SP-Star Meteor White vs. Outemu Cold Plum
An in-depth look at the SP-Star Meteor White and the Outemu Cold Plum switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch to the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch, it is evident that each offers a unique typing experience. The Meteor White is known for its gentle linear feel and soft sound profile, making it a great choice for those looking for a mild and polished typing experience. On the other hand, the Cold Plum stands out with its thocky sound profile and fully nylon construction, providing enthusiasts with a distinct and satisfying typing feel. Choosing between the two ultimately depends on personal preference and the desired typing experience. 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
57g
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
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Nylon
Top housing material
Nylon
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
Both the SP-Star Meteor White and the Outemu Cold Plum utilize nylon as their housing material, offering a deep and fuller sound profile for typing. Nylon's ability to absorb more sound than harder plastics results in a duller and rounder sound, creating a unique typing experience for users of both switches. This means that whether you opt for the Meteor White or the Cold Plum, you can expect a similar acoustic experience that is enhanced by the nylon housing.
Although both switches feature nylon top and bottom housings, the specific qualities of each housing may vary slightly in impact. The bottom housing plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch when pressed down, while the top housing affects the sound when a key is released. This differentiation in impact allows for a nuanced typing experience with each switch, providing users with a variety of sensations depending on whether they are pressing down or releasing a key.
Overall, the utilization of nylon as the housing material in both the SP-Star Meteor White and the Outemu Cold Plum switches offers users a consistent typing experience characterized by a deeper and fuller sound profile. While the impact of the top and bottom housings may vary slightly in terms of sound and feel, the overall quality of the typing experience remains similar between the two switches. Whether choosing the Meteor White or the Cold Plum, users can expect a satisfying and tactile typing experience enhanced by the unique properties of nylon housing.
Weight
In comparing the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch and the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch, it is evident that the actuation force and bottom out force play a significant role in the typing experience. The Meteor White switch has an actuation force of None grams, making it lighter than the Cold Plum switch, which has an actuation force of 60 grams. In terms of bottom out force, the Meteor White requires 57 grams, while the Cold Plum necessitates 70 grams, making the Cold Plum the heavier of the two. Those who prefer a lighter keypress may opt for the Meteor White for longer typing sessions or gaming, while those seeking a more substantial typing experience may prefer the Cold Plum for a stronger push feel. Both switches offer a different typing experience due to their varying actuation and bottom out forces, catering to different preferences in the keyboard community.
Travel distance
The SP-Star Meteor White linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. The Cold Plum has a shorter travel distance compared to the Meteor White. A 4.0mm travel distance is considered more traditional, while 3.0mm is shallower. Gamers often prefer shorter travel distances for quicker response times, making the Cold Plum a popular choice for gaming. On the other hand, some users may find the shorter travel distance to feel too abrupt, in which case they may prefer the Meteor White with its slightly longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference in terms of desired responsiveness and key feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The SP-Star Meteor White has an MSRP of $5.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Meteor White for $5.00.
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
When comparing the sound qualities of the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch and the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch, the Meteor White offers a more neutral sound profile suitable for a wide range of users, while the Cold Plum produces a distinct thocky sound that provides a unique typing experience. Both switches can be customized with different keycaps and keyboard setups to further enhance or alter their sound profiles.
In terms of feel, the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch provides a mild and polished typing experience, offering a gentle and smooth keystroke for a comfortable typing feel. On the other hand, the Outemu Cold Plum switch is known for its smooth keystroke and satisfying feel, with a fully nylon construction contributing to its distinct typing experience. Both switches offer qualities that are appealing to enthusiasts seeking a comfortable and enjoyable typing feel.
Overall, while the SP-Star Meteor White and Outemu Cold Plum switches offer different sound and feel qualities, both provide excellent options for mechanical keyboard users. Whether you prefer a softer, more subdued typing experience with the Meteor White, or a unique and satisfying thocky sound profile with the Cold Plum, both switches can deliver a premium typing experience with the right combination of keycaps and keyboard configurations. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on personal preference and the type of typing feel and sound profile you are seeking in your mechanical keyboard setup.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding between the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch and the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch, you should consider your preferences and priorities. If you prioritize a gentle and soft typing experience with a subtle sound profile, the Meteor White may be the better choice for you. However, if you are looking for a unique and thocky typing experience with a medium-heavy bottom out force, the Cold Plum switch could be the perfect fit. Ultimately, your decision should be based on the feel and sound profile that best suits your typing style and preferences.
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