TTC Flame Red vs. Outemu Cold Plum
An in-depth look at the TTC Flame Red and the Outemu Cold Plum switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the TTC Flame Red and the Outemu Cold Plum mechanical keyboard switches, both linear switches offer a unique typing experience. The Flame Red is well-known for its dazzling light diffuser, making it the ideal choice for those who prefer a backlit, RGB keyboard. Typing on the Flame Reds provides a weighty smoothness and clacky sound profile, giving a polished feel. On the other hand, the Cold Plum switches from Outemu deliver a thocky sound profile and smooth keystroke due to their fully nylon construction. Enthusiasts who seek a distinct and enjoyable typing feel may find the Cold Plum switches to be a great choice. 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
54g
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
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Nylon
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
24.5mm long spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
Both the TTC Flame Red and the Outemu Cold Plum utilize nylon as their housing material, which gives them a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to harder plastics. This softer plastic absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches that use nylon. The Flame Red and Cold Plum both share this characteristic, providing a unique typing experience with a distinct sound profile.
In terms of the top housing, both the Flame Red and Cold Plum feature nylon material that contributes to the switches' overall typing experience. The softer plastic of the nylon absorbs more sound, creating a deeper and fuller sound profile for both switches. This results in a more tactile typing experience with a distinct sound that is softer and duller compared to switches made from harder plastics. While the top housing is similar for both switches, the differences between them may lie in the bottom housing material.
When the top and bottom housing materials are different for a switch, the qualities of each material will be split between the top and bottom of the switch. The bottom housing has a significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when you press down on the switch, while the top housing affects the sound when you release the key. While the Flame Red and Cold Plum share nylon as their top housing material, the differences in their bottom housing may lead to variations in the overall sound and feel of the switches. Ultimately, both switches offer a unique typing experience with their nylon housing materials, providing a deeper and fuller sound profile for users to enjoy.
Weight
In comparing the TTC Flame Red linear switch and the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch, it is evident that the Flame Red is lighter in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. The Flame Red has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 54 grams, making it a medium-light switch. On the other hand, the Cold Plum is heavier, with an actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams, categorizing it as medium-heavy. While the Flame Red provides a lighter typing experience, suitable for prolonged typing sessions, the Cold Plum offers a more substantial push feel, ideal for those who prefer a heavier typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on personal preference regarding typing force and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the TTC Flame Red linear switch and the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch, there is a noticeable difference. The Flame Red has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Cold Plum has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. This makes the Flame Red the longer of the two switches. The 4.0mm travel distance is more traditional, providing a satisfying amount of keypress depth. On the other hand, the 3.3mm travel distance of the Cold Plum is shallower, making it ideal for those seeking a quicker response time, such as gamers. Both switches offer their own advantages, with the Flame Red providing a more pronounced keypress feeling and the Cold Plum offering a faster response. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on individual preference for keypress depth and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Flame Red has an MSRP of $7.29 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Flame Red for $4.38.
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 conclusion, both the TTC Flame Red linear switch and the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences among mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. The Flame Red switch provides a weighty smoothness and clacky sound profile, making it a good choice for those who enjoy a tactile typing experience with a moderate actuation force requirement. On the other hand, the Cold Plum switch offers a distinct thocky sound profile and smooth keystroke due to its fully nylon construction, appealing to users seeking a satisfying and unique typing feel. While the sound and feel may differ between the two switches, both offer a quality typing experience that is sure to enhance your overall keyboard usage. Whether you prefer a visually appealing switch with a moderate sound profile like the Flame Red or a switch with a distinct sound and smooth keystroke like the Cold Plum, you can expect a high level of satisfaction with either choice. Ultimately, your decision may come down to personal preference and the specific characteristics you prioritize in a mechanical keyboard switch.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the TTC Flame Red linear switch and the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch, consider your preferences and priorities. If you prioritize a visually appealing backlit keyboard with a smooth and clacky typing experience, the Flame Red with its medium-light bottom out force of 54 grams may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you value a unique thocky sound profile, fully nylon construction, and a slightly heavier typing experience with a bottom out force of 70 grams, the Cold Plum could be the switch that meets your needs. Ultimately, the decision between these switches comes down to personal preference in terms of sound, feel, and visual aesthetics. Choose the one that aligns with your typing style and preferences for the best typing experience.
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