TTC Flaming Pink vs. Outemu Cold Plum
An in-depth look at the TTC Flaming Pink 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 TTC Flaming Pink and the Outemu Cold Plum both offer unique experiences for typists and gamers alike, yet they cater to different preferences. The Flaming Pink switches stand out with their smooth, responsive feel and satisfying bottom-out sound, providing a premium typing experience that excels in both gaming and everyday tasks without being overly loud. In contrast, the Outemu Cold Plum switches feature a fully nylon construction and a distinctive, thocky sound profile that appeals to enthusiasts seeking a more pronounced auditory feedback along with a smooth keystroke. While the Flaming Pink offers a refined balance suited for versatility, the Cold Plum delivers a more robust and unique feel that can be particularly satisfying for those who prioritize sound and tactile feedback. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
43g
Actuation force
60g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
70g
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
24mm single-staged spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The TTC Flaming Pink and the Outemu Cold Plum switches showcase a notable contrast in their top housing materials, which significantly impacts their sound profiles and typing experiences. The Flaming Pink utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, a material known for its stiffness, contributing to a sharper and crisper sound. This rigidity allows for a more pronounced auditory feedback, making it ideal for users who prefer a clearer sound when keys are released. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate enhances the aesthetic appeal of the switch, especially when used with RGB lighting, as it allows the light to diffuse more effectively. In contrast, the Cold Plum features a nylon top housing that doesn’t possess the same rigidity as polycarbonate. Instead, nylon absorbs sound more effectively, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. This creates an audio experience that is more muted and rounded, making it preferable for users who enjoy a softer auditory feedback when typing.
Despite the difference in materials for their top housings, both switches employ nylon for their bottom housings, resulting in similar characteristics in terms of sound absorption and overall typing feel. The nylon bottom housing in the Flaming Pink contributes to its deeper sound profile while also ensuring a comfortable typing experience, as it absorbs vibrations and cushions keystrokes. Similarly, the Outemu Cold Plum's nylon bottom housing enhances the subdued nature of its auditory feedback, reinforcing its full-bodied sound by muffling the impact noise when keys bottom out. Given that both switches adopt nylon for this crucial component, users can expect to experience a comparable tactile comfort and resonance in the results they yield, regardless of the differences observed in their top housings.
When considering the combined effects of these housings, the overall experience derived from each switch diverges due to the top housing material differences. The Flaming Pink delivers a more pronounced sound when keys are released, thanks to the polycarbonate’s stiffness, while the Cold Plum offers more of a soft and mellow sound profile influenced by its nylon top housing. This segmentation of characteristics means that users will feel the distinct influence of each material while typing; the bottom housing’s contribution to the bottom-out sound will be common to both switches due to the use of nylon, yet the release sounds will diverge significantly depending on the top housing. Thus, while both switches provide a comfortable typing experience rooted in their shared nylon bottom housing, their distinct top housing materials create unique auditory experiences that cater to different user preferences.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Flaming Pink linear switch and the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch, a clear distinction emerges regarding their actuation and bottom out forces. The Flaming Pink switch features a lighter actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it ideal for users who prefer a more forgiving typing experience, perfect for extended typing sessions or prolonged gaming. In contrast, the Cold Plum switch is designed with a heavier actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams, appealing to those who enjoy a more substantial and tactile feedback when typing. As a result, the Flaming Pink is the lighter option, while the Cold Plum is the heavier one. If users appreciate a lighter touch to reduce fatigue over time, they should gravitate towards the Flaming Pink, whereas those who favor a stronger push would find the Cold Plum more suitable for their typing preferences.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the TTC Flaming Pink linear switch and the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch, the Flaming Pink measures 3.6 mm, while the Cold Plum has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. This means that the Flaming Pink provides a longer travel distance, which some users may find more satisfying or substantial, as it can lead to a more tactile typing experience. In contrast, the Cold Plum, with its shorter travel distance, may appeal more to gamers or those who prioritize responsiveness, as it enables quicker actuation and faster response times. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual preferences, with the Flaming Pink being ideal for those who enjoy a more pronounced depth and the Cold Plum catering to those who favor a snappier feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Flaming Pink has an MSRP of $4.29 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Flaming Pink for $4.00.
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 it comes to sound, the TTC Flaming Pink switch offers a bright yet not overly loud sound profile that strikes a balance between being pleasant and non-intrusive. This makes it versatile for both gaming and everyday use. In contrast, the Outemu Cold Plum switch has a thocky sound profile that is more pronounced, likely appealing to enthusiasts who enjoy a deeper and more resonant auditory feedback. Sound characteristics can also be influenced by the choice of keyboard and keycap materials, so the final outcome may vary based on individual setups.
In terms of feel, the TTC Flaming Pink switches are known for their smooth and responsive keystrokes, which provide a premium typing experience. This smoothness translates well across various types of tasks, whether gaming or typing. The Outemu Cold Plum switches also emphasize smooth keystrokes but with a unique twist—thanks to their fully nylon construction, they provide a distinct sensation that adds to an enjoyable and tactile typing experience. Both switches aim to deliver satisfaction with each press, though the particular properties of their materials may lead to different nuances in how they feel under the fingers.
In summary, the TTC Flaming Pink switch provides a balanced auditory experience with a smooth feel that's versatile for multiple applications, while the Outemu Cold Plum switch presents a more pronounced thocky sound and a unique typing sensation due to its nylon construction. Both switches offer distinct yet enjoyable experiences that can be tailored further by the choice of keyboard and keycaps, making them excellent options for newcomers looking to explore the world of mechanical keyboards.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between TTC Flaming Pink and Outemu Cold Plum linear switches ultimately depends on your personal preferences and intended use. If you prioritize a smooth and responsive typing experience combined with a lighter touch, the Flaming Pink switches are an excellent option. They are especially well-suited for gaming and everyday tasks where quick key presses and a less strenuous typing experience are desirable. On the other hand, if you prefer a more robust feel and enjoy a thocky sound profile coupled with a firmer bottom-out force, the Cold Plum switches are your go-to choice. Their medium-heavy resistance can add a sense of control, making them ideal for those who enjoy a more substantial keystroke, providing a unique typing experience that caters to enthusiasts. Ultimately, consider your typing style, the sound you love, and how you intend to use your keyboard to make the right choice for your needs.
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