TTC Gold Brown vs. Outemu Cold Plum
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Brown and the Outemu Cold Plum switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Gold Brown and Outemu Cold Plum offer unique characteristics for users to consider. The Gold Brown switch is praised for its balanced nature, featuring a slight bump and moderate weightiness that provides a satisfying typing experience. Its softer sound profile and neutral feel make it a versatile option for various typing preferences. On the other hand, the Cold Plum switch stands out with its thocky sound profile and smooth keystrokes, thanks to its fully nylon construction. This switch is ideal for enthusiasts looking for a distinct and enjoyable 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
55g
Actuation force
60g
Bottom-out force
63g
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
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the TTC Gold Brown and the Outemu Cold Plum, one noticeable difference is the material used for the top housing. The Gold Brown features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile due to its stiffness. In contrast, the Cold Plum utilizes a nylon top housing, leading to a deeper and fuller sound profile as nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound. This contrast in materials results in different auditory experiences for users of both switches.
Moving on to the bottom housing, both the Gold Brown and the Cold Plum feature nylon bottom housings. In this case, the similar material leads to a shared experience of a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing on switches of either variety. The absorption properties of nylon play a significant role in creating a more rounded sound that enhances the overall typing experience. Despite differences in the top housing material, having a common bottom housing material ensures that users will experience similar results in terms of sound and feel when using both switches.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in mechanical switches can significantly impact the sound and feel of the typing experience. While the Gold Brown's polycarbonate top housing creates a clear and resonant sound, the Cold Plum's nylon top housing offers a deeper and fuller sound profile. Both switches share a nylon bottom housing, resulting in a consistent experience of a duller and rounder sound. Understanding the differences in housing materials can help individuals choose a switch that best suits their preferences for sound and tactile feedback while typing.
Weight
The TTC Gold Brown tactile switch and the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch have different actuation and bottom out forces, with the Gold Brown being lighter overall. The Gold Brown has an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 63 grams, making it more suitable for those who prefer a lighter typing experience. In contrast, the Cold Plum has an actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams, making it slightly heavier and more suitable for those who prefer a stronger push feel while typing. Both switches provide a medium to medium-heavy resistance level, ensuring a comfortable typing experience for users. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The TTC Gold Brown tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, making it the longer option compared to the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch which has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. The Gold Brown provides a more traditional and deeper key press experience, which some may find more satisfying and accurate for typing. On the other hand, the Cold Plum offers a slightly shorter travel distance, which can be preferred by gamers looking for quicker response times. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for typing feel and gaming performance. Both switches will provide quality performance, but the Gold Brown will offer a slightly longer key press distance compared to the Cold Plum.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Gold Brown has an MSRP of $5.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gold Brown for $3.28.
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 Gold Brown switch offers a more neutral profile with a moderate actuation force requirement, making it suitable for a wide range of users and settings. On the other hand, the Outemu Cold Plum switch is known for its thocky sound profile, which may appeal to those looking for a more distinct auditory experience. Keep in mind that the sound produced by these switches can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the TTC Gold Brown switch provides a mild and buttery typing experience, offering a smooth and gentle keystroke that falls within a safe middle-ground zone in terms of tactility. Additionally, the switch is described as accented, providing a noticeable amount of tactility without being overwhelming. The Outemu Cold Plum switch, on the other hand, does not have specific descriptors available, leaving its tactile characteristics somewhat unknown.
In conclusion, the TTC Gold Brown and Outemu Cold Plum switches offer distinct qualities in both sound and feel. While the Gold Brown provides a balanced and approachable typing experience with a softer sound profile, the Cold Plum delivers a unique thocky sound with a smooth keystroke. Ultimately, both switches have their own appeal and it would be advisable to try them out in person to determine which one suits your preferences best. Keep in mind that individual typing preferences can greatly influence the perceived qualities of a switch, so experimentation is key in finding the perfect fit for your mechanical keyboard setup.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch and the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch, consider your preference for actuation force and sound profile. If you prefer a medium actuation force with a balanced and slightly tactile typing experience, the Gold Brown would be a suitable choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a medium-heavy actuation force and a unique thocky sound profile with smooth keystrokes, the Cold Plum switch may be more to your liking. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to personal preference in terms of actuation force and typing experience.
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