PH Studio Jacaranda vs. Outemu Cold Plum
An in-depth look at the PH Studio Jacaranda and the Outemu Cold Plum switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
If you're in the market for a new mechanical keyboard switch, you may be torn between the PH Studio Jacaranda and the Outemu Cold Plum. The Jacaranda, a linear switch, is praised for its gentle bottom-out force of 43.5g, making it ideal for extended typing sessions without causing finger fatigue. Its clacky sound profile adds a satisfying auditory feedback to every keystroke, while the extended 22mm spring provides a bouncy sensation that enhances the overall typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Cold Plum is also a linear switch but offers a thocky sound profile thanks to its fully nylon construction. This switch prioritizes a smooth keystroke and a unique sound, making it a favorite among keyboard enthusiasts. Both switches have their own strengths and weaknesses, but ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on your personal preferences. 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
39g
Actuation force
60g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
70g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Single stage lengthened 22mm spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The PH Studio Jacaranda and the Outemu Cold Plum both have unique housing materials that contribute to their sound profiles. The Jacaranda features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness. In contrast, the Cold Plum has a nylon top housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile as nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound. While the two materials have different characteristics, they both enhance the overall sound of the switch in their own ways.
On the bottom housing side, both the Jacaranda and the Cold Plum utilize nylon material. This classic switch housing material helps create a deeper and fuller sound profile by absorbing more sound than harder plastics. As a result, both switches offer a similar typing experience in terms of sound and feel. The bottom housing plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel of a switch, so having nylon in this part of the housing contributes to the overall typing experience of both switches.
Overall, the choice of housing material in a switch can significantly impact its sound profile and typing experience. The difference between polycarbonate and nylon in the top housing of the Jacaranda and the Cold Plum leads to distinct sound profiles, with polycarbonate offering a sharper sound and nylon providing a deeper sound. However, with both switches utilizing nylon in the bottom housing, they deliver a similar typing experience in terms of sound and feel. Whether you prefer a sharper, crisper sound or a deeper, fuller sound, both the Jacaranda and the Cold Plum offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences.
Weight
When comparing the PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch and the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch, the actuation force and bottom out force play a significant role in determining the typing experience. The Jacaranda has a lighter actuation force of 39 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it suitable for those who prefer a lighter touch when typing. In contrast, the Cold Plum has a heavier actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. The lighter actuation and bottom out force of the Jacaranda make it ideal for longer typing sessions, while the Cold Plum offers a more tactile and responsive typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch is 3.5 mm, while the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are preferred by gamers for their faster response times. The Jacaranda's slightly longer travel distance may provide a slightly deeper feel compared to the Cold Plum, which could be perceived as more abrupt due to its shorter travel distance. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on personal preference for either a more responsive feel or a more substantial key press depth.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The PH Studio Jacaranda has an MSRP of $3.90 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Jacaranda for $3.30.
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 comparing the subjective qualities of sound between the PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch and the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch, the Jacaranda is known for its clacky sound profile, offering a sharp and percussive feedback with each press. On the other hand, the Cold Plum switch's sound profile is not specified, so it may provide a different auditory experience that is yet to be detailed. Moving on to feel, the Jacaranda is praised for its silky typing experience, characterized by an exceptionally smooth keystroke that minimizes resistance for a seamless typing feel. In contrast, the tactile feel of the Cold Plum switch is unspecified, leaving room for exploration of its unique typing sensation. Overall, while the Jacaranda excels in providing a bouncy feel and clacky sound, the Cold Plum switch remains a mystery in terms of tactile feedback and sound profile, presenting an opportunity for users to discover its distinctive qualities through firsthand experience. Ultimately, both switches offer potential for a satisfying typing experience, with the Jacaranda emphasizing smoothness and audible feedback, while the Cold Plum holds promise in delivering a unique and enjoyable feel that may appeal to enthusiasts seeking something different.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch and the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch, consider your typing preferences. If you prefer a lighter bottom-out force and a bouncy typing experience with a clacky sound profile, the Jacaranda may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom-out force and a thocky sound profile, the Cold Plum could be more suitable. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing styles, so choose based on what feels most comfortable and enjoyable to you.
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