand, the White Lotus stands out for its exquisite light tactile feel, designed for the discerning typist who values a delicate tactility without being overwhelming. While the Cream Blue excels in its audible feedback, the White Lotus offers a more subtle tactile 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
46g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
56g
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
Modified PC & UPE Blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated long spring
Housing materials
The Outemu Cream Blue and the Durock White Lotus both feature housing materials that contribute to a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing on the switches. The Cream Blue uses a nylon top housing, while the White Lotus utilizes a modified PC & UPE Blend top housing. The nylon top housing of the Cream Blue absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the modified PC & UPE Blend top housing of the White Lotus provides a unique and premium feel to the typing experience.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the Cream Blue and the White Lotus use nylon material. This classic switch housing material also helps to elicit a deeper and fuller sound profile, thanks to its softer plastic composition that absorbs more sound. With both switches utilizing nylon bottom housing, users can expect a similar typing experience in terms of sound profile and overall feel. The bottom housing of a switch typically has more impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, making the nylon material a crucial component in delivering a satisfying typing experience.
While the top and bottom housing materials of the Cream Blue and the White Lotus differ, they both ultimately serve to enhance the typing experience by providing a deeper and fuller sound profile. The bottom housing of each switch contributes to the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing influences the sound when a key is released. Whether using the Cream Blue with its nylon top and bottom housing or the White Lotus with its modified PC & UPE Blend top housing and nylon bottom housing, users can expect a high-quality typing experience with a focus on sound profile and overall feel.
Weight
The actuation force of the Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch is 50 grams, while the Durock White Lotus tactile switch has an actuation force of 46 grams. This means that the Cream Blue requires a slightly heavier force to trigger a keystroke compared to the White Lotus. Additionally, the bottom out force of the Cream Blue is 65 grams, whereas the bottom out force of the White Lotus is 56 grams. In terms of bottoming out, the Cream Blue requires a heavier force compared to the White Lotus. Overall, the Cream Blue switch is heavier in both actuation force and bottom out force, making it more suitable for individuals who prefer a more substantial typing experience. On the other hand, the White Lotus switch is lighter in both aspects, making it a better option for those who prefer a lighter typing experience for extended periods of time. Both switches provide different typing experiences due to their varying actuation and bottom out forces, allowing users to choose based on their personal preferences.
Travel distance
Both the Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. When pressing down on a key with either of these switches, users can expect a consistent 4 mm travel distance. This means that the tactile feedback and overall typing experience will be similar between the two switches. Whether choosing the Cream Blue or the White Lotus, users can expect a satisfying keypress with a 4 mm travel distance. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will come down to other factors such as actuation force, sound, and overall feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock White Lotus has an MSRP of $5.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the White Lotus for $4.57.
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 Cream Blue switch is known for providing a unique auditory experience that is not specified in the information provided. On the other hand, the Durock White Lotus switch is characterized by a low-pitched sound profile. This low-pitched tone gives the White Lotus switch a more bass-heavy and mellow sound, which is ideal for users looking for a quieter typing experience. It is important to note that the sound of a switch can be influenced by various external factors such as the keyboard housing and keycaps used, so individual results may vary.
When it comes to feel, the Cream Blue switch does not have any specific descriptors provided. Meanwhile, the Durock White Lotus switch is described as being easy-to-press, mild, and subtle. These qualities collectively offer a typing experience that is gentle, responsive, and low-impact. The light actuation force of the White Lotus switch makes typing effortless and comfortable, reducing finger fatigue during long typing sessions. Additionally, the subtle resistance of the switch ensures a smooth typing feel without being overly pronounced, making it suitable for various typing environments.
Overall, the Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch offer distinctly different experiences in terms of sound and feel. While the Cream Blue switch provides a unique auditory experience and its tactile feel is not specified, the White Lotus switch is known for its low-pitched sound profile and easy-to-press, mild, and subtle typing feel. Depending on personal preferences for sound and typing experience, users can choose between the Cream Blue for a unique auditory feedback or the White Lotus for a quieter, more comfortable typing experience. It is also important to consider external factors like the keyboard setup and keycaps used, as they can influence the overall sound and feel of the switches.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch, you should consider your preference for typing experience. If you enjoy a medium-heavy actuation force and are seeking a clicky switch without a specific standout feature, the Cream Blue may be the right choice for you. However, if you prefer a lighter actuation force and value a delicate tactility, easy-to-press keys, and a neutral sound profile, the White Lotus switch would be more suited to your needs. Ultimately, both switches have their own unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so it's important to prioritize what aspects of typing feel, sound, and actuation force are most important to you when making your decision.
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