Cherry MX Red vs. Outemu Cold Plum
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Red and the Outemu Cold Plum switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the Cherry MX Red and the Outemu Cold Plum. The Cherry MX Red is a linear switch known for its slightly heftier feel and deeper sound profile, offering a robust typing experience that combines responsiveness with a satisfying auditory depth. On the other hand, the Outemu Cold Plum switches deliver a unique typing experience with a thocky sound profile and fully nylon construction, making them a great choice for enthusiasts seeking a distinct and enjoyable typing feel. Each switch has its own strengths and characteristics that appeal to different preferences. 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
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
Both the Cherry MX Red and the Outemu Cold Plum switches utilize nylon as the material for both their top and bottom housing. This results in a similar typing experience for users of both switches, as nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic nature that absorbs more sound. The duller and rounder sound produced by both switches adds a level of satisfaction to the typing experience, making them popular choices among mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
While both switches share the same nylon housing material, the top and bottom housings of a switch play different roles in the overall typing experience. The bottom housing of a switch, such as in the MX Red and Cold Plum switches, has a more significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed. Conversely, the top housing influences the sound produced when a key is released. This distinction can slightly affect the overall sound and feel of typing on each switch, adding a layer of complexity to the typing experience.
In terms of housing material, the MX Red and Cold Plum switches offer a similar typing experience with their nylon housings that create a deep and full sound profile. The differences in sound and feel between the switches can be attributed to the placement of the nylon housing material within the switch. While the top and bottom housings may have subtle differences in impact on the typing experience, both switches ultimately provide a satisfying typing experience for users who appreciate a deeper and fuller sound profile.
Weight
When comparing the Cherry MX Red linear switch and the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch, there is a clear difference in weight. The MX Red is lighter, with an actuation force of 45 grams, while the Cold Plum is heavier at 60 grams. The bottom out force of the MX Red is unknown, while the Cold Plum requires 70 grams to bottom out, making it medium-heavy. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may opt for the MX Red, as it allows for longer typing periods with less physical strain. On the other hand, individuals seeking a more substantial typing feel may prefer the Cold Plum due to its heavier actuation force and bottom out force. In terms of similarity, both switches provide smooth, linear keystrokes, ensuring consistent performance regardless of weight variances. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
The Cherry MX Red 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 Cherry MX Red has a slightly longer travel distance, making it more suitable for those who prefer a deeper key press and a more pronounced tactile feedback. On the other hand, the Outemu Cold Plum offers a shorter travel distance, which is favored by gamers looking for quicker response times and a more agile typing experience. Both switches provide a smooth linear feel, but the slight difference in travel distance may impact the overall typing experience depending on individual preferences. Ultimately, choosing between the Cherry MX Red and Outemu Cold Plum will depend on whether you prioritize a longer or shorter travel distance in your keyboard switches.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Cherry MX Red has an MSRP of $5.90 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Red for $4.00.
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
The Cherry MX Red linear switch is known for its slightly heftier feel and deeper sound profile, offering a robust typing experience with a satisfying auditory depth. In contrast, the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch delivers a unique typing experience with a thocky sound profile and fully nylon construction, providing enthusiasts with a distinct and enjoyable typing feel. The MX Red switch produces a thocky and low-pitched sound, giving off a deep and satisfying tone when pressed, while the Cold Plum switch's sound characteristics remain unknown. When it comes to feel, the MX Red switch is described as having a textured sensation, which can provide a tactile feedback that some users may prefer. Unfortunately, the feel of the Cold Plum switch is not mentioned, leaving some aspects of its typing experience unknown.
Overall, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. While the MX Red switch provides a deeper sound profile and a textured feel, the Cold Plum switch offers a thocky sound and smooth keystrokes. Depending on your personal preferences for sound and feel, either switch could provide a satisfying typing experience. It is important to consider other factors such as keycaps and keyboard construction when choosing between these switches to achieve the desired typing feel and sound. Ultimately, experimenting with both switches in person may be the best way to determine which one suits your typing style the best.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a mechanical keyboard switch with a slightly heftier feel and deeper sound profile, the Cherry MX Red linear switch would be a great choice for you. Its robust typing experience combines responsiveness with a satisfying auditory depth. On the other hand, if you are seeking a unique typing experience with a thocky sound profile and smooth keystrokes, the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch might be the better option for you. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience. Both switches have their own characteristics that cater to different preferences, so choose the one that aligns best with your needs and preferences.
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