KTT Darling vs. Outemu Cold Plum
An in-depth look at the KTT Darling and the Outemu Cold Plum switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The KTT Darling and Outemu Cold Plum are both linear mechanical keyboard switches that offer unique typing experiences. The Darling stands out with its chewy and substantial typing sensation, paired with a bouncy and responsive feel to each keystroke. It delivers a high-pitched, resonant sound upon bottoming out, creating a blend of tactile and auditory feedback. On the other hand, the Cold Plum is characterized by its thocky sound profile and smooth keystrokes due to its fully nylon construction. Enthusiasts looking for a distinct and enjoyable typing experience may lean towards the Cold Plum. 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
53g
Bottom-out force
70g
Pre-travel
2.00 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
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
Both the KTT Darling and the Outemu Cold Plum feature nylon bottom housings, which exude a deep and full sound profile. The softer nature of nylon allows for sound absorption, resulting in a more muted and rounded sound. This means that when typing on either switch, users can expect a more subdued bottom-out sound compared to switches with harder plastic bottom housings. The choice of nylon for the bottom housing in both switches showcases a preference for creating a deeper and more resonant typing experience.
In contrast, the top housing materials of the KTT Darling and the Outemu Cold Plum diverge, with the Darling utilizing polycarbonate and the Cold Plum featuring nylon. Polycarbonate is known for its stiffness, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. On the other hand, nylon's softer nature results in a deeper and fuller sound when typing. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing of the Darling allows for a more resonant and clear sound, while the nylon top housing of the Cold Plum creates a more rounded and mellow sound. These contrasting qualities in the top housing materials highlight the impact of material choice on the overall sound profile of a switch.
While the KTT Darling and the Outemu Cold Plum differ in their choice of top housing material, both switches showcase the importance of balancing stiffness and softness in creating a desired sound profile. The polycarbonate top housing of the Darling offers a sharper and more resonant sound, ideal for those seeking a clear and distinct typing experience. In comparison, the nylon top housing of the Cold Plum provides a deeper and fuller sound, catering to users who prefer a more muted and rounded typing feel. Despite their differences, both switches aim to enhance the typing experience by leveraging the unique acoustic properties of their housing materials to create a customized sound profile.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Darling linear switch and the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch, it is clear that the Darling is lighter while the Cold Plum is heavier. The Darling has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, making it a medium-light switch. On the other hand, the Cold Plum features an actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams, categorizing it as medium-heavy. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience for longer periods of time, the Darling would be the ideal choice. Meanwhile, the Cold Plum would cater more to individuals who enjoy a stronger push feel for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The KTT Darling linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. Therefore, the Darling switch has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Cold Plum switch. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are popular among gamers for their fast response times. Choosing between the two would depend on personal preference - if you prefer a slightly longer travel distance for a more traditional feel, the Darling switch may be more suitable. However, if you prefer a shorter travel distance for quicker key presses, the Cold Plum switch would be the better option. In either case, both switches provide a smooth linear feel while typing or gaming.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Darling has an MSRP of $4.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Darling for $3.90.
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 subjective qualities of the KTT Darling linear switch and the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch, it is evident that there are notable differences in both sound and feel. The KTT Darling switch offers a unique typing sensation with a chewy and substantial feel that is complemented by a bouncy and springy responsiveness to each keystroke. The acoustics of the Darling switch are described as high-pitched and resonant, creating a satisfying blend of tactile and auditory feedback. On the other hand, the Outemu Cold Plum switch is known for its thocky sound profile and smooth keystroke, making it a great choice for those who enjoy a distinct and enjoyable typing experience. While the Cold Plum switch may not offer the same bouncy feel as the Darling, its satisfying sound and smooth keystroke make it a popular choice among enthusiasts.
Overall, if you are looking for a switch with a more clacky and high-pitched sound profile, the KTT Darling linear switch would be the ideal choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a thocky sound and smooth keystroke, the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch would be more suitable for your preferences. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of sound and feel. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, ensuring that you will get a satisfying typing experience no matter which one you choose.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the KTT Darling linear switch and the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch, consider your preferences for typing experience. If you enjoy a chewy and substantial typing sensation with pronounced bounciness and a high-pitched, resonant sound, the Darling may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth keystroke with a thocky sound profile and a fully nylon construction, the Cold Plum switch might be more suited to your taste. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on your preference for typing feel and sound profile. Happy typing!
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