HMX Canglan V2 vs. Outemu Cold Plum

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, enthusiasts often seek the perfect balance of feel and sound to enhance their typing experience, and two noteworthy contenders are the HMX Canglan V2 and the Outemu Cold Plum, both of which are linear switches. The HMX Canglan V2 is celebrated for its thocky sound and a meticulously engineered composition that provides a smooth, light touch, delivering a unique blend of silkiness and the deep resonance that many HMX aficionados crave. On the other hand, the Outemu Cold Plum offers a distinctive typing experience with its fully nylon construction, characterized by a similarly thocky sound profile that enhances the tactile encounter while typing. While both switches favor a smooth actuation and satisfying acoustics, the Canglan V2 shines with its thocky yet feathery feel, showing off its advanced molding techniques, whereas the Cold Plum embraces its unique nylon build for a different texture and resonance. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

HMX Canglan V2 Linear

Outemu Cold Plum Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

$3.10 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the HMX Canglan V2 and the Outemu Cold Plum, both switches utilize nylon for their top and bottom housings, leading to a remarkably similar typing experience. Nylon is renowned in the mechanical keyboard community for its softness and sound-absorbing qualities, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. This shared material composition means that typists can expect a rounded and dulcet auditory feedback when engaging with either switch, fostering a satisfying and conducive environment for both gaming and typing tasks.

The consistent use of nylon in both the Canglan V2 and Cold Plum's top and bottom housings further implies that the switches will produce comparable acoustics, regardless of the brand. Since both switches feature this softer material, they are likely to exhibit similarly muted sounds upon bottoming out and releasing a key. The overall typing experience is thus enhanced, as users will enjoy the plush characteristics intimately tied to nylon's unique properties, such as reduced harshness and a comforting tactile presence.

Although the internal mechanics and design elements of the switches may differ, the uniform use of nylon serves as a baseline for consistent performance. Each switch will deliver comparable acoustic results due to the shared housing material. When pressing a key, the bottom housing's impact can be felt, while the top housing's effect plays a role in the release sound, both of which are accentuated by the inherent qualities of nylon. Consequently, users can anticipate a similar sound signature and tactile feedback from both the Canglan V2 and the Cold Plum, confirming that they are well-suited for those who appreciate a rich audio experience in their mechanical keyboard.

Weight

When comparing the HMX Canglan V2 linear switch to the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch, we can see a notable difference in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Canglan V2 features a relatively light actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, making it suitable for extended typing sessions due to its ease of activation. In contrast, the Cold Plum switch has a heavier actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams, providing a more substantial feel that some users may prefer for tactile feedback. Hence, the Canglan V2 is the lighter option, whereas the Cold Plum is the heavier alternative. Consequently, users seeking a lighter switch for prolonged use may gravitate towards the Canglan V2, while those who appreciate a firmer push feel might opt for the Cold Plum. Overall, the different actuation and bottom out forces between the two switches cater to varied preferences in typing experiences.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Canglan V2 linear switch and the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch, there is a clear distinction. The Canglan V2 features a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Cold Plum has a slightly shorter distance of 3.3 mm. This means that if responsiveness is your primary concern, the Cold Plum switch may be more appealing due to its shorter travel distance. However, for those who prefer a more substantial feel while typing or gaming, the Canglan V2 offers a deeper experience with its longer travel distance. As such, the choice between these two switches ultimately depends on individual preferences regarding key feedback and reaction time.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the HMX Canglan V2 linear switch is celebrated for its low-pitched, thocky sound profile, providing a rich and satisfying auditory feedback reminiscent of a deep "thud" or soft "knock." This deep sound signature enhances the overall typing experience and can create a more immersive sensation while typing. The Outemu Cold Plum switch also offers a thocky sound profile, contributing to an enjoyable sound while typing; however, the specifics of its tone are less defined. Given that sound can also vary significantly depending on external factors such as the keyboard design and keycap material, users can expect a pleasant auditory experience with both switches, albeit with slight variations in depth and richness.

In terms of feel, the Canglan V2 is characterized by a silky, feathery, and bouncy sensation. This means that typing with these switches feels exceptionally smooth with minimal resistance, reducing finger fatigue during long sessions. The bouncy quality gives a lively responsiveness that enhances the overall tactile experience, making it quite effective for both gaming and extended typing. The Cold Plum switch lacks detailed descriptors of its feel, making a direct comparison challenging. However, both switches fall within the linear category, so users may find them to have a generally smooth feel; the experience could still differ given the nuanced characteristics of the Canglan V2.

In conclusion, both the HMX Canglan V2 and the Outemu Cold Plum linear switches offer enjoyable experiences, with the Canglan V2 providing a particularly rich auditory experience and a delightful tactile feedback. The Cold Plum is expected to deliver an agreeable typing feel and sound as well, but the lack of specific descriptions makes it difficult to gauge exactly how it compares in these aspects. Ultimately, those seeking thocky linear switches will find satisfying options in both, albeit with a likely preference for the tactile and auditory nuances of the Canglan V2 among enthusiasts.

Conclusion

To summarize, choosing between the HMX Canglan V2 and the Outemu Cold Plum linear switches largely depends on your personal preferences in typing feel, sound profile, and typing intensity. If you prefer a lighter switch for extended typing sessions—perhaps for work, studying, or gaming—the Canglan V2 is an excellent choice with its light 48-gram bottom-out force, silky and feathery feel, and thocky, low-pitched sound that provides a satisfying auditory feedback. These features not only enhance comfort during long hours of typing but also give you a delightful tactile experience. On the other hand, if you're inclined towards a more substantial typing experience, the Outemu Cold Plum, with its medium-heavy 70-gram bottom-out force, caters to that need. Its distinct thocky sound, combined with the solid feel of a heavier switch, makes it ideal for individuals who enjoy a firmer keypress and appreciate the nuances of a deeper auditory response as they type. Ultimately, your choice should reflect the kind of feedback and sound you find most appealing, as well as your typing habits—whether you prioritize a smooth, light touch or a more grounded, deliberate keystroke.

Mentioned in this article

HMX Canglan V2 Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn more

Outemu Cold Plum Linear

$3.10 per 10

Learn more