TTC Bluish White vs. Outemu Cold Plum

Overview

When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the TTC Bluish White and the Outemu Cold Plum are two popular options on the market. The Bluish White is a tactile switch that offers a satisfyingly poppy typing experience with a snappy sound profile. On the other hand, the Cold Plum is a linear switch known for its thocky sound profile and smooth keystrokes due to its fully nylon construction. If you prefer a tactile typing experience with a low-pitched sound, the Bluish White may be the switch for you. Conversely, if you enjoy a linear typing feel with a unique sound profile, the Cold Plum could be your perfect match. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

TTC Bluish White Tactile

Outemu Cold Plum Linear

$6.60

$4.63 per 10

$3.10 per 10

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Housing materials

In comparing the housing materials of the TTC Bluish White and the Outemu Cold Plum, we can see that both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housings. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound. This results in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches with nylon bottom housings. However, the Bluish White utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate being a stiffer plastic that leads to a more clear and resonant sound profile.

Aesthetically, the Bluish White's polycarbonate top housing is more likely to be used in switches featuring clear housings for RGB lighting effects, while the Cold Plum's nylon top housing provides a classic and timeless look. Both switches offer a unique sound profile based on their housing materials, with the Cold Plum offering a deeper and fuller sound compared to the sharper and crisper sound of the Bluish White. Despite these differences, the nylon bottom housing in both switches contributes to a similar typing experience with its absorbent nature creating a satisfying sound and feel when typing.

Overall, the choice between the TTC Bluish White and the Outemu Cold Plum will depend on personal preference for sound profile and aesthetics. While the Bluish White offers a sharper and crisper sound with its polycarbonate top housing, the Cold Plum provides a deeper and fuller sound with its nylon top housing. Both switches, however, share the benefits of using nylon for their bottom housings, resulting in a consistent typing experience with a duller and rounder sound profile. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will come down to individual preferences for sound and feel when typing.

Weight

The TTC Bluish White tactile switch is lighter with an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch is heavier with an actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams. The Bluish White provides a lighter typing experience, making it ideal for longer typing sessions or gaming use. In contrast, the Cold Plum offers a more substantial push feel, which some users may prefer for a more pronounced typing experience. Both switches provide different levels of feedback and force, catering to different preferences. It is worth noting that the actuation force and bottom out force play a significant role in determining the overall typing experience, with lighter forces being preferred for prolonged use and heavier forces for a more tactile feel.

Travel distance

The TTC Bluish White 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. Both switches fall within the shorter travel distance range, which is favored by gamers for faster response times. The Bluish White has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Cold Plum, which may provide a slightly more substantial feel when typing. However, the difference of 0.2 mm may not be noticeable to all users, and both switches would offer a similar feel in terms of travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on personal preference for tactile feedback and typing experience.

Price comparison

Typing experience

Overall, when comparing the subjective qualities of the TTC Bluish White tactile switch and the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch, we find that the Bluish White offers a low-pitched sound profile with a buttery, mild, stepped, subtle, and polished feel. On the other hand, the Cold Plum provides a thocky sound profile with a smooth keystroke, but specific descriptors of the feel are not provided. It is important to note that the sound and feel of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps being used. In conclusion, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, and choosing between them would depend on whether one prefers a poppy typing experience with a low-pitched sound and buttery feel, or a distinct thocky sound with a smooth keystroke. Ultimately, experimenting with both switches would provide a better understanding of which one aligns best with an individual's typing preferences.

Conclusion

In conclusion, when choosing between the TTC Bluish White tactile switch and the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch, consider the typing experience you prefer. If you enjoy a lighter bottoming out force, a poppy typing experience, and a low-pitched, buttery feel, then the TTC Bluish White switch may be the best option for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy bottoming out force, a thocky sound profile, and a unique typing experience with a smooth keystroke, then the Outemu Cold Plum switch could be the better choice. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences and the type of typing experience you desire.

Mentioned in this article

TTC Bluish White Tactile

$6.60

$4.63 per 10

Learn more

Outemu Cold Plum Linear

$3.10 per 10

Learn more