Jerrzi Coral vs. Outemu Cold Plum
An in-depth look at the Jerrzi Coral and the Outemu Cold Plum switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Jerrzi Coral and the Outemu Cold Plum both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Coral switch is praised for its distinctively crisp typing feel and lower-pitched resonance, providing a sophisticated and high-performance typing experience. On the other hand, the Cold Plum switch stands out for its thocky sound profile and fully nylon construction, offering a smooth keystroke and satisfying sound for enthusiasts looking for a unique typing feel. While the Coral switch is categorized as 'Low-pitched' and 'Silky', the Cold Plum switch does not have specific categorizations listed. Both switches have their own strengths and appeal to different preferences, making them both viable options for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. 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
40g
Actuation force
60g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
70g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial 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
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Jerrzi Coral and the Outemu Cold Plum switches offer contrasting sound profiles due to their different properties. The Coral's polycarbonate top housing provides a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound, thanks to its stiffness that enhances resonance. In contrast, the Cold Plum's nylon top housing creates a deeper and fuller sound by absorbing more sound and producing a rounder tone. While both materials serve their purpose well, the polycarbonate lends itself to a more vibrant and clear sound, ideal for switches with RGB lighting, whereas the nylon offers a more subdued and mellow sound experience.
Furthermore, the bottom housing materials of the Coral and the Cold Plum switches also diverge in terms of sound production. The Coral's nylon bottom housing, like its top housing, contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, thanks to its softer nature that absorbs more sound. Similarly, the Cold Plum's nylon bottom housing provides a duller and rounder sound due to the same properties of nylon. Although the materials differ between the switches, their bottom housing materials offer a consistent experience of creating a more muted and cushioned sound upon key presses, resulting in a Typing experience that feels more substantial and satisfying.
When both the top and bottom housing materials of a switch vary, users can experience a diverse range of sound profiles depending on whether they are pressing a key or letting go of it. The top housing has a significant impact on the sound when a key is released, while the bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed down. In the case of the Jerrzi Coral and the Outemu Cold Plum switches, the separation of housing materials allows for a nuanced sound experience that caters to the preferences of users looking for either a sharper and crisper sound or a deeper and fuller tone. Ultimately, the choice between these switches boils down to personal preference in sound profile and typing experience.
Weight
The Jerrzi Coral linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams compared to the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch, which has a heavier actuation force of 60 grams. Both switches have an unknown bottom out force, though the Cold Plum is considered medium-heavy at 70 grams. This means that the Coral switch may provide a lighter typing experience and be preferred for longer typing sessions or gaming, while the Cold Plum switch may offer a more substantial and tactile typing feel for those who prefer a heavier push. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation force and typing experience.
Travel distance
The Jerrzi Coral linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, which is longer than the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch's travel distance of 3.3 mm. The Coral offers a slightly deeper key press experience compared to the Cold Plum, which might be preferred by some users who enjoy a more substantial feel when typing or gaming. On the other hand, the Cold Plum provides a slightly faster response time due to its shorter travel distance, making it ideal for gamers looking for quick key presses. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for key feel and response time. Both switches offer their own advantages and can provide a satisfying typing experience based on individual needs and preferences.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Jerrzi Coral has an MSRP of $2.79 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Coral for $2.30.
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 of the Jerrzi Coral linear switch and the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch, the Coral is said to have a low-pitched resonance, offering a more bass-heavy and mellow tone. On the other hand, the Cold Plum is known for its thocky sound profile, providing a unique and satisfying sound experience. Both switches can deliver pleasant auditory feedback, but the choice between them may come down to personal preference and the overall setup of your keyboard.
Moving on to the feel of these switches, the Jerrzi Coral linear switch is described as silky, offering an exceptionally smooth typing experience. This smoothness enhances the overall typing feel and reduces resistance when pressing and releasing keys. While the feel of the Outemu Cold Plum switch is not explicitly described in the provided information, the fully nylon construction may contribute to a consistent and comfortable typing feel. Both switches may provide a smooth and enjoyable typing experience, with the Coral offering a silky feel and the Cold Plum potentially providing a similar level of comfort.
In conclusion, the Jerrzi Coral linear switch and the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch both offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Coral excels in providing a low-pitched resonance and a silky typing feel, while the Cold Plum stands out with its thocky sound profile and potential for a comfortable typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and overall typing experience. Experimenting with both switches on different keyboards and with various keycap sets may yield the best results for finding the ideal mechanical keyboard switch for your needs.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a linear switch with a lighter bottom out force and a lower-pitched sound profile, the Jerrzi Coral linear switch would be the ideal choice for you. The Coral switch offers a silky smooth typing experience and a distinctively crisp feel that makes every keystroke a delight. On the other hand, if you prefer a linear switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force and a thocky sound profile, the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch would be more suitable for you. The Cold Plum switch provides a smooth keystroke and a satisfying sound, perfect for enthusiasts seeking a unique and enjoyable typing feel. Ultimately, your decision between these two switches will come down to your preference for bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel.