Keygeek Keygeek Raw vs. Outemu Cold Plum
An in-depth look at the Keygeek Keygeek Raw and the Outemu Cold Plum switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Keygeek Keygeek Raw and the Outemu Cold Plum mechanical keyboard switches, it is evident that they each offer a unique typing experience. The Keygeek Raw is praised for its unique material blend, combining Nylon, UMPE, and Silicon to create a switch that is both creamy and lightweight, with a slightly textured feel. On the other hand, the Outemu Cold Plum stands out for its thocky sound profile and fully nylon construction, providing a smooth keystroke and satisfying sound. While the Keygeek Raw is perfect for enthusiasts who prefer hand-lubing their switches, the Cold Plum is ideal for those seeking 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
N/A
Actuation force
60g
Bottom-out force
57.5g
Bottom-out force
70g
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Nylon
Top housing material
Nylon & UPE blend
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
UMPE & Si blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Keygeek Raw and Outemu Cold Plum housing materials both utilize nylon in their construction, which is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. The nylon top housing of both switches absorbs more sound due to its softer nature, resulting in a duller and rounder sound compared to harder plastics. This characteristic gives both switches a unique auditory experience that may be preferred by those who enjoy a quieter typing experience.
However, where the Keygeek Raw and Outemu Cold Plum differ is in the composition of their bottom housing materials. The Keygeek Raw features a UMPE & Si blend, while the Cold Plum sticks to nylon for its bottom housing. This variation in materials affects the overall feel and sound of the switches when pressed. The bottom housing of a switch usually plays a more significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel, so the Keygeek Raw may offer a slightly different tactile experience compared to the Cold Plum due to its unique blend of materials.
Despite the differences in their bottom housing materials, both the Keygeek Raw and Outemu Cold Plum switches share the common characteristic of nylon top housing, which contributes to their similar deep and full sound profiles. Ultimately, the choice between these switches may come down to personal preference in terms of the overall typing experience they offer. Whether you prefer the unique blend of UMPE & Si in the Keygeek Raw or the classic nylon construction of the Outemu Cold Plum, both switches provide a quality typing experience with their distinct housing materials.
Weight
The Keygeek Raw linear switch and the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch have different actuation and bottom out forces. The Keygeek Raw has an actuation force of None grams and a bottom out force of 57.5 grams, while the Cold Plum has an actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams. This means that the Keygeek Raw is lighter in terms of actuation force, but heavier in terms of bottom out force compared to the Cold Plum. For those looking for a lighter typing experience, the Keygeek Raw may be more suitable, as it requires less force to trigger a keystroke. On the other hand, the Cold Plum offers a more substantial typing experience due to its higher bottom out force. Both switches provide a medium to medium-heavy feel, so users can expect similar results in terms of overall typing sensation, although with slight differences in force required. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for typing feel and the amount of force one prefers when typing.
Travel distance
The Keygeek Raw linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, slightly longer than the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch with a travel distance of 3.3 mm. Both switches fall within the range of modern shorter travel distances which are popular among gamers for faster response times. Choosing between the two would depend on personal preference - if you prefer a more responsive feel, the Keygeek Raw may be the better choice, whereas if you prefer a more substantial keypress with slightly more depth, the Cold Plum could be the way to go. Overall, the difference in travel distance between the two switches is minimal and users can expect similar results in terms of typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Keygeek Keygeek Raw has an MSRP of $5.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Keygeek Raw for $3.51.
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 Keygeek Raw linear switch is designed to provide a neutral sound profile, making it suitable for a variety of typing environments and preferences. On the other hand, the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch does not have a specific sound descriptor available, so it may offer a unique typing experience with its thocky sound profile. Ultimately, the sound produced by both switches will also be influenced by external factors such as the keyboard and keycaps being used.
Moving on to feel, the Keygeek Raw linear switch offers a textured typing experience right out of the box, which can be appealing to users who prefer a bit of friction in their keystrokes. Additionally, it provides a mild and subtle resistance, creating a gentle typing feel that is suitable for shared spaces. Conversely, the feel of the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch is not specified, so it may offer a different tactile experience compared to the Keygeek Raw switch.
Considering all available information, if you are looking for a linear switch with a neutral sound profile and a slightly textured feel, the Keygeek Raw linear switch would be a great option to consider. However, if you are seeking a unique typing experience with a thocky sound profile and fully nylon construction, the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch may be more suited to your preferences. Regardless of your choice, both switches offer distinct qualities that can enhance your typing experience, so you can expect similar results in terms of overall performance.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Keygeek Raw linear switch and the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch, you should consider your preference for bottom out force and material blend. If you prefer a lighter bottom out force and a unique material blend of Nylon, UMPE, and Silicon, then the Keygeek Raw switch is a great option for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force and a thocky sound profile with fully nylon construction, the Outemu Cold Plum switch may be more suitable for your typing style. Ultimately, both switches offer a distinct typing experience, so it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences in terms of sound and feel.
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