Outemu Cream Blue vs. TTC Yunhai
An in-depth look at the Outemu Cream Blue and the TTC Yunhai switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the right mechanical keyboard switch, the Outemu Cream Blue and TTC Yunhai present distinct typographical experiences catering to different preferences. The Cream Blue, known for its satisfying clicky feedback, is an ideal choice for those who enjoy audible confirmation of their keystrokes, making it a favorite among typists who appreciate a classic, tactile sensation. On the other hand, the TTC Yunhai switches offer a unique typing experience characterized by a deep, rounded sound profile and an incredibly light actuation force, making them perfect for typists who prefer a gentle and effortless feel that minimizes fatigue during extended use. While both switches have their merits—whether it's the satisfying click of the Cream Blue or the smooth, silent strokes of the Yunhai—let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for your typing style.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Pre-travel
1.50 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
23mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Outemu Cream Blue and TTC Yunhai switches both feature nylon as their housing material, a choice that is rooted in tradition for mechanical switches. Nylon is noted for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile, primarily due to its soft plastic composition. Both switches share the same material characteristics, making their sound output and typing experience remarkably similar. Users can expect a duller and rounder sound due to nylon's inherent properties, which absorb more sound than harder plastics. This shared aspect means that both switches cater to gamers and typists who prefer a smooth and muted acoustic feedback when typing.
In terms of housing composition, both switches utilize nylon for both their top and bottom housings. This uniformity across the housing materials reinforces the shared acoustic and tactile qualities between the two switches. The emphasis on nylon allows for a balanced typing experience where both the top and bottom housings contribute to the sound profile and feel. Specifically, the nylon top housing accentuates the release sound when keys are let go, while the nylon bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound when the keys are pressed. Because both models utilize the same material for each housing component, users can expect a consistent auditory experience regardless of whether they are using an Outemu Cream Blue or a TTC Yunhai.
Overall, the identical use of nylon in both the top and bottom housing of the Outemu Cream Blue and TTC Yunhai creates a harmonious typing experience characterized by deep acoustics and a satisfying tactile response. Whether typing away during work or gaming, users will find that the qualities intrinsic to both switches provide a similar output in sound and feel. The shared material promotes consistency in performance and ensures that users enjoy a comparable sensory experience, offering the best of what nylon housing can provide in the world of mechanical switches.
Weight
When comparing the Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch and the TTC Yunhai linear switch, notable differences in actuation and bottom out forces emerge. The Cream Blue requires an actuation force of 50 grams and has a bottom out force of 65 grams, making it a medium-heavy switch. In contrast, the Yunhai features a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, categorizing it as a light switch. This means that the Yunhai will be easier to press, making it more suitable for extended typing sessions, while the Cream Blue, with its heavier forces, provides a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a firmer push. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference and typing style; lighter forces may be more appealing to individuals seeking comfort over lengthy periods, whereas heavier forces could satisfy those who favor tactile feedback.
Travel distance
The Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the TTC Yunhai linear switch has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that the Cream Blue switch offers a deeper keystroke experience, which many users might find satisfying, particularly those who prefer a more pronounced tactile feedback. On the other hand, the Yunhai's 3.6 mm travel distance aligns with the trend towards shorter travel distances, providing a potentially quicker response time that gamers often favor. Consequently, if you seek a more immediate and responsive feel, the TTC Yunhai would be the better choice, whereas those who appreciate a fuller typing experience might prefer the Outemu Cream Blue due to its longer travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Yunhai has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Yunhai for $5.99.
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
The sound produced by the Outemu Cream Blue switch is notably characterized by its distinct click, which tends to be sharp and pronounced, providing audible feedback that many typists appreciate for its satisfying auditory response. In contrast, the TTC Yunhai switch presents a deeper and more rounded sound profile, delivering a softer acoustic experience that can feel more subdued yet still engaging. Both sound characteristics play a vital role in the typing experience; the Cream Blue's sharp click may appeal to those who enjoy pronounced feedback, while the Yunhai's sound suits users looking for a quieter, less intrusive typing environment. Ultimately, the overall sound perception can vary based on additional factors such as the choice of keyboard and keycaps.
When it comes to feel, the Cream Blue switch offers a tactile experience that is firm and deliberate, thanks to the audible click accompanying each keystroke. This combination of tactile feedback and sound is often favored by users who take pleasure in the act of typing itself. On the other hand, the TTC Yunhai switch is designed for an incredibly light actuation force, which results in a gentle and effortless typing feel. The smooth action of the Yunhai makes it appealing for extensive typing sessions where comfort and ease of use are priorities. Overall, each switch is tailored to different preferences; the Cream Blue promotes a more engaged typing style, while the Yunhai focuses on a lighter, more effortless touch.
In conclusion, the Outemu Cream Blue and the TTC Yunhai switches cater to different typist preferences, with the Cream Blue offering a satisfying clicky sound and tactile feedback and the Yunhai providing a softer, lighter typing experience. Both switches reflect unique qualities that can significantly enhance the user's typing journey. Depending on individual priorities—be it an audible or a gentler experience—each can provide enjoyable results, marking a discernible shift in the typing experience. Choosing between them ultimately comes down to personal preference regarding both sound and feel.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch and the TTC Yunhai linear switch, it's essential to consider your typing style and preferences. If you enjoy an audible click with a higher actuation force, the Cream Blue may be your best choice. This switch is ideal for those who appreciate tactile feedback and don’t mind a bit of resistance while typing. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother, quieter typing experience, the TTC Yunhai is the way to go. With its lighter actuation force and deep, rounded sound profile, it caters to typists who favor a gentle and effortless feel, making it highly suitable for extended typing sessions. Ultimately, the choice between these switches boils down to whether you value the tactile and auditory feedback or a smooth and streamlined typing experience. Assess your own typing habits and preferences to find the switch that will best enhance your mechanical keyboard experience.