KTT Mallo vs. Outemu Cold Plum
An in-depth look at the KTT Mallo and the Outemu Cold Plum switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the KTT Mallo and Outemu Cold Plum offer distinctive qualities that cater to different preferences. The KTT Mallo is praised for its subtle tactility and medium-light typing feel, providing a balanced and versatile option for typists. On the other hand, the Outemu Cold Plum stands out with its thocky sound profile and smooth keystrokes, offering a unique typing experience for enthusiasts. While the Mallo focuses on a gentle tactility and neutral sound signature, the Cold Plum excels in providing a satisfying sound and fully nylon construction. Ultimately, both switches have their own strengths and appeal to different 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
N/A
Actuation force
60g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
70g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Factory lubed
No
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
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The KTT Mallo uses a polycarbonate top housing, which provides a sharp, high-pitched, and crisp sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which results in a clear and resonant sound. On the other hand, the Outemu Cold Plum utilizes a nylon top housing, giving off a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Mallo. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound overall.
Both the Mallo and the Cold Plum feature a nylon bottom housing, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile during typing. The nylon material's ability to absorb sound leads to a duller and rounder sound, enhancing the overall typing experience. While the bottom housing of each switch may differ in material, the use of nylon in both cases results in a similar sound quality.
In switches where the top and bottom housings use different materials, the characteristics of each material are split between the top and bottom of the switch. The bottom housing has a more significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key. This division of qualities between the top and bottom housing materials can lead to unique typing experiences with each switch, emphasizing different aspects of sound and feel.
Weight
The KTT Mallo tactile switch and the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch have different actuation and bottom out forces. The Mallo has no specified actuation force, making it difficult to determine the exact amount of force needed to trigger a keystroke. However, it has a bottom out force of 55 grams, which is considered medium-light. On the other hand, the Cold Plum has an actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams, making it medium-heavy in comparison. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Mallo switch, while those who enjoy a more substantial push feel may prefer the Cold Plum. In terms of weight, the Mallo would be considered lighter due to its lower bottom out force, while the Cold Plum is heavier in comparison.Overall, these differences in actuation and bottom out forces cater to individual preferences for typing and gaming experiences.
Travel distance
The KTT Mallo tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. In this case, the Cold Plum is the shorter of the two switches. The Mallo offers a more traditional 4 mm travel distance, while the Cold Plum provides a shallower 3.3 mm distance. Gamers may appreciate the Cold Plum's shorter travel distance for faster response times, while those who prefer a more substantial key press may lean towards the Mallo with its longer travel distance. Overall, both switches offer different tactile experiences based on their travel distances, so choosing between the two would depend on individual preferences for key responsiveness and depth.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Mallo has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Mallo for $4.40.
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 terms of sound, the KTT Mallo tactile switch offers a neutral and subdued sound profile that strikes a balance between being noticeable and unobtrusive. This makes it a versatile option suitable for various typing environments. On the other hand, the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch is known for its thocky sound profile, providing a unique and satisfying typing experience for enthusiasts seeking a distinctive auditory feedback while typing. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
When it comes to the typing feel, the KTT Mallo switch offers a feathery and mild typing experience, providing a light actuation force that reduces finger fatigue and makes it comfortable for extended typing sessions. It also features a subtle tactile feedback that adds to the overall typing experience. On the other hand, details about the typing feel of the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch are unknown. However, considering its smooth keystroke and satisfying sound profile, it can be inferred that it offers a pleasant and enjoyable typing feel.
In conclusion, the KTT Mallo tactile switch and the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Mallo excels in its balanced sound profile and feathery typing feel, making it a versatile choice for various typing needs. On the other hand, the Cold Plum stands out with its thocky sound profile and smooth keystroke, providing a unique and enjoyable typing experience for enthusiasts. While they offer different qualities, selecting either switch will ultimately depend on personal preference and the specific typing experience you are looking to achieve.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the KTT Mallo tactile switch and the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch, consider your preferences for typing feel and sound. If you enjoy a gentle tactility and a neutral sound profile, the Mallo would be a great choice for versatile typing environments. On the other hand, if you prefer a thocky sound profile and a smooth keystroke, the Cold Plum offers a unique typing experience for enthusiasts seeking a distinct feel. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing preferences and the environment in which you'll be using your keyboard.
Mentioned in this article
