KTT Cream Yellow vs. Outemu Cold Plum
An in-depth look at the KTT Cream Yellow and the Outemu Cold Plum switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the KTT Cream Yellow and the Outemu Cold Plum are both popular options to consider. The Cream Yellow is loved for its distinctively clacky sound and bouncy typing feel, making it a great choice for those who enjoy a tactile typing experience. On the other hand, the Cold Plum is praised for its unique thocky sound profile and smooth keystrokes, offering a different but equally enjoyable typing experience. While the Cream Yellow is categorized as 'Bouncy' and 'Clacky', the Cold Plum lacks specific categorization. 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
58g
Bottom-out force
70g
Pre-travel
1.90 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
POM
Stem material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
18mm spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the KTT Cream Yellow and the Outemu Cold Plum switches offer contrasting characteristics that contribute to the overall sound profile and feel of the switches. The Cream Yellow utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched sound with a clear and resonant profile. In comparison, the Cold Plum features a nylon top housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound with a duller and rounder profile due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound. These differences in top housing materials result in distinct sound and typing experiences for each switch.
In terms of the bottom housing materials, both the Cream Yellow and the Cold Plum switches use nylon, which elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to harder plastics. The relatively softer nature of nylon in the bottom housing absorbs more sound, leading to a duller and rounder sound. This similarity in bottom housing material between the two switches showcases a shared quality in sound profile when it comes to typing. Despite the differences in their top housing materials, the nylon bottom housings of both switches contribute to a consistent typing experience in terms of sound and feel.
When considering the impact of the top and bottom housing materials on the overall typing and sound experience, it becomes evident that each part plays a crucial role in shaping the switch's performance. The qualities brought by the bottom housing material affect the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch, while the top housing material influences the sound when releasing a key. By having different housing materials for the top and bottom of the switch, the Cream Yellow and the Cold Plum deliver a diverse typing experience that combines the unique characteristics of both polycarbonate and nylon to create distinct sound profiles.
Weight
When comparing the KTT Cream Yellow linear switch and the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch, it is evident that the actuation and bottom out forces play a significant role in determining the typing experience. The Cream Yellow has a lighter actuation force of 50 grams and a lighter bottom out force of 58 grams, making it ideal for those who prefer a smoother typing experience with less resistance. In contrast, the Cold Plum has a heavier actuation force of 60 grams and a heavier bottom out force of 70 grams, providing a more substantial push feel for users who prefer a noticeable resistance while typing. Both switches fall within the medium range, but the Cold Plum is slightly heavier, making it more suitable for those who prefer a firmer typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the KTT Cream Yellow linear switch is 3.5 mm, while the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them suitable for gamers looking for faster response times. However, the Cream Yellow offers a slightly deeper key press compared to the Cold Plum. For those who prefer a more substantial feel when pressing down on the keys, the Cream Yellow might be the preferable option. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly shallower and quicker key press, the Cold Plum could be the better choice. Ultimately, the decision between the two would depend on personal preference for key feel and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Cream Yellow has an MSRP of $2.75 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Cream Yellow for $2.55.
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
The Cream Yellow linear switch is best known for its distinctively clacky sound, producing a sharp and snappy noise when pressed. This sound is achieved through its shortened bottom-out distance, long-pole stem, and lengthened spring, providing a bouncy typing feel. In comparison, the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch offers a thocky sound profile and smooth keystroke due to its fully nylon construction. Enthusiasts often find the Cold Plum switches to deliver a satisfying and unique typing experience. While the sound and feel of both switches are different, they can both provide a pleasant typing experience. For those seeking a sharper sound and bouncy feel, the Cream Yellow would be a great choice, while the Cold Plum may be more suitable for those looking for a thocky sound and smooth keystroke. Ultimately, the best switch for you will depend on your personal preference for sound and feel, as well as other factors such as your keyboard and keycap choices.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a mechanical keyboard switch that offers a distinctively clacky sound and bouncy typing feel, the KTT Cream Yellow linear switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a thocky sound profile and smooth keystroke, the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch might be more to your liking. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for sound and feel when typing. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing styles, so choose the one that best suits your needs and preferences.
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