Dareu Mahjong vs. Outemu Cold Plum
An in-depth look at the Dareu Mahjong and the Outemu Cold Plum switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Dareu Mahjong and Outemu Cold Plum mechanical keyboard switches, both are linear switches that offer a unique typing experience. The Mahjong switches stand out with their green and white color scheme, providing a lively and poppy sound signature while offering an effortless typing experience. On the other hand, the Cold Plum switches by Outemu boast a thocky sound profile and fully nylon construction, delivering a smooth keystroke and satisfying sound that appeals to enthusiasts seeking a distinct typing feel. While both switches have their strengths, such as the Mahjong being bouncy and polished, and the Cold Plum offering a neutral feel, it 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
45g
Actuation force
60g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
70g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
POK
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Dareu Mahjong and the Outemu Cold Plum both utilize nylon as the material for their bottom housing. Nylon is known for producing a deep and fuller sound profile when typing on switches, absorbing more sound than harder plastics and creating a duller and rounder sound. This means that both switches will provide a satisfying typing experience with the nylon bottom housing contributing to the overall sound profile and feel of the switch.
However, where the two switches differ is in their top housing material. The Mahjong features a POK top housing, which is praised for its smoothness and durability. With a coefficient of friction slightly higher than LY, the POK material creates smooth and clacky switches that are exceptionally strong and wear-resistant. On the other hand, the Cold Plum's nylon top housing offers a softer plastic that absorbs sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. While both materials contribute to a quality typing experience, they do so in slightly different ways.
Ultimately, the choice between the Dareu Mahjong and the Outemu Cold Plum will come down to personal preference in terms of sound and feel. The Mahjong's POK top housing provides smooth and durable switches, while the Cold Plum's nylon top housing offers a deeper and fuller sound profile. Both switches benefit from the classic nylon bottom housing, ensuring a satisfying typing experience overall. Whether you prefer a smoother switch with POK top housing or a switch with a rounder sound profile thanks to nylon top housing, both options offer quality housing materials for a great typing experience.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Dareu Mahjong linear switch and the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch, it is clear that the Cold Plum is the heavier option. The Mahjong has an actuation force of 45 grams, while the Cold Plum has a higher actuation force of 60 grams. However, the bottom out force for the Mahjong is unknown, while the Cold Plum has a bottom out force of 70 grams, making it a medium-heavy switch. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may opt for the Mahjong, as it requires less force to actuate, allowing for longer typing sessions without fatigue. On the other hand, the Cold Plum is ideal for those who prefer a stronger push feel for a more substantial typing experience. Both switches offer unique benefits depending on the user's preference, resulting in a different typing experience based on the actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Dareu Mahjong linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are becoming increasingly popular, especially among gamers looking for faster response times. The Mahjong switch may provide a slightly deeper feel when pressed compared to the Cold Plum switch, which could feel more abrupt in comparison. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and the intended use, whether for gaming or typing.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Dareu Mahjong has an MSRP of $8.89 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Mahjong for $5.79.
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
Overall, the Dareu Mahjong linear switch offers a lively and poppy sound signature, along with a bouncy and polished typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch provides a thocky sound profile and a smooth keystroke. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, making them suitable choices for enthusiasts looking for a distinct typing feel. While specific details on the sound and feel of the Cold Plum switch are not provided, based on the information given, it can be inferred that the Mahjong and Cold Plum switches will deliver similar results in terms of sound and feel. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will come down to personal preference and what characteristics you prioritize in your typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Dareu Mahjong linear switch and the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences. If you value a distinct and lively typing experience with a poppy sound, the Mahjong switch may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a thocky sound profile with a medium-heavy bottom out force and smooth keystrokes, the Cold Plum switch could be more suited to your liking. Consider your typing style, noise preferences, and desired feel when making your decision between these two unique switches. Ultimately, both switches offer their own set of characteristics that can enhance your typing experience, so choose the one that aligns best with your preferences.
Mentioned in this article
