Everglide Bamboo Green vs. Outemu Cold Plum
An in-depth look at the Everglide Bamboo Green and the Outemu Cold Plum switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Everglide Bamboo Green and the Outemu Cold Plum stand out as popular choices among enthusiasts. The Bamboo Green is a tactile switch that offers a clacky sound signature and a crisp, sparkling tactility. On the other hand, the Cold Plum is a linear switch known for its thocky sound profile and smooth keystrokes. While the Bamboo Green provides a more pronounced tactile feedback, the Cold Plum offers a unique typing experience with a satisfying sound. Each switch caters 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
43g
Actuation force
60g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
70g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
PBT
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
PBT
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Everglide Bamboo Green and the Outemu Cold Plum, we can see that both switches offer a unique sound profile due to their housing materials. The Bamboo Green uses PBT for both the top and bottom housing, offering a neutral sound profile that is neither crisp nor dull. On the other hand, the Cold Plum uses nylon for both the top and bottom housing, creating a deeper and fuller sound profile that is rounder and duller. Despite the difference in materials, both switches aim to provide a satisfying typing experience with their distinct sound characteristics.
When looking at the top housing specifically, the PBT top housing of the Bamboo Green and the nylon top housing of the Cold Plum contribute to the sound profile when a key is released. The PBT material in the Bamboo Green offers a neutral sound profile that is not very crisp, while the nylon material in the Cold Plum absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound when keys are released. This difference in materials highlights how the top housing can have a significant impact on the overall sound of a switch, even when the bottom housing is the same material.
Overall, the choice of housing material in a switch can greatly affect the typing experience. While the Bamboo Green and Cold Plum switches both offer unique sound profiles due to their housing materials, they also have similarities in providing a satisfying typing experience. Whether it's the neutral sound profile of PBT in the Bamboo Green or the deeper sound profile of nylon in the Cold Plum, both switches aim to create a pleasant typing sound that enhances the overall user experience. Ultimately, the selection of housing material is crucial in designing switches that cater to different preferences in sound and feel.
Weight
The Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch has a lighter actuation force of 43 grams compared to the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch, which has a heavier actuation force of 60 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Bamboo Green requires 62 grams, while the Cold Plum requires 70 grams, making the Cold Plum the heavier option overall. Those who prefer a lighter touch may lean towards the Bamboo Green for longer typing or gaming sessions, while those who prefer a more substantial typing experience may opt for the Cold Plum for a stronger push feel. In terms of actuation force, the two switches offer a similar medium-level force, but the bottom out force varies between them, providing users with different options based on their preferences.
Travel distance
Comparing the travel distance of the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch to the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch, we can see that the Bamboo Green has a longer travel distance of 4 mm compared to the Cold Plum's 3.3 mm. The difference may seem minimal, but it can have an impact on the overall typing or gaming experience. The shorter travel distance of the Cold Plum may appeal to gamers looking for quick response times, while the longer travel distance of the Bamboo Green may provide a more satisfying tactile feel for those who prefer a deeper keypress. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to individual preference and whether you prioritize speed or a more robust typing experience. Both switches offer their own unique benefits, so it's important to consider your personal preferences when choosing between them.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Everglide Bamboo Green has an MSRP of $9.67 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Bamboo Green for $7.19.
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
When considering the subjective qualities of the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch and the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch, it is evident that they offer distinct experiences in terms of sound and feel. The Bamboo Green switch produces a high-pitched and resonant sound signature, creating a sharp and crisp auditory experience for users who prefer a more tactile typing sound. On the other hand, the Cold Plum switch is known for its thocky sound profile, which offers a unique and satisfying typing experience with a smoother keystroke.
In terms of feel, the Bamboo Green switch provides a stepped and accented tactile experience, offering a medium level of tactility that is neither overwhelming nor subtle. The sharp and polished tactile bump of the switch allows for a distinct and refined typing feel, making it a popular choice among enthusiasts seeking a tactile typing experience. In contrast, details about the feel of the Cold Plum switch are unknown.
Overall, while the Bamboo Green tactile switch and the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch offer different sound and feel qualities, both switches cater to users seeking a unique typing experience. Whether you prefer a sharp and clacky sound with a crisp tactility or a thocky sound profile with a smooth keystroke, both switches provide a distinct and enjoyable typing experience for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and desired typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch and the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch, consider the following factors. If you prefer a medium bottom out force and enjoy a clacky sound signature with crisp tactility, then the Bamboo Green may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and appreciate a thocky sound profile with a smooth keystroke, the Cold Plum switches could be more to your liking. Ultimately, your preference for sound and feel will play a significant role in determining which switch is best suited for your typing needs.
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