Gateron Melodic vs. Kailh Plum
An in-depth look at the Gateron Melodic and the Kailh Plum switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between the Gateron Melodic and the Kailh Plum mechanical keyboard switches, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and typing style. The Gateron Melodic offers a clicky experience, with a classic clicky sound and tactile feedback that is smooth and buttery. On the other hand, the Kailh Plum provides a unique tactile experience without a significant tactile bump, giving it a neutral and enjoyable sound profile. While the Melodic is perfect for those who enjoy a crunchy and invigorating typing experience, the Plum is ideal for those looking for a more mild and stepped tactile feedback. 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
60g
Bottom-out force
70g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.70 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
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 housing materials of the Gateron Melodic and the Kailh Plum switches are quite similar, as both feature a polycarbonate top housing. Polycarbonate is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness. This material is especially useful for switches with RGB lighting, thanks to its translucency. On the other hand, the bottom housing of both switches is made of nylon, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon is softer compared to polycarbonate and absorbs more sound, leading to a rounder and duller sound.
While the top housing of both the Melodic and Plum switches is made of polycarbonate, the bottom housing is where they differ in terms of material. The Melodic has a nylon bottom housing, while the Plum also features a nylon bottom housing. This split in housing materials between the top and bottom results in unique sound profiles for each switch. The impact of the bottom housing is felt more when pressing down on the switch, affecting the bottom-out sound and feel. On the other hand, the top housing plays a greater role in the sound when releasing a key, influencing the overall typing experience.
Despite the differences in bottom housing materials between the Gateron Melodic and Kailh Plum switches, both switches offer a balanced combination of polycarbonate and nylon materials. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing creates a clear and resonant sound profile, while the nylon bottom housing adds depth and fullness to the sound. Overall, users can expect a similar high-quality typing experience from both switches, with slight variations in sound and feel due to the different bottom housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Melodic clicky switch and the Kailh Plum tactile switch, it is clear that the Melodic is the lighter of the two with a bottom out force of 60 grams, while the Plum is slightly heavier with a bottom out force of 70 grams. Since the actuation force for both switches is unknown, it is difficult to determine how they compare in that aspect. However, the difference in bottom out force suggests that the Plum switch may provide a slightly more substantial typing experience compared to the Melodic switch. For those who prefer a lighter feel for extended typing sessions or gaming, the Melodic switch may be the better choice. In contrast, individuals who prefer a heavier push for a more tactile typing experience may lean towards the Plum switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on the individual's preferences regarding typing force and feel.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Gateron Melodic clicky switch and the Kailh Plum tactile switch, it is clear that the Melodic has a longer travel distance of 4 mm compared to the Plum's 3.6 mm. The Melodic's 4 mm travel distance provides a slightly deeper key press experience, which may be preferred by some who enjoy a more pronounced tactile response. On the other hand, the Plum's slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm may appeal to those looking for a more responsive and quicker typing experience. Both switches offer a different key press feel due to their varying travel distances, catering to different preferences among keyboard users. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on the individual's preference for travel distance and typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Melodic has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Melodic for $6.00.
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
When it comes to sound, the Gateron Melodic clicky switch offers a resonant and crunchy experience, with a higher-pitched sound profile that provides an immersive auditory experience. On the other hand, the Kailh Plum tactile switch provides a neutral sound profile that is enjoyable and suitable for a wide range of users. Both switches offer unique sound characteristics, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference in terms of the type of sound you prefer while typing.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Melodic clicky switch provides a buttery and invigorating typing sensation, with smooth and fluid keystrokes that offer pronounced feedback and a reactive feel. Conversely, the Kailh Plum tactile switch offers a mild and stepped typing experience, with a more gentle feel that falls in a safe middle-ground zone. Both switches offer different levels of tactile feedback, so depending on whether you prefer a more pronounced tactile bump or a gentler typing experience, you may lean towards one switch over the other.
Overall, the Gateron Melodic clicky switch and the Kailh Plum tactile switch both offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. If you enjoy a clicky switch with a higher-pitched sound profile and pronounced tactile feedback, the Gateron Melodic may be the choice for you. However, if you prefer a more neutral sound profile and a gentler typing experience, the Kailh Plum tactile switch could be the better option. Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference in terms of sound, feel, and the overall typing experience you desire from your mechanical keyboard.
Conclusion
In summary, when considering whether to choose the Gateron Melodic clicky switch or the Kailh Plum tactile switch, it's important to evaluate your preferences in terms of bottom out force, sound, and feel. If you prefer a medium bottom out force and enjoy a resonant or crunchy sound profile with a buttery or invigorating feel, then the Melodic switch may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and a neutral sound profile with a mild or stepped feel, then the Plum switch could better suit your typing preferences. Ultimately, the decision should come down to personal preference and what characteristics you value most in a mechanical keyboard switch.
Mentioned in this article
