HMX Hibiscus vs. Outemu Cold Plum

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Hibiscus and Outemu Cold Plum both offer unique experiences, yet cater to different typing preferences. The Hibiscus is celebrated for its ultra-light actuation force, making it an ideal choice for those who favor a nimble and swift typing experience. Its distinctive clacky and poppy sound adds an element of excitement to each keystroke, while its bouncy and feathery touch provides an airy feel that can delight typists who enjoy a bit of feedback. On the other hand, the Outemu Cold Plum stands out with its thocky sound profile, a characteristic that appeals to enthusiasts seeking a more substantial auditory and tactile sensation with every press. The Cold Plum's fully nylon construction contributes to its smooth keystroke, ensuring durability without compromising on comfort—making it an excellent choice for those who prefer a solid, satisfying feel with their typing. While both switches are linear and offer a satisfying typing experience, their sound profiles and tactile sensations create distinctly different atmospheres. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.

By the numbers

HMX Hibiscus Linear

Outemu Cold Plum Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

$3.10 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

Both the HMX Hibiscus and the Outemu Cold Plum utilize nylon for both their top and bottom switch housings, which presents a notable similarity in their construction. This shared material choice makes a significant impact on the typing experience, as nylon is recognized for its ability to elicit a deeper and fuller sound profile. Being a softer plastic, nylon absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, yielding a duller and rounder auditory quality. Consequently, users can expect a similar acoustic experience when typing on either switch, as the fundamental characteristics of the nylon material prevail in shaping the auditory feedback from each switch.

When it comes to the overall typing sensation and sound profile, the identical nylon construction in both the Hibiscus and Cold Plum contributes to a cohesive performance. While each housing type may affect the switch in different ways—where the bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and feel, and the top housing affects the release sound—the use of nylon in both components ensures that the core tonal qualities remain consistent. Users can thus enjoy a uniformly pleasant typing experience that retains the same characteristic sound, which makes switching between these two models seamless in terms of auditory expectations.

Notably, the design choices in both switches emphasize sound absorption and quality, ensuring that typists benefit from a richer experience. Despite potential variances in other aspects, such as switch actuation force or tactile feedback, the nylon materials used in both the HMX Hibiscus and Outemu Cold Plum act as a common factor that leads to pleasing auditory results. As such, typists can enjoy a consistently rich, deep sound across both models, confirming that through the commonality of material, a similar typing experience awaits them whether they choose the Hibiscus or the Cold Plum.

Weight

The HMX Hibiscus linear switch and the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch present distinct differences in both actuation force and bottom out force. The Hibiscus features a light actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, making it suitable for users who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Cold Plum is notably heavier with an actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams, appealing to those who enjoy a more substantial push feel during use. This difference indicates that users seeking a light and responsive experience would be better served by the Hibiscus, whereas those who favor a medium-heavy switch might opt for the Cold Plum, appreciating the stronger tactile feedback. Overall, while both switches are designed for different preferences, the Hibiscus's lighter forces may lead to less fatigue during prolonged usage compared to the more robust feel of the Cold Plum.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Hibiscus linear switch and the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch, it is evident that the Hibiscus has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Cold Plum features a slightly shorter distance of 3.3 mm. This makes the Hibiscus a better choice for those who prefer a more substantial keypress experience, as it offers a deeper travel distance, which can feel more satisfying for some users. On the other hand, the Cold Plum’s shorter travel distance may appeal to gamers looking for quicker actuation and faster response times, making it a suitable option for competitive gameplay. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences regarding key feel; if you prefer a bit more depth, the HMX Hibiscus is the way to go, while those seeking responsiveness may lean towards the Outemu Cold Plum.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the HMX Hibiscus switch impresses with a clacky sound signature that is both sharp and snappy, delivering a crisp, bright response upon actuation. This sound is characterized by its percussive quality, appealing to those who enjoy a more pronounced auditory feedback while typing. In contrast, the Outemu Cold Plum switch features a thocky sound profile, which provides a deeper and more resonant auditory experience. This unique combination of sounds from the Hibiscus and Cold Plum switches showcases the variety of acoustic preferences available; however, the overall sound may vary depending on the choice of keyboard and keycaps, which can influence the final auditory result.

Regarding feel, the Hibiscus switches stand out with their bouncy and feathery characteristics. The bouncy sensation offers a spring-like feedback during typing, creating a lively experience as the keys provide a sense of rebound when pressed. This, combined with their exceptionally light actuation force, makes the Hibiscus switches easy to use, significantly reducing finger fatigue during long typing sessions. Unfortunately, the specifics of the Cold Plum switch’s feel are unknown, so it’s difficult to draw comparisons directly. However, enthusiasts looking for a smooth typing experience will find it likely that both switches excel in their own ways, catering to different preferences.

In conclusion, both the HMX Hibiscus and Outemu Cold Plum linear switches offer unique auditory and tactile experiences that can significantly enhance a typing setup. The Hibiscus is favored for its clacky sound and comfortable feel, while the Cold Plum stands out with its thocky profile. Although some qualities of the Cold Plum remain unknown, users will likely appreciate the distinct typing experiences provided by both switches. Ultimately, the choice will rely on individual sound preferences and desired tactile feedback, making it essential for newcomers to consider personal comfort and preferences when selecting a switch.

Conclusion

To conclude, your choice between the HMX Hibiscus linear switch and the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you prioritize a lighter touch and a lively, bouncy feel under your fingers, the Hibiscus switches will likely serve you well, especially during extended typing sessions where comfort and reduced finger fatigue are paramount. Their clacky sound signature adds an engaging auditory feedback that many find satisfying, making them suitable for casual typing and gaming alike. On the flip side, if you prefer a slightly more robust feel and enjoy a moderate sound profile that is more thocky and rich, the Outemu Cold Plum switches may be your go-to choice. The heavier bottom-out force offers a more deliberate keypress that some enthusiasts appreciate, particularly for typing where a firmer feedback is desirable. In essence, consider the HMX Hibiscus for a light, airy experience with a satisfying sound, while the Outemu Cold Plum is ideal for those who appreciate a bit more weight and a deeper acoustic character.

Mentioned in this article

HMX Hibiscus Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn more

Outemu Cold Plum Linear

$3.10 per 10

Learn more