Gateron Mountain Top vs. Outemu Cold Plum
An in-depth look at the Gateron Mountain Top and the Outemu Cold Plum switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Gateron Mountain Top and the Outemu Cold Plum mechanical keyboard switches, both are linear switches that offer a unique typing experience. The Mountain Top switch by Gateron is designed for office environments, providing a quiet and light actuation perfect for professional settings. On the other hand, the Cold Plum switch by Outemu delivers a thocky sound profile and smooth keystrokes, appealing to enthusiasts looking for a distinct typing feel. While the Mountain Top switch is known for its discreet and quiet typing experience, the Cold Plum switch stands out for its satisfying sound and nylon construction. 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
40g
Actuation force
60g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
70g
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
22mm double-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
Both the Gateron Mountain Top and the Outemu Cold Plum have top and bottom housings made of nylon, which means they will both elicit a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. The softness of nylon allows it to absorb more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. This commonality ensures that users of both switches will experience a similar typing experience in terms of sound.
However, while both switches share the same material for their housing, the design and construction of the housings may differ between the two. The Mountain Top and Cold Plum may have variations in the shape, thickness, or internal structure of their housings, leading to differences in sound and feel when typing. These variations can impact the overall performance and user experience of the switches, even though they share the same housing material.
Ultimately, the choice between the Gateron Mountain Top and the Outemu Cold Plum may come down to personal preference and typing style. Some users may prefer the sound and feel of one switch over the other based on the subtle differences in housing design, while others may find that they get similar results from both switches due to their shared nylon housing material. As with any mechanical switch, it is important to consider all factors, including the housing material, when making a decision on which switch is right for you.
Weight
In comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch and the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch, it is evident that the Mountain Top has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Cold Plum has a heavier actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams. The Mountain Top offers a lighter typing experience, making it ideal for those who prefer a lighter touch or need to type for extended periods without fatigue. On the other hand, the Cold Plum provides a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel, suitable for users who prefer a heavier keystroke. Both switches offer different weight options to cater to individual preferences, ensuring a comfortable typing experience for all users.
Travel distance
The Gateron Mountain Top linear switch and the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch both have relatively short travel distances compared to the traditional 4.0 mm. The Mountain Top has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, slightly longer than the Cold Plum's 3.3 mm. Gamers who prioritize fast response times may prefer the Cold Plum with its slightly shorter travel distance. On the other hand, those who prefer a bit more depth and a less abrupt feel when typing may lean towards the Gateron Mountain Top. Overall, both switches offer a similar experience due to their close travel distance measurements, providing users with a satisfying typing experience based on their personal preferences.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Gateron Mountain Top comes in at $6.00, whereas the Outemu Cold Plum comes in at $3.10.
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 Gateron Mountain Top switch is neutral, offering a moderate actuation force requirement and a moderate sound profile suitable for various purposes. On the other hand, the Outemu Cold Plum switch's sound profile is not specified, so it is recommended to consider other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps being used to determine the overall sound experience.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the Gateron Mountain Top switch offers a bouncy, easy-to-press, mild, snappy, and subtle typing experience. This means that the keys have a lively feel, require minimal force to activate, offer a gentle typing experience, are super responsive, and have a gentle resistance suitable for shared spaces. Unfortunately, the feel of the Outemu Cold Plum switch is not described, making it difficult to compare directly.
Overall, if the sound profile and feel are the same or similar between the Gateron Mountain Top and Outemu Cold Plum switches, you can expect to achieve comparable results in terms of typing experience. It is essential to consider both sound and feel preferences, as well as other factors such as switch material and construction, when choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch for your needs.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch and the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch, consider the environment in which you'll be using the keyboard and your personal preferences. If you value a light actuation force and a quiet typing experience, the Gateron Mountain Top switch may be the better option for professional settings. On the other hand, if you enjoy a thocky sound profile and a medium-heavy bottom out force, the Outemu Cold Plum switch could provide a unique and enjoyable typing feel. Ultimately, the decision comes down to your specific needs and typing preferences.
Mentioned in this article
