Durock Black Lotus vs. Outemu Cold Plum
An in-depth look at the Durock Black Lotus and the Outemu Cold Plum switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Durock Black Lotus and the Outemu Cold Plum are both linear mechanical keyboard switches that offer unique experiences for keyboard enthusiasts. The Black Lotus is praised for its silky smooth feel and precision, with reduced housing and stem wobble for maximum typing pleasure. With a 55g actuation weight that is substantial but not overly heavy, and a unique light column for in-switch lighting, the Black Lotus switch is categorized as 'Silky', 'Buttery', 'Mild', and 'Polished'. On the other hand, the Outemu Cold Plum switch stands out for its thocky sound profile and fully nylon construction, providing a smooth keystroke and satisfying sound for an enjoyable typing experience. While the Cold Plum switch does not have specific categories listed, it offers a distinct typing feel for enthusiasts. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities to help you decide on the best switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
60g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
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
Modified PC & UPE Blend
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
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 Durock Black Lotus and the Outemu Cold Plum, one noticeable difference is in the top housing material used. The Black Lotus features a modified PC & UPE Blend housing, which provides a unique and premium feel to the switch. In contrast, the Cold Plum utilizes a classic nylon top housing, known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile. While the Black Lotus offers a high-end feel with its unique housing material, the Cold Plum focuses on enhancing the sound experience with its softer nylon top housing.
Moving on to the bottom housing, both the Black Lotus and the Cold Plum use nylon material, known for its ability to absorb sound and create a duller and rounder sound profile. This similarity in bottom housing material suggests that both switches will exhibit similar sound characteristics when bottoming out during typing. The choice of nylon material for the bottom housing in both switches highlights a focus on sound quality and a desire to create a more satisfying typing experience for users.
Overall, the housing materials of the Durock Black Lotus and the Outemu Cold Plum play a significant role in shaping the overall feel and sound of the switches. While the Black Lotus offers a more premium feel with its modified PC & UPE Blend top housing, the Cold Plum emphasizes sound quality with its nylon top housing. Both switches use nylon for the bottom housing, which suggests a shared goal of enhancing sound absorption and creating a more pleasing sound profile for users. Whether users prioritize a premium feel or sound quality, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch, it is evident that the Cold Plum is slightly heavier in both aspects. The Black Lotus has an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, placing it in the medium-heavy category. On the other hand, the Cold Plum has an actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams, which is also considered medium-heavy. Both switches provide a similar typing experience in terms of weight, offering a substantial push feel. Those who prefer a lighter touch may lean towards the Black Lotus for longer typing sessions, while users who enjoy a stronger push feel may opt for the Cold Plum for a more pronounced typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Durock Black Lotus linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. The Black Lotus has a slightly longer travel distance, making it more suitable for those who prefer a deeper key press feel. On the other hand, the Cold Plum offers a shorter travel distance, which can be preferred by gamers looking for increased responsiveness. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Cold Plum being slightly shorter. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for key press depth and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock Black Lotus has an MSRP of $5.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Black Lotus for $4.57.
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 Black Lotus switch is known for its quiet operation with a muted thock sound, making it a popular choice for those looking for a more subtle typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Cold Plum switch is praised for its distinct thocky sound profile, which provides a satisfying auditory feedback that some enthusiasts may prefer. It is important to note that the sound of a switch can be influenced by various factors such as the keyboard's build quality and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Black Lotus switch is described as silky, offering an exceptionally smooth typing experience with minimized resistance when pressing and releasing keys. This switch provides a buttery keystroke feel, making it effortless and uniform in sensation. In contrast, the Outemu Cold Plum switch offers a unique typing experience with a smooth keystroke and a satisfying feel. While specific descriptors for the Cold Plum's feel are not provided, its nylon construction is worth noting as it may impact the overall typing experience in terms of smoothness and durability.
Overall, both the Durock Black Lotus and Outemu Cold Plum switches have their own strengths that cater to different preferences. If you are looking for a quiet and smooth typing experience, the Black Lotus may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a distinct thocky sound profile and a satisfying feel, the Cold Plum switch could be more appealing. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on your personal preference for sound, feel, and typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, you'd want to choose the Durock Black Lotus linear switch if you prioritize a silky smooth typing experience with a medium-heavy bottom out force of 63.5 grams. The unique light column and reduced wobble make these switches a top choice for those looking for precision and comfort during long typing sessions. On the other hand, you'd opt for the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch if you seek a thocky sound profile and a slightly heavier bottom out force of 70 grams. The fully nylon construction and satisfying sound make these switches a great option for enthusiasts who enjoy a distinct and enjoyable typing feel. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference and what qualities you prioritize in your mechanical keyboard switches.
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