HMX Cheese vs. Outemu Cold Plum
An in-depth look at the HMX Cheese and the Outemu Cold Plum switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Cheese and Outemu Cold Plum offer unique and distinctive typing experiences. The HMX Cheese switches are praised for their unparalleled smoothness, crisp sound signature, and ultra-light feel, making them lighter than most switches on the market. On the other hand, the Outemu Cold Plum switches boast a thocky sound profile, smooth keystrokes, and fully nylon construction, providing a distinct and enjoyable typing feel for enthusiasts. Each switch has its own strengths and characteristics that cater to different preferences and needs. 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
43g
Actuation force
60g
Bottom-out force
46g
Bottom-out force
70g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Ly
Stem material
Nylon
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the HMX Cheese and the Outemu Cold Plum switches are quite similar as they both use nylon for both the top and bottom housings. The use of nylon in switch housing is known to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition that absorbs more sound than harder plastics. This results in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches that use nylon housings. Therefore, both the Cheese and Cold Plum switches will likely offer a similar typing experience in terms of sound and feel.
However, while the materials used in the housing for both switches are the same, the specific design and manufacturing process of each switch will still play a role in the overall typing experience. The Cheese and Cold Plum may have variations in the shape and thickness of their housings, which could affect sound and feel slightly differently. Additionally, the internal components and spring mechanisms of the switches may also differ, leading to subtle variations in typing performance despite having the same housing material.
Overall, the choice between the HMX Cheese and the Outemu Cold Plum switches may come down to personal preference based on other factors such as actuation force, tactile feedback, and overall build quality. While both switches offer a similar typing experience due to their nylon housing materials, factors such as key travel distance and actuation point may vary between the two, influencing the overall typing feel and responsiveness. Ultimately, individual users will need to test out both switches to determine which one best suits their typing preferences and needs.
Weight
The HMX Cheese linear switch is lighter in terms of actuation and bottom out force compared to the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch. The Cheese requires a gentler actuation force of 43 grams and a slightly heavier bottom out force of 46 grams. On the other hand, the Cold Plum has a heavier actuation force of 60 grams and a significantly heavier bottom out force of 70 grams. The lighter actuation force of the Cheese is ideal for individuals who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions, while the Cold Plum's heavier forces provide a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for key force and typing experience sought after by the user.
Travel distance
The HMX Cheese linear 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 range of shorter travel distances, which are popular for their fast response times, especially among gamers. However, the Cheese switch offers a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Cold Plum switch. If you're looking for a switch with a slightly more depth and a bit more cushioning when typing, the Cheese switch might be the better option for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a more immediate and snappy keypress, the Cold Plum switch with its shorter travel distance could be the way to go. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on your personal preference for key feel and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Cheese has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Cheese for $2.99.
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
When comparing the sound qualities of the HMX Cheese linear switch and the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch, it is evident that the Cheese offers a more satisfyingly clacky, poppy, and crispy sound signature, while the Cold Plum provides a unique thocky sound profile. The Cheese is especially renowned for its ultra-light feel, lighter than 90% of switches, delivering a smooth and pristine typing experience. On the other hand, the Cold Plum excels in providing a smooth keystroke experience with a fully nylon construction, appealing to enthusiasts seeking a distinct typing feel.
In terms of feel, the HMX Cheese linear switch is praised for its unparalleled smoothness and pristine typing experience. The Outemu Cold Plum linear switch, on the other hand, offers a smooth keystroke and satisfying sound, catering to those who value a unique typing feel. However, without specific details on the tactile feel of each switch, it is challenging to provide a direct comparison in this aspect.
Overall, both the HMX Cheese and the Outemu Cold Plum switches offer distinctive qualities that cater to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community. While the Cheese excels in its ultra-light feel and satisfying sound, the Cold Plum stands out with its thocky sound profile and smooth keystroke experience. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on personal preference regarding sound, feel, and the overall typing experience desired.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the HMX Cheese linear switch and the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch, consider the following guidelines. If you prefer a lighter actuation force and a smooth, clacky typing experience with a satisfying sound signature, the HMX Cheese linear switch may be the best option for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy actuation force and a thocky sound profile with a smooth keystroke, the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch would be a great choice. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preference for actuation force, sound profile, and typing experience.
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