Gateron CM vs. Kailh Plum
An in-depth look at the Gateron CM and the Kailh Plum switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, there are a plethora of options to choose from, each offering its own unique characteristics and benefits. Two popular options in the market are the Gateron CM, a linear switch, and the Kailh Plum, a tactile switch. The Gateron CM is known for breaking away from convention with its full nylon housing, resulting in a richer, deeper sound signature. With an impeccable factory lube job, this switch offers an effortlessly smooth typing experience, evoking a sensation of gliding gracefully with each keystroke. Additionally, the lengthened, dual-staged spring of the CM provides a bouncy typing experience. On the other hand, the Kailh Plum is recognized for its weightiness without a significant tactile bump, offering a unique typing experience. While many other tactile switches tend to have a strong correlation between tactility and weightiness, the Plum sets itself apart. The Plum also boasts a neutral and enjoyable sound profile. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
70g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.70 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Dual-staged 20mm lengthened gold-plated spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Gateron CM and the Kailh Plum have contrasting housing materials in their top housings. The CM utilizes a nylon top housing, which creates a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer nature of nylon. This results in a duller and rounder sound when typing on the switches. In contrast, the Plum features a polycarbonate top housing, which produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate leads to a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the polycarbonate top housing is aesthetically useful for RGB lighting purposes due to its translucency. Despite these differences, both housing materials offer unique qualities that enhance the switch's sound output.
On the other hand, the bottom housings of the CM and Plum switches are made from the same material: nylon. Both switches utilize nylon as the bottom housing material, resulting in similar sound profiles. The relatively softer nature of nylon allows it to absorb more sound than harder plastics, creating a deeper and fuller sound when typing on the switches. This characteristic of nylon contributes to a duller and rounder sound during use. Therefore, regardless of the switch brand, if you prefer a switch with a deeper and fuller sound profile, the nylon bottom housing of both the CM and Plum switches will deliver similar results.
It is important to note that when both the top and bottom housings differ in material for a switch, the qualities of each housing material will be divided between the top and bottom of the switch. The bottom housing will primarily influence the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch, while the top housing will have a greater impact on the sound when releasing a key. This differentiation in the housing materials allows for a varied and customizable typing experience, enabling users to fine-tune the sound and feel of their switches according to their preferences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron CM linear switch and the Kailh Plum tactile switch, there are some notable similarities and differences. In terms of weight, the CM is lighter than the Plum. The CM linear switch has an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, making it medium-heavy. On the other hand, the Plum tactile switch's actuation force is unavailable, but it has a bottom out force of 70 grams, also categorizing it as medium-heavy.
Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the CM linear switch due to its lower actuation and bottom out forces. This lighter weight allows for longer periods of comfortable typing, making it ideal for work or extensive gaming sessions. In contrast, the Plum tactile switch offers a slightly heavier push feel, providing a more substantial typing experience. This can be appealing to individuals who prefer a stronger feedback and enjoy a more tactile response while typing.
It is important to note that while the actuation force of the Plum switch is unknown, it is likely to be similar to the CM switch, given that both switches fall into the medium-heavy category for bottom out force. Therefore, users can expect comparable results in terms of actuation force, although the Plum switch may still feel slightly heavier due to its higher bottom out force.
Overall, the decision between the Gateron CM linear switch and the Kailh Plum tactile switch will depend on the user's preference for the weight and feel of their typing experience. Those seeking a lighter switch may opt for the CM linear switch, while those desiring a more substantial and tactile feedback may choose the Plum tactile switch.
Travel distance
The Gateron CM linear switch and the Kailh Plum tactile switch have the same travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that both switches will provide a similar experience in terms of the distance the switch travels from the top to the bottom, resulting in a consistent tactile feedback when pressing down on a key. Therefore, users can expect similar results in terms of travel distance for both the Gateron CM linear switch and the Kailh Plum tactile switch.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron CM has an MSRP of $4.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the CM for $4.25.
The Kailh Plum comes in at $6.25 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
In terms of sound, the Gateron CM linear switch offers a bassy, thocky, and low-pitched sound profile. These switches provide a deeper and richer sound during key presses, resembling the depth and richness associated with bass tones. The sound they produce can be characterized as a deep "thud" or a soft "knock" when the key is pressed and released. On the other hand, the Kailh Plum tactile switch offers a neutral sound profile which is moderate and enjoyable. The Plum switches do not have a huge tactile bump, but the sound they produce is neutral and suitable for most intents and purposes. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps chosen.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron CM linear switch offers a buttery, polished, creamy, and frictionless typing experience. These switches have a smooth and fluid keystroke, providing a seamless, effortless, and uniform typing sensation. With a refined finish and factory lube job, these switches ensure reduced friction and smooth key travel. Typing on a CM switch feels like gliding your fingers across the keys with ease, effortlessly melting into each keystroke. On the other hand, the Kailh Plum tactile switch offers a mild and stepped typing experience. These switches offer a more gentle and approachable typing experience compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. They provide a safe middle-ground zone of sound and feel, allowing users to feel some pre-travel and/or post-travel while typing.
In conclusion, the Gateron CM linear switch offers a fuller sound signature with a bassy and thocky profile. It provides a bouncy typing experience with a smooth and buttery feel. On the other hand, the Kailh Plum tactile switch has a more neutral sound profile that is enjoyable and suitable for most purposes. It offers a mild and stepped feel, providing a gentle typing experience. While the CM switch and Plum switch offer different subjective qualities, both switches are capable of delivering satisfying and smooth typing experiences in their own unique ways.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force, the Gateron CM linear switch would be a great choice. With its full nylon housing and impeccable factory lube job, these switches provide a smooth and effortless typing experience. The CM switches are known for their bouncy typing experience and deeper, richer sound signature. They offer a bassy and thocky sound profile, perfect for those who enjoy a low-pitched and satisfying sound during key presses. The CM switches are also described as buttery, polished, creamy, and frictionless, providing a seamless and frictionless typing sensation.
On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy switch with a more gentle typing experience and a unique tactile feeling, the Kailh Plum tactile switch would be a suitable choice. These switches have a bottom out force of 70 grams and feature a subtle tactile bump. The Plum switches offer a neutral sound profile, making them enjoyable and suitable for various purposes. They are described as mild and stepped in terms of feel, providing a gentle typing experience with some pre-travel and/or post-travel sensation.
Ultimately, the choice between the Gateron CM linear switch and the Kailh Plum tactile switch depends on your personal preferences. If you prioritize a bouncy typing experience, a deeper and richer sound profile, and a smooth and effortless typing sensation, the CM switches would be a great fit. However, if you prefer a more gentle typing experience with a unique tactile feeling and a neutral sound profile, the Plum switches would be a suitable choice. Consider your typing style and desired sound and feel when making your selection.
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