KTT Lightning vs. Outemu Cold Plum
An in-depth look at the KTT Lightning and the Outemu Cold Plum switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the KTT Lightning and the Outemu Cold Plum both offer unique features and benefits. The Lightning is a linear switch that is perfect for competitive gaming, providing a fast and responsive typing experience with a clacky sound profile. On the other hand, the Cold Plum is also a linear switch but offers a thocky sound profile and smooth keystrokes, making it a great option for enthusiasts looking for a more distinct typing feel. Both switches have their own strengths and qualities that cater to different preferences and needs. 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
43g
Actuation force
60g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
70g
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.00 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
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the KTT Lightning and the Outemu Cold Plum switches offer distinct characteristics that influence the sound profile and feel of typing. The Lightning's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound due to its stiffness, while the Cold Plum's nylon top housing produces a deeper and fuller sound by absorbing more sound with its softer plastic composition. In terms of aesthetics, the clear polycarbonate top housing of the Lightning is ideal for RGB lighting setups, while the nylon top housing of the Cold Plum offers a classic look without the translucency.
On the other hand, both the Lightning and Cold Plum switches use nylon for their bottom housing, resulting in a similar deep and full sound profile due to the material's softer nature. This creates a consistent typing experience in terms of sound when pressing down on the switch. However, the split between the top and bottom housing materials means that the bottom housing has more impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing affects the sound when releasing a key. This demonstrates how the nuances of housing materials can influence different aspects of the typing experience within a switch design.
Overall, while the Lightning and Cold Plum switches use different materials for their top housing (polycarbonate vs. nylon), the shared nylon bottom housing ensures a similar typing feel in terms of sound. The choice between polycarbonate and nylon for the top housing ultimately comes down to personal preference in sound profile and aesthetics. Both switches offer unique qualities based on their housing materials, catering to different preferences for sound and feel when typing. Whether you prefer a sharper, crisper sound with polycarbonate or a deeper, fuller sound with nylon, each switch provides a distinct typing experience that can enhance your overall satisfaction with your keyboard setup.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Lightning linear switch and the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch differ significantly. The Lightning switch has a lighter actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it ideal for those who prefer a lighter typing experience. In comparison, the Cold Plum switch 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 enjoy a stronger push feel. This means that the Lightning switch is lighter overall, making it suitable for extended typing sessions or gaming, while the Cold Plum switch offers a medium-heavy typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the KTT Lightning linear switch and the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch, it is evident that the Lightning has a shorter travel distance of 3 mm, while the Cold Plum has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.3 mm. Both switches fall in the category of shorter travel distances, which are favored by gamers for their faster response times. However, the slight difference in travel distance may result in a slightly different typing experience for users. Those who prefer a more immediate key press may lean towards the Lightning switch, while individuals who enjoy a slightly more deliberate feel may opt for the Cold Plum switch. Ultimately, both switches offer a shorter travel distance compared to traditional switches, providing a quicker and more responsive typing experience overall.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the KTT Lightning comes in at $3.41, whereas the Outemu Cold Plum comes in at $3.10.
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 KTT Lightning linear switch offers a clacky and high-pitched sound profile that is sharp and percussive, perfect for those seeking a snappy typing experience. In contrast, the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch provides a thocky sound profile, known for its deep and satisfying sound with a nylon construction that adds a unique acoustic signature to typing sessions. Depending on personal preference, users can choose between the sharpness of the Lightning or the depth of the Cold Plum for a tailored auditory experience.
When it comes to feel, the KTT Lightning linear switch is described as subtle and polished, offering a gentle resistance with a light typing feel and a smooth finish for a refined typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch's feel description is not available. However, with its nylon construction and unique typing experience, the Cold Plum switch may offer a smooth and satisfying keystroke, making it a great option for those looking for a distinct tactile feel during typing sessions.
Overall, both the KTT Lightning linear switch and the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel that cater to different preferences among keyboard enthusiasts. While the Lightning switch provides a clacky, high-pitched sound and a polished, subtle feel, the Cold Plum switch delivers a thocky sound profile and a potentially smooth and satisfying typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and overall typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when making a decision between the KTT Lightning linear switch and the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch, it all comes down to your preferences and needs. If you prioritize speed and a slick typing feel with a clacky sound profile, then the Lightning switch would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you value a unique typing experience with a thocky sound profile and fully nylon construction, then the Cold Plum switch would be a better fit. Ultimately, consider factors such as bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel to determine which switch would best suit your preferences and typing style. It's all about finding the right switch that enhances your typing experience and meets your individual needs as a mechanical keyboard enthusiast.
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