Kailh Box Jade vs. Outemu Cold Plum
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Jade and the Outemu Cold Plum switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Kailh Box Jade and the Outemu Cold Plum are two popular options to consider. The Box Jade is ideal for those who enjoy a medium-heavy typing experience with a clicky sound profile and significant tactility. Its crisp clicks and crunchy tactile bumps provide a satisfying typing feel. On the other hand, the Cold Plum offers a unique typing experience with a thocky sound profile and smooth keystroke, thanks to its fully nylon construction. Enthusiasts seeking a distinct and enjoyable typing feel may prefer the Cold Plum switches. 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
50g
Actuation force
60g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
70g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Box
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
Kailh Box spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Kailh Box Jade and the Outemu Cold Plum switches both feature a nylon bottom housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. This is because nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound compared to harder plastics. Both switches offer a satisfying typing experience with their nylon bottom housings, giving users a tactile and auditory feedback that is unique to this type of housing material.
However, the two switches differ in their top housing materials. The Box Jade utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic that leads to a more clear and resonant sound, making it ideal for switches that feature RGB lighting due to its translucency. On the other hand, the Cold Plum features a nylon top housing, which also creates a deeper and fuller sound profile but with a more mellow tone compared to the polycarbonate top housing of the Box Jade. Users may prefer one sound profile over the other based on their personal preference for typing experience.
Overall, the choice between the Kailh Box Jade and the Outemu Cold Plum switches will depend on the user's preference for sound profile and typing experience. While both switches offer a deep and full sound due to their nylon bottom housing, the Box Jade's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper and crisper sound profile compared to the Cold Plum's nylon top housing. Whether you prefer a more resonant and clear sound or a mellow and round sound, both switches provide a unique typing experience that can cater to different preferences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch and the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch, it is evident that the Box Jade is the lighter option with a 50-gram actuation force and a 60-gram bottom out force, while the Cold Plum is the heavier option with a 60-gram actuation force and a 70-gram bottom out force. Both switches fall within the medium to medium-heavy range, providing a satisfying typing experience for users. Those who prefer a lighter touch may opt for the Box Jade, allowing for longer typing or gaming sessions without causing fatigue. On the other hand, individuals who enjoy a more substantial typing experience may favor the Cold Plum for its heavier forces, providing a stronger push feel with each keystroke. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box Jade clicky switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. In this case, the Box Jade has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Cold Plum. The shorter travel distance of the Cold Plum may appeal to gamers looking for quicker response times, while those who prefer a more substantial key press may prefer the longer travel distance of the Box Jade. Both switches offer a different feel based on their travel distances, so it ultimately depends on personal preference when choosing between the two.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Kailh Box Jade comes in at $5.50, 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 it comes to sound, the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch is known for its high-pitched and crunchy sound profile, producing sharp and crisp clicks reminiscent of stepping on autumn leaves. On the other hand, the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch offers a unique thocky sound profile that is smooth and satisfying. While the Jade provides a more pronounced clicky sound, the Cold Plum delivers a distinct and enjoyable typing experience with its smooth keystrokes. Ultimately, the sound preference between these two switches will depend on personal taste and the overall setup of the keyboard.
Moving on to feel, the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch is described as providing an accented and invigorating typing experience. The tactile bumps on these switches are not overwhelming but still offer a noticeable amount of feedback, creating a medium tactile typing sensation. In contrast, the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch does not have a specific feel descriptor available. However, linear switches like the Cold Plum generally offer a smooth keystroke without the tactile bump found in clicky switches. The Cold Plum switch may provide a more consistent and linear typing experience compared to the tactility of the Box Jade.
Taking everything into consideration, the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch is ideal for those seeking a medium-heavy typing experience with a sharp and crunchy clicky sound profile, as well as an invigorating and accented tactile feel. On the other hand, the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch offers a unique typing experience with a thocky sound profile and a smooth keystroke. Both switches have their own strengths and characteristics, so choosing between them will ultimately depend on personal preference in sound and feel. If you enjoy the qualities of one switch, you can expect similar results in the other, as they both offer distinct and enjoyable typing experiences in their own right.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch and the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch, consider the following: If you prefer a medium-heavy typing experience with a clicky sound profile and crisp tactile feedback, the Box Jade switches are the way to go. On the other hand, if you enjoy a distinct thocky sound profile with a smooth keystroke and satisfying feel, the Cold Plum switches would be a great choice for you. Ultimately, your preference for sound and feel will play a significant role in determining which switch is best suited for your typing needs. Happy typing!
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