Everglide Crystal Violet vs. Outemu Cold Plum
An in-depth look at the Everglide Crystal Violet and the Outemu Cold Plum switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When looking at the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch and the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch, it is evident that both offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Crystal Violet is praised for its light operating force of 45g, providing a relaxed and stepped tactile typing experience with a mellow and low-pitched sound profile. On the other hand, the Cold Plum stands out for its thocky sound profile and smooth keystrokes, making it a favorite among enthusiasts for its distinct and enjoyable typing feel. Choosing between these two switches ultimately depends on whether you prefer a gentle and comfortable tactile experience or a satisfying linear 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
45g
Actuation force
60g
Bottom-out force
55g
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
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Nylon
Top housing material
ABS
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
ABS
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Everglide Crystal Violet and the Outemu Cold Plum, we can see that both switches use different materials for their top and bottom housings. The Crystal Violet features ABS for both the top and bottom housing, resulting in a relatively low-pitched sound profile when typing. On the other hand, the Cold Plum utilizes nylon for both the top and bottom housing, giving it a deeper and fuller sound profile. While both switches have unique sound characteristics, the choice between ABS and nylon ultimately comes down to personal preference.
One key difference between the two switches lies in the material used for their top housings. The Crystal Violet's ABS top housing produces a relatively rare plastic sound profile, while the Cold Plum's nylon top housing offers a deeper and rounder sound. This variation in sound profile can make a noticeable difference in typing experience, with the ABS material providing a higher pitch and the nylon material offering a more muffled and substantial sound. Depending on preference, users may prefer either the distinct sound of ABS or the fuller sound of nylon.
When considering the impact of the bottom housing material, both switches exhibit similar qualities due to their shared ABS bottom housing. The ABS material in the bottom housing of both the Crystal Violet and the Cold Plum contributes to a low-pitched sound profile when typing. This consistency in material choice for the bottom housing results in a similar typing experience in terms of sound and feel. Overall, while the top housing material may vary between switches, the bottom housing material plays a significant role in shaping the overall typing experience.
Weight
The Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch, which requires 60 grams to actuate. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Crystal Violet requires 55 grams, while the Cold Plum needs 70 grams, making the Cold Plum switch the heavier of the two. The Crystal Violet provides a medium-light typing experience, ideal for those who prefer a lighter touch, while the Cold Plum offers a medium-heavy feel for users who prefer a more substantial typing experience. Both switches offer distinct advantages based on the user's preference for actuation and bottom out force, ensuring that users can achieve their desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, making it a more traditional option for those who prefer a deeper key press. On the other hand, the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, which is slightly shorter and may be preferred by gamers looking for faster response times. Both switches offer a different feel in terms of travel distance, with the Crystal Violet offering a longer press and the Cold Plum offering a slightly shorter press. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for key travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Everglide Crystal Violet has an MSRP of $7.08 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Crystal Violet for $4.19.
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
In terms of sound, the Everglide Crystal Violet switches are known for their low-pitched and mellow tone, providing a subtle and relaxing auditory experience during typing sessions. On the other hand, the Outemu Cold Plum switches are described as having a thocky sound profile, offering a unique and satisfying typing sound. While the Crystal Violet switches lean towards a more neutral sound profile, the Cold Plum switches provide a distinct and enjoyable typing experience with their characteristic thocky sound. Ultimately, both switches offer different sound profiles that cater to a variety of preferences, ensuring a pleasant typing experience regardless of the choice made.
When it comes to feel, the Everglide Crystal Violet switches are known for their creamy and mild typing experience, offering a smooth and gentle feel that makes typing a breeze. The stepped tactile feel of the switches provides a comfortable and controlled typing experience, perfect for those looking for a relaxed typing sensation. On the other hand, the Outemu Cold Plum switches do not have specific descriptors available for their feel. However, based on the information provided, it can be inferred that the nylon construction of the switches likely offers a smooth and consistent keystroke, adding to the overall typing experience.
In conclusion, the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switches and Outemu Cold Plum linear switches offer unique sound profiles and typing experiences that cater to different preferences. While the Crystal Violet switches provide a low-pitched and mellow sound with a creamy and mild feel, the Cold Plum switches offer a thocky sound profile with a smooth keystroke. Ultimately, both switches are crafted to provide an enjoyable typing experience, ensuring that newcomers to mechanical keyboards will find satisfaction in their choice, whether they prefer a relaxed tactile typing experience or a distinctive linear sound profile.
Conclusion
In summary, when choosing between the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch and the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch, consider your preferences for operating force, sound profile, and typing experience. If you prefer a lighter operating force and a more mellow, low-pitched sound profile for a relaxed and stepped tactile typing experience, the Crystal Violet may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a medium-heavy operating force and a thocky sound profile with a smooth keystroke for a distinct and enjoyable typing feel, the Cold Plum could be the switch for you. Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference and the type of typing experience you value most.
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