Outemu Cream Pink vs. Outemu Purple
An in-depth look at the Outemu Cream Pink and the Outemu Purple switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
If you're in the market for a new mechanical keyboard switch, you may come across two popular options: the Outemu Cream Pink and the Outemu Purple. The Cream Pink is a linear switch, providing a smooth and consistent typing experience without any tactile feedback. On the other hand, the Purple is a tactile switch, offering a slight bump when a key is actuated, giving you a physical response as you type. The Cream Pink is ideal for those who prefer a seamless typing experience, while the Purple is perfect for those who enjoy the feedback of a tactile switch. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 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
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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the Outemu Cream Pink and Purple housing materials, it is evident that they both use nylon for the bottom housing. This means that both switches will elicit a deeper and fuller sound profile due to nylon's softer plastic properties, which absorb more sound and create a duller, rounder sound. This similarity in bottom housing material means that users can expect a consistent typing experience across both switches in terms of sound profile and feel when bottoming out.
However, where the Cream Pink and Purple switches differ is in their top housing materials. The Cream Pink utilizes nylon for its top housing, while the Purple features polycarbonate. The Cream Pink's nylon top housing creates a deeper and fuller sound profile, while the Purple's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This difference in top housing material impacts the overall sound experience of typing on these switches, with the Cream Pink providing a more mellow sound compared to the Purple's brighter and clearer sound.
The split between the bottom and top housing materials in the Cream Pink and Purple switches also affects the typing experience. The bottom housing material has a more significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing material influences the sound when releasing a key. Therefore, the combination of nylon bottom housing and either nylon or polycarbonate top housing in these switches creates a unique typing experience that caters to individual preferences in sound and feel.
Weight
The Outemu Cream Pink linear switch and the Outemu Purple tactile switch both have an actuation force of 50 grams, indicating that they require the same amount of force to register a keystroke. However, the Cream Pink has a bottom out force of 65 grams, making it slightly heavier than the Purple, whose bottom out force is unknown. The Cream Pink's bottom out force falls into the medium-heavy category, providing a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. In contrast, the lighter bottom out force of the Purple may appeal to individuals who prefer a lighter typing experience for extended periods of typing or gaming. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will come down to personal preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
Both the Outemu Cream Pink linear switch and the Outemu Purple tactile switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key equipped with either of these switches, users will experience a consistent distance traveled from the top to the bottom. Despite their differences in operation (linear vs. tactile), the travel distance remains consistent between the two, providing a similar typing experience in terms of key travel. Overall, users can expect to get comparable results in terms of key feel and travel distance when using either the Cream Pink or Purple switches.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
In this case, both switches are $3.10. As such, price can't serve as a tiebreaker when choosing between the Cream Pink and Purple.
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 Pink linear switch is often praised for its quiet operation, making it a good choice for those who prefer a more subtle typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Purple tactile switch is known for its satisfying clicky sound with each keystroke, providing auditory feedback that some users find more engaging. Keep in mind that the sound produced by a switch can also be influenced by the overall keyboard setup, including the type of keyboard and keycaps used.
In regards to feel, the Outemu Cream Pink linear switch is typically noted for its smooth keystrokes and consistent actuation, offering a seamless typing experience for those who prioritize comfort and fluidity. Conversely, the Outemu Purple tactile switch is favored for its distinct tactile bump and responsive feedback, providing users with a more pronounced sensation with each press of a key. Both switches offer unique tactile experiences that cater to different preferences, whether you prefer a smoother linear action or a more tactile response.
Overall, when comparing the subjective qualities of the Outemu Cream Pink linear switch and the Outemu Purple tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to personal preference. If you prefer a quieter typing experience with seamless keystrokes, the Cream Pink may be the better choice for you. However, if you enjoy a more engaging sound and a tactile bump with each press, the Purple switch could be the ideal option. Since both switches come from the same manufacturer, you can expect similar build quality and reliability across the board, ensuring a consistent experience regardless of which switch you choose.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Outemu Cream Pink linear switch and the Outemu Purple tactile switch, it is important to consider your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a medium-heavy actuation force and a smooth linear typing experience, the Cream Pink may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a tactile bump and feedback while typing, the Purple switch would be more suitable. Additionally, if sound and feel are important factors to you, make sure to test out both switches to see which one aligns more with your preferences. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to what feels most comfortable and enjoyable for your typing experience.
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