Gateron Ink Yellow vs. Outemu Cold Plum
An in-depth look at the Gateron Ink Yellow and the Outemu Cold Plum switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Gateron Ink Yellow and the Outemu Cold Plum, both of which are linear switches. The Gateron Ink Yellow is known for its shorter travel distance, providing a typing experience that falls somewhere between a laptop keyboard and a standard mechanical keyboard. This switch is favored for its smoothness and clackiness, making it a great choice for those looking for a polished typing feel. On the other hand, the Outemu Cold Plum stands out for its thocky sound profile and fully nylon construction, offering a unique typing experience that is smooth and satisfying. While each switch has its own strengths and characteristics, choosing between them ultimately comes down to personal preference. 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
60g
Actuation force
60g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
70g
Pre-travel
1.50 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Proprietary INK blend
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Gateron Ink Yellow and the Outemu Cold Plum both offer unique housing materials that contribute to the overall sound profile of the switch. The Ink Yellow's proprietary INK blend top housing provides a pointed and high-pitched sound, described as clacky, while the Cold Plum's nylon top housing offers a deeper and fuller sound profile. This contrast in sound can make a noticeable difference depending on the user's preference for sound and typing experience.
In terms of the bottom housing, the Ink Yellow's proprietary INK blend and the Cold Plum's nylon material also offer differing sound profiles. The INK blend bottom housing provides a similar high-pitched and clacky sound as the top housing, while the nylon bottom housing creates a duller and rounder sound. This variation in sound can affect the overall typing experience and feeling of the switch when pressed down.
While there are distinct differences in the housing materials of the Gateron Ink Yellow and the Outemu Cold Plum, both switches can provide a satisfying typing experience depending on individual preferences. The split qualities between the top and bottom housing of a switch can impact the sound profile and feel of each keystroke. Ultimately, users may prefer the sharp and clacky sound of the INK blend housing in the Gateron Ink Yellow, or the deeper and fuller sound of the nylon housing in the Outemu Cold Plum, based on their personal preferences for sound and typing feedback.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch and the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch are quite similar, with both switches having an actuation force of 60 grams. However, the bottom out force of the Ink Yellow is 67 grams, while the Cold Plum has a slightly heavier bottom out force of 70 grams. This means that the Cold Plum switch will provide a slightly more substantial typing experience compared to the Ink Yellow switch. For those who prefer a lighter typing feel, the Ink Yellow may be the better option, as it allows for longer typing sessions without causing fatigue. On the other hand, the Cold Plum switch may be preferred by those who enjoy a stronger push feel and a more solid typing experience. Overall, both switches offer a medium-heavy typing feel, with the Cold Plum being slightly heavier than the Ink Yellow.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch is 3.5 mm, while the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch has a slightly shorter distance of 3.3 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them suitable for gamers looking for faster response times. The Ink Yellow, with its slightly longer travel distance, may provide a slightly more cushioned feel compared to the Cold Plum. However, for those who prefer a more abrupt response, the Cold Plum's shorter travel distance may be more appealing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and the desired typing or gaming experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Ink Yellow has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ink Yellow for $7.35.
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 terms of sound, the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch offers a neutral sound profile with a moderate actuation force requirement, suitable for various typing purposes. It also has a clacky characteristic, producing a sharp and percussive sound when pressed. On the other hand, the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch is known for its thocky sound profile, providing a unique and satisfying typing experience. While the sound of a switch can be influenced by factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used, both switches offer distinctive sound qualities that cater to different preferences.
Moving on to the feel, the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch provides a mild typing experience with a smooth and polished finish, offering a gentle and refined typing feel. This switch falls within a safe middle-ground zone, appealing to a wide range of users due to its approachable qualities. On the other hand, the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch offers a smooth keystroke and a satisfying feel, making it a great choice for enthusiasts looking for a distinct typing experience. While specific information regarding the feel of the Cold Plum switch is unclear, its nylon construction and overall design contribute to a comfortable typing experience.
In conclusion, the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch and the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch each offer unique sound and feel qualities that cater to different preferences. The Ink Yellow switch provides a clacky sound and a polished feel, while the Cold Plum switch is known for its thocky sound profile and smooth keystroke. Depending on your typing preferences and desired experience, both switches can provide a satisfying and enjoyable mechanical keyboard experience. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will come down to personal preference and the specific typing experience you are looking to achieve.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering whether to choose the Gateron Ink Yellow or the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your preference for typing experience. If you prefer a shorter travel distance and a smoother typing feel reminiscent of a laptop keyboard, the Ink Yellow may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a thocky sound profile and a fully nylon construction that provides a unique typing experience, the Cold Plum switch may be more suitable. Both switches offer medium-heavy bottom-out forces, so it really depends on whether you prioritize smoothness and clackiness or a distinct sound profile and feel in your mechanical keyboard. Ultimately, the decision is yours to make based on your personal preferences and typing style.
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