Keygeek Keygeek Raw vs. Kailh Plum
An in-depth look at the Keygeek Keygeek Raw and the Kailh Plum switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options stand out: the Keygeek Keygeek Raw and the Kailh Plum. The Keygeek Raw is a linear switch that stands out for its unique material blend, combining Nylon, UMPE, and Silicon to create a creamy yet lightweight feel. On the other hand, the Kailh Plum is a tactile switch known for its weightiness without a pronounced tactile bump, offering a unique typing experience. If you prefer a slightly textured feel and enjoy hand-lubing switches, the Keygeek Raw may be the perfect choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a heavier switch with a more subtle tactile bump, the Kailh Plum could be the way to go. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
57.5g
Bottom-out force
70g
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Pre-travel
1.70 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon & UPE blend
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
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 the Kailh Plum switches both have unique housing materials that contribute to their overall performance and sound profiles. The Keygeek Raw features a Nylon & UPE blend top housing, which is exclusive to Keygeek Raw switches, offering a distinct sound and feel when typing. In comparison, the Plum switch utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate allows for a more clear and resonant sound, making it ideal for switches with RGB lighting due to its translucency.
Moving on to the bottom housing, the Keygeek Raw switches have a UMPE & Si blend bottom housing, which provides a unique typing experience exclusive to this brand. On the other hand, the Kailh Plum switches utilize a nylon bottom housing, a classic switch housing material known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound that some typists may prefer for a more muted typing experience.
In terms of overall typing experience, the differences in housing materials between the Keygeek Raw and Kailh Plum switches result in distinct sound profiles and tactile feedback. While the bottom housing material plays a bigger role in the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, the top housing material impacts the sound when releasing a key. Therefore, the choice between these switches will ultimately depend on personal preference for sound and feel while typing, as each housing material brings its own unique qualities to the overall typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the Keygeek Raw linear switch and the Kailh Plum tactile switch, both switches have a similar actuation force, as it is unknown for both. However, the Keygeek Raw has a lighter bottom out force of 57.5 grams compared to the heavier 70 grams bottom out force of the Kailh Plum. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Keygeek Raw would be the better option, allowing for longer typing sessions without fatigue. On the other hand, the Kailh Plum would be preferred by those who enjoy a more substantial typing feel with a heavier bottom out force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
The Keygeek Raw linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Kailh Plum tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. Despite the slight variation, both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances which are popular for quick response times, especially among gamers. The Keygeek Raw offers a slightly shorter travel distance, making it ideal for those seeking a faster and more responsive typing experience. On the other hand, the Kailh Plum provides a slightly longer travel distance, which may appeal to users who prefer a more substantial key press feel. In conclusion, while there is a slight difference in travel distance between the two switches, both options offer similar benefits and would provide a comparable 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 Kailh Plum comes in at $6.25 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, both the Keygeek Raw and Kailh Plum switches are described as having a neutral sound profile, making them suitable for a variety of settings and users. The sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used, so it's important to consider the overall setup when choosing a switch based on sound.
When it comes to feel, the Keygeek Raw switch is known for its textured and mild typing experience, providing a subtle resistance that is not too heavy. The added touch of Silicon in the switch creates a unique feel that some users may find delightful. On the other hand, the Kailh Plum switch offers a mild typing experience with a stepped feel, giving it a two-stage tactile sensation that sets it apart from other tactile switches. Both switches provide a comfortable typing experience that falls within the middle ground zone of tactile feedback.
Overall, while the Keygeek Raw and Kailh Plum switches have their own unique qualities in terms of sound and feel, they both offer a neutral sound profile and a mild typing experience. Depending on personal preference and typing style, users can expect similar results in terms of sound and feel from either switch. It ultimately comes down to individual preference and which qualities are more important to the user when choosing between these two switches.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Keygeek Keygeek Raw linear switch and the Kailh Plum tactile switch, consider the factors of bottom out force, material composition, and typing experience. If you prefer a slightly lighter switch with a unique material blend for a creamy yet lightweight feel, the Keygeek Raw may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a heavier switch with a moderate tactile bump and a neutral sound profile, the Kailh Plum switch could be the ideal option. Ultimately, your decision should depend on your personal preferences in terms of typing feel, sound, and bottom out force to optimize your mechanical keyboard experience.
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