Durock Mamba vs. Outemu Cold Plum
An in-depth look at the Durock Mamba and the Outemu Cold Plum switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Durock Mamba and the Outemu Cold Plum mechanical keyboard switches, both linear switches offer distinct qualities that may appeal to different types of users. The Mamba switches provide a gliding typing sensation and a rich auditory experience, thanks to its 'Neutral', 'Mild', 'Thocky', and 'Polished' characteristics. On the other hand, the Cold Plum switches are known for their thocky sound profile and smooth keystrokes, making them a great choice for enthusiasts seeking a unique 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
60g
Bottom-out force
70g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Ly
Stem material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Extended long spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Durock Mamba and the Outemu Cold Plum have distinct characteristics that contribute to the overall typing experience. The Mamba's Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend top housing offers a bright and pleasant sound profile, while the Cold Plum's nylon top housing produces a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer nature. In terms of the bottom housing, the Mamba's POM housing creates a deeper and more muted sound, whereas the Cold Plum's nylon bottom housing also contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. Despite these differences, both switches utilize classic housing materials that have their own unique qualities.
While the top and bottom housing materials of the Durock Mamba and the Outemu Cold Plum differ, they both play a crucial role in determining the overall sound and feel of the switch. The Mamba's POM bottom housing and the Cold Plum's nylon bottom housing both affect the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed. On the other hand, the Mamba's Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend top housing and the Cold Plum's nylon top housing impact the sound when a key is released. Despite the split between top and bottom housing materials, both switches aim to provide a satisfying typing experience with their unique sound profiles.
In conclusion, the choice of housing materials in switches such as the Durock Mamba and the Outemu Cold Plum can greatly influence the typing experience. The Mamba's blend of Polymer nylon and UHMWPE creates a bright and pleasant sound profile, while the Cold Plum's nylon housing offers a deeper and fuller sound. Similarly, the POM bottom housing of the Mamba and the nylon bottom housing of the Cold Plum both contribute to a deeper and muted sound. Overall, the selection of housing materials in mechanical switches plays a key role in shaping the sound and feel of each keystroke.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Mamba linear switch and the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch, it is evident that the Mamba has a lighter actuation force of None grams compared to the Cold Plum's 60 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Mamba requires 60 grams while the Cold Plum needs 70 grams, making the Cold Plum the heavier option. Those who prefer a lighter touch may lean towards the Mamba for extended typing or gaming sessions, while the Cold Plum would appeal to users who enjoy a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel. Despite the differences in force requirements, users can expect similar results in terms of actuation and bottom out forces when using either of these switches. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on individual preferences for typing feel and force feedback.
Travel distance
The Durock Mamba linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. Both switches offer a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the traditional 4.0 mm distance, making them popular choices for gamers seeking faster response times. However, the Mamba has a slightly longer travel distance than the Cold Plum, which may provide a more substantial tactile feedback for those who prefer a deeper key press. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and the level of responsiveness desired.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock Mamba has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Mamba for $5.17.
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 Durock Mamba linear switch offers a neutral sound profile that is suitable for a wide range of users, whether they are beginners or advanced typists. The switch provides a moderate actuation force requirement and a moderate sound profile. On the other hand, the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch is known for its thocky sound profile, producing a deep, rich, and satisfying sound when pressed. The choice of board and keycaps can also influence the sound of the switches.
Moving on to the feel, the Durock Mamba linear switch offers a mild typing experience, making it approachable to most users. The switch has a smooth and polished feel, providing a refined and sleek typing experience. This is achieved through either the materials used or factory lubing, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. As for the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch, information about its feel is unavailable.
Overall, both the Durock Mamba and Outemu Cold Plum linear switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. While the Mamba switch provides a neutral sound and a mild, polished feel, the Cold Plum switch delivers a thocky sound profile with a smooth keystroke. Depending on individual preferences for sound and feel, users can select the switch that best suits their typing style and preferences. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will result in a pleasant typing experience with distinct auditory and tactile feedback.
Conclusion
In closing, if you are looking for a smoother, more polished typing experience with a lower actuation force, the Durock Mamba linear switch would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force and enjoy a distinct thocky sound profile, the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch would be more suitable for your typing preferences. Ultimately, your decision between these two switches should be based on your personal preference for typing feel and sound, as both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community.
Mentioned in this article
