Gateron CJ vs. Outemu Cold Plum
An in-depth look at the Gateron CJ and the Outemu Cold Plum switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Gateron CJ and Outemu Cold Plum mechanical keyboard switches, both switches offer a unique and enjoyable typing experience. The CJ, a linear switch, provides a higher-pitched clack and incredibly smooth push feel, making it a great option for those who prefer a neutral and mild typing experience. On the other hand, the Cold Plum switch, also a linear switch, boasts a thocky sound profile and smooth keystroke thanks to its fully nylon construction, appealing to enthusiasts looking for a distinct and satisfying typing feel. 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
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Nylon
Top housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gateron CJ and Outemu Cold Plum switches bring unique characteristics to their typing experience. The CJ's proprietary INK blend top housing creates a pointy and higher-pitched sound, often described as clacky, while the Cold Plum's nylon top housing offers a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic absorbing more sound. This contrast in sound quality can greatly impact a user's typing experience and preference.
In terms of the bottom housings, the CJ's POM material creates a unique and muted sound profile with deeper tones, while the Cold Plum's nylon bottom housing also contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. Both materials have their own way of enhancing the overall typing experience, whether through a more muted sound from POM or a softer, fuller sound from nylon. Despite the differences, both bottom housings contribute to creating a satisfying typing feel for users.
Overall, the choice between the Gateron CJ and Outemu Cold Plum switches will depend on personal preference for sound and feel. While the CJ offers a clackier sound profile with its INK blend top housing and unique POM bottom housing, the Cold Plum provides a deeper and fuller sound with its nylon top and bottom housings. Depending on whether a user prefers a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile or a deeper, fuller sound, they can choose the switch that best suits their typing style and preferences. While the materials may vary, both switches aim to enhance the typing experience with unique sound profiles and tactile feedback.
Weight
The Gateron CJ linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch, which has a heavier actuation force of 60 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Gateron CJ requires 60 grams, while the Outemu Cold Plum needs 70 grams. Both switches fall into the medium range in terms of actuation force, but the Outemu Cold Plum is slightly heavier overall. Those who prefer a lighter touch may opt for the Gateron CJ, as it requires less force for both actuation and bottom out. On the other hand, the Outemu Cold Plum is better suited for users who prefer a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for typing style and desired force feedback.
Travel distance
The Gateron CJ linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. In this case, the Cold Plum switch has a shorter travel distance compared to the CJ switch. A 4 mm travel distance is more traditional and provides a bit more depth when typing or gaming, while a 3.3 mm travel distance is shallower and preferred by gamers looking for quicker response times. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on personal preference - whether you prioritize a shorter travel distance for speed or a longer travel distance for a more substantial key press feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron CJ has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the CJ for $5.35.
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 it comes to sound, the Gateron CJ linear switch is known for its chirpy and higher-pitched clacks, providing a unique acoustic signature that sets them apart. On the other hand, the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch offers a thocky sound profile, delivering a deep and satisfying tone when pressed. Both switches offer distinct sound profiles, with the CJ being more chirpy and higher-pitched, while the Cold Plum provides a thocky and satisfying sound.
In terms of feel, the Gateron CJ linear switch offers an impossibly smooth push feel, providing a gentle typing experience that is approachable to most users. The Outemu Cold Plum linear switch, on the other hand, is known for its smooth keystroke and satisfying feel, offering a unique typing experience with its fully nylon construction. While specific descriptors for the Cold Plum's feel are unknown, both switches are praised for their smooth and enjoyable typing experience, with the CJ being described as mild and the Cold Plum being highly regarded by enthusiasts.
Overall, both the Gateron CJ linear switch and the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch offer unique and enjoyable typing experiences with their distinct sound profiles and smooth feels. While the CJ is more chirpy and higher-pitched in sound, and provides a mild typing experience, the Cold Plum delivers a thocky sound profile and a smooth keystroke. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will come down to personal preference and the specific typing experience desired, but both switches are sure to satisfy enthusiasts seeking a quality linear switch for their mechanical keyboards.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding between the Gateron CJ linear switch and the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch, consider the following guidelines. If you prefer a lighter bottom out force and enjoy a slightly higher-pitched sound profile with a smooth push feel, the Gateron CJ switch may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force, thocky sound profile, and fully nylon construction for a unique typing experience, the Outemu Cold Plum switch could be the better option. Ultimately, your choice should be based on your personal preference for sound, feel, and typing experience.
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