KTT Ash Gray vs. Outemu Cold Plum
An in-depth look at the KTT Ash Gray and the Outemu Cold Plum switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the KTT Ash Gray and the Outemu Cold Plum mechanical keyboard switches, one can immediately see a clear distinction in their key features. The Ash Gray switch is praised for its tactile response, offering a perfect balance between a light touch and a crisp actuation. In contrast, the Cold Plum switch stands out for its thocky sound profile and smooth keystroke, providing a unique typing experience sought after by enthusiasts. While the Ash Gray is categorized as 'Easy-to-press', 'Mild', 'Neutral', the Cold Plum's categorization is not specified. Each switch has its own strengths and appeal, catering to different preferences and typing styles. 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
38g
Actuation force
60g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
70g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
18mm spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The KTT Ash Gray and Outemu Cold Plum switches both have different housing materials for their top and bottom parts. The Ash Gray uses polycarbonate for its top housing, which creates a sharper and higher-pitched sound profile due to its stiffness. In contrast, the Cold Plum's nylon top housing produces a deeper and fuller sound profile as nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound. This means that the sound produced by pressing down on the Ash Gray switch will be different from that of the Cold Plum switch, with the Ash Gray offering a crisper sound while the Cold Plum provides a duller and rounder sound.
When it comes to the bottom housing, both the Ash Gray and Cold Plum switches use nylon, which leads to a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to harder plastics. The nylon bottom housing of both switches absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound upon bottoming out. While the top and bottom housing materials in both switches may differ, the overall typing experience will still be affected by the combination of the two materials. The impact of the bottom housing will be more noticeable when pressing down on the switch, while the top housing will have a greater effect on the sound when releasing a key.
In conclusion, the housing materials of the KTT Ash Gray and Outemu Cold Plum switches play a significant role in determining the sound profile and typing experience of each switch. The stiffer polycarbonate top housing of the Ash Gray creates a sharper and higher-pitched sound, while the softer nylon top housing of the Cold Plum produces a deeper and fuller sound. Both switches share nylon bottom housings, which contribute to a duller and rounder sound upon bottoming out. Overall, the combination of top and bottom housing materials influences how each switch feels and sounds during typing, even though they may have different characteristics individually.
Weight
In comparing the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch and the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch, it is evident that the Ash Gray is lighter in both actuation and bottom out forces compared to the Cold Plum. The Ash Gray has an actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, making it medium-light in terms of key feel. On the other hand, the Cold Plum has an actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams, placing it in the medium-heavy category. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Ash Gray due to its lower actuation and bottom out forces, allowing for more extended typing sessions with less fatigue. In contrast, individuals seeking a more substantial typing feel may opt for the Cold Plum with its heavier actuation and bottom out forces for a more pronounced keystroke feedback. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing experience and the desired level of force feedback.
Travel distance
The KTT Ash Gray tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. In this case, the Ash Gray has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Cold Plum. Both switches fall within the realm of shorter travel distances, which are favored by gamers for quicker response times. However, the Ash Gray may provide a slightly more substantial feel due to its slightly longer travel distance. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Ash Gray has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ash Gray for $2.55.
The Outemu Cold Plum 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 Ash Gray switch provides a neutral sound profile, making it suitable for a variety of settings and users. On the other hand, the Cold Plum switch is known for its thocky sound profile, which offers a unique typing experience. Depending on personal preferences and external factors such as keycaps and keyboard construction, users can achieve different sound results with each switch.
When it comes to feel, the Ash Gray switch offers an easy-to-press experience with gentle resistance during key presses. This light actuation force makes typing effortless and comfortable, reducing finger fatigue during long typing sessions. In contrast, the Cold Plum switch's feel is not explicitly described, but is believed to provide a smooth keystroke and satisfying typing experience. Both switches offer a pleasant typing feel, with the Ash Gray being easy to press and the Cold Plum delivering a distinct typing experience.
Overall, the Ash Gray tactile switch and the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch each offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences and typing styles. The Ash Gray provides a subtle tactile response with a neutral sound profile, while the Cold Plum offers a distinct typing experience with its thocky sound and smooth keystrokes. Depending on whether a user prefers a light touch with moderate sound or a more unique typing experience, they can choose between these two switches for a satisfying mechanical keyboard experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch and the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch, consider your preference for typing experience. If you are looking for a light and easy-to-press switch with a subtle tactile feedback, the Ash Gray may be the better option for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a unique thocky sound profile and a medium-heavy bottom out force, the Cold Plum could be the ideal choice. Ultimately, selecting the right switch depends on your personal typing style and preferences. Consider trying out both switches to determine which one fits your needs best.
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