Kailh Berry vs. Outemu Cold Plum
An in-depth look at the Kailh Berry and the Outemu Cold Plum switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Kailh Berry linear switch and the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch both offer unique characteristics to consider. The Kailh Berry switch is known for its springy typing experience, chalk-like texture, and deep sound profile categorized as 'Textured', 'Low-pitched', 'Bassy'. On the other hand, the Outemu Cold Plum switch stands out for its thocky sound profile, smooth keystroke, and fully nylon construction. While the Berry switch provides a hefty typing feel, the Cold Plum switch offers a distinct and enjoyable typing experience that many enthusiasts appreciate. 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
N/A
Actuation force
60g
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
70g
Pre-travel
1.70 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Factory lubed
No
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
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Kailh Berry and the Outemu Cold Plum switches differ in the top housing material used. The Berry utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness. In comparison, the Cold Plum features a nylon top housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile as nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound. While the Berry's polycarbonate top housing enhances clarity and resonance, the Cold Plum's nylon top housing provides a more muffled and rounded sound.
When it comes to the bottom housing material, both the Kailh Berry and the Outemu Cold Plum switches use nylon. Typing on switches with nylon bottom housings results in a deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon's softness absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics. The use of nylon in the bottom housing of these switches contributes to a duller and rounder sound upon bottoming out. Despite differences in their top housings, the nylon bottom housing of both switches plays a significant role in the overall sound profile and typing experience.
The contrasting housing materials in the top and bottom of the Kailh Berry and Outemu Cold Plum switches showcase the impact that different plastics can have on sound and feel. With the top housing influencing the sound upon key release and the bottom housing impacting the sound and feel upon bottoming out, each switch offers a unique typing experience. While the Berry's polycarbonate top housing creates a clear and resonant sound, the Cold Plum's nylon top housing produces a deeper and fuller sound. Ultimately, the combination of housing materials in these switches determines the overall sound profile and feel, providing users with a variety of options based on their preferences.
Weight
Comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Berry linear switch and the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch, we find that the Berry has an actuation force of None grams, which indicates a light touch is required to trigger a keystroke. In contrast, the Cold Plum has an actuation force of 60 grams, making it slightly heavier to actuate. When it comes to bottom out force, both switches share a weight of 70 grams, placing them in the medium-heavy category. This means that once the keys are pressed all the way down, they require the same amount of force to fully depress. For those who prefer a lighter touch for prolonged typing or gaming sessions, the Berry switch would be the ideal choice. However, if a stronger push feel is preferred for a more substantial typing experience, the Cold Plum switch would be more suitable. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation force and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Kailh Berry linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them suitable for gamers seeking faster response times. The Berry switch offers a slightly longer travel distance, which may provide a more substantial feel when typing. On the other hand, the Cold Plum switch has a slightly shorter travel distance, which could appeal to those looking for a more immediate response. Overall, both switches offer similar performance benefits due to their relatively short travel distances, catering to different preferences for users in need of a faster typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Kailh Berry comes in at $6.25, whereas the Outemu Cold Plum comes in at $3.10.
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 comparing the sound of the Kailh Berry linear switch and the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch, the Berry offers a low-pitched and bassy sound profile, giving a deep and mellow tone during key presses. On the other hand, the Cold Plum is known for its thocky sound profile, offering a unique and satisfying typing experience. Both switches provide distinct sound profiles that cater to different preferences, with the Berry focusing on a bass-heavy tone and the Cold Plum offering a more distinct sound.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Kailh Berry linear switch is known for its textured typing experience, providing a springy and chalk-like feel when typing. The Outemu Cold Plum switch, on the other hand, delivers a smooth keystroke thanks to its fully nylon construction, giving enthusiasts a satisfying typing experience. While the Berry offers a textured feel that adds a unique element to typing, the Cold Plum provides a smooth and enjoyable typing experience for users.
In conclusion, both the Kailh Berry linear switch and the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Berry provides a low-pitched, bassy sound profile with a textured typing experience, while the Cold Plum delivers a thocky sound and a smooth keystroke. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for sound and typing feel, as both offer distinct characteristics that cater to different user preferences. However, it is important to note that with both switches, users can expect a satisfying typing experience that meets the standards of linear switch enthusiasts.
Conclusion
In closing, if you are looking for a linear switch with a heavy bottom out force and a springy typing experience, the Kailh Berry linear switch would be a great choice for you. The Berry switch also offers a low-pitched and bassy sound profile, along with a textured feel when typing. On the other hand, if you are seeking a unique thocky sound profile and a smooth keystroke, the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch is the way to go. The Cold Plum switch provides a satisfying sound and fully nylon construction for a distinct typing feel. Ultimately, your decision between these two switches will depend on your preference for typing experience and sound profile.
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