United States: Free shipping on orders over $49

Cherry MX Purple RGB vs. Outemu Cold Plum

An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Purple RGB and the Outemu Cold Plum switches—which one is the best fit for you?

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switches can significantly enhance your typing experience. The Cherry MX Purple RGB switch, a tactile switch, is distinguished by its refined tactile feedback and medium-strength bump, designed in collaboration with keyboard enthusiast Glarses. This switch appeals to users who appreciate a noticeable tactile response without excessive force, making it an excellent option for both typing and gaming. In contrast, the Outemu Cold Plum switch offers a smooth, linear experience characterized by a unique thocky sound profile and a fully nylon construction. For enthusiasts seeking a seamless keystroke and a distinct auditory feedback, the Cold Plum switch provides a satisfying option that prioritizes fluidity over tactile feedback. Both switches cater to different preferences: the tactile Cherry MX Purple RGB for those who enjoy a pronounced bump and the linear Outemu Cold Plum for those who prefer effortless key presses. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.

By the numbers

Technical specifications

Actuation force

45g

Actuation force

60g

Bottom-out force

N/A

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

Stainless steel

Spring

Stainless steel

Housing materials

When examining the housing materials of the Cherry MX Purple RGB and the Outemu Cold Plum, both switches utilize nylon for their top and bottom housings. This choice of material is notable because nylon is esteemed in the mechanical keyboard community for its capability to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile. The dampening properties of nylon, which results from its relatively softer plastic composition, enable it to absorb sound more effectively than harder plastics. As a result, both switches generate a similar acoustic signature, characterized by a duller and rounder sound. This shared material contributes to a consistent auditory experience between the switches, making them appealing to users who prioritize sound quality.

While both the Cherry MX Purple RGB and Outemu Cold Plum employ nylon for their housing materials, it’s important to note that the interaction between the top and bottom housings influences the overall typing experience. For both switches, the bottom housing significantly dictates the bottom-out sound and tactile feedback. As a result, users can expect a similar feel when pressing down on either switch. The nylon characteristics in both bottom housings deliver a consistently smooth and cushioned bottom-out experience, further solidifying the comparison between the two. Therefore, while the individual switch types may offer different tactile experiences or actuation forces, the common housing material creates a unified baseline of sound and feel.

Ultimately, the consistency provided by nylon as a housing material means that users of either the Cherry MX Purple RGB or the Outemu Cold Plum will likely have a comparable overall experience in terms of sound profile and bottom-out feedback. Given that the similar nylon composition absorbs sound in much the same way for both switches, users can expect to enjoy a richer typing experience with either choice. This shared characteristic underscores the advantages of selecting nylon-housed switches for those who favor a more muted and rounded acoustic feedback, regardless of brand or specific model. As such, both the Cherry MX Purple RGB and Outemu Cold Plum effectively cater to enthusiasts seeking quality sound and feel in their typing experience.

Weight

When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switch and the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch, key differences emerge. The Cherry MX Purple RGB features a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, while the Outemu Cold Plum requires a heavier actuation force of 60 grams, making the latter switch more substantial in feel during typing or gaming sessions. Additionally, the Outemu Cold Plum has a defined bottom out force of 70 grams, showcasing its medium-heavy characteristic, whereas the bottom out force for the Cherry MX Purple RGB is unavailable. This means that users seeking a lighter switch for extended typing sessions may prefer the Cherry MX, as it offers less resistance, while those desiring a more tactile experience with a heavier push will find the Outemu Cold Plum more suited to their preferences. Overall, the distinction in actuation forces indicates that the Cherry MX is the lighter option, while the Outemu is heavier.

Travel distance

The Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switch and the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch differ in their travel distances, with the MX Purple RGB measuring 4 mm and the Cold Plum at 3.3 mm. This means that the MX Purple offers a more traditional travel experience, which can be appealing to users who prefer a noticeable depth and tactile feedback when typing or gaming. In contrast, the shorter 3.3 mm distance of the Cold Plum switch caters to those who appreciate quicker response times, as it allows for faster actuation—often favored by gamers looking for an edge in competitive play. Consequently, if you prioritize a more responsive feel, the Cold Plum would be the better choice, while the Cherry MX Purple would suit those who enjoy a more pronounced click and deeper travel in their key presses.

Price comparison

Which switch is more bang for your buck?

The Cherry MX Purple RGB has an MSRP of $6.19 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Purple RGB for $5.79.

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 it comes to sound, the Cherry MX Purple RGB switches offer a refined tactile experience that is generally characterized by a moderate noise level due to their tactile bump. These switches have a punchy feedback that provides a satisfying sound, though not excessively loud. On the other hand, the Outemu Cold Plum switches are known for their distinctive "thocky" sound profile, which is deeper and richer than the Cherry MX Purple. This characteristic is enhanced by their fully nylon construction, contributing to a more resonant acoustic experience when typing. Ultimately, the acoustic output of each switch can also vary significantly based on the keyboard board and keycaps you choose, allowing for some customization in sound.

In terms of feel, the Cherry MX Purple RGB switches are designed to provide a medium-strength tactile bump, striking a balance that can accommodate both typists and gamers. This bump is short enough to prevent finger fatigue during extended typing sessions, offering a refined experience without feeling overly stiff. Conversely, the Outemu Cold Plum switches deliver a smoother keystroke without the tactile bump, focusing on a linear feel that many enthusiasts find preferred for fast typing and gaming. Their smooth action allows for uninterrupted gliding between keystrokes, making for a fluid typing experience that some may find more enjoyable, though it lacks the tactile feedback of the Cherry MX Purple.

In summary, both the Cherry MX Purple RGB and Outemu Cold Plum switches provide unique yet enjoyable typing experiences. The MX Purple excels with its moderate sound and tactile feedback, suitable for users who appreciate a refined feel with audible cues. In contrast, the Cold Plum offers a deeper sound and smooth linear feel, ideal for those who prefer a quieter and seamless keystroke. Your final choice may hinge on whether you prioritize tactile feedback or a smooth, linear experience, as well as the overall sound profile you find most appealing.

Conclusion

To conclude, your choice between the Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switch and the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch should largely depend on your typing preferences and the intended use of your keyboard. If you favor a tactile experience with a pronounced feedback mechanism for your typing, the MX Purple RGB is the way to go. It provides a satisfying medium-strength bump that can enhance your typing accuracy and make long writing sessions feel more engaging. This switch is particularly well-suited for gamers and typists who appreciate that tactile feedback but don’t want a loud click noise, making it an excellent choice for shared environments. On the other hand, if you’re looking for a smooth and quieter experience while still enjoying a thocky sound profile, the Outemu Cold Plum switches should be your pick. With a bottom-out force of 70 grams, they offer a medium-heavy feel that delivers a more robust typing experience, ideal for those who enjoy a solid, pleasant auditory feedback without the intrusive noise that might disrupt your concentration at work or during intense gaming. Ultimately, consider your personal preferences in terms of typing feel, feedback, and sound profile to make the choice that best suits your needs.

Mentioned in this article