TTC Neptune vs. Outemu Cold Plum
An in-depth look at the TTC Neptune and the Outemu Cold Plum switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The TTC Neptune and Outemu Cold Plum are both linear mechanical keyboard switches that offer unique typing experiences. The Neptune is renowned for its innovative internal structure, providing a smooth and frictionless glide combined with a springy resistance reminiscent of chewy delights like mochi or tapioca pearls. This switch offers a matte feel with swift and effortless typing, while maintaining a muted sound profile for a refined auditory experience. On the other hand, the Cold Plum features a thocky sound profile and fully nylon construction, delivering a satisfying typing feel for enthusiasts seeking something distinct. Both switches have their own strengths and characteristics that cater to different preferences and typing styles. 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
41g
Actuation force
60g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
70g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 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
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Lengthened 21.5mm spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the TTC Neptune and the Outemu Cold Plum switches offer unique characteristics that contribute to the overall sound profile and feel of the switches. In the case of the top housing, the Neptune's POM material provides a relatively more muted and deeper sound, while the Cold Plum's nylon material creates a fuller and rounder sound due to its softer plastic composition. Both materials offer distinct sound profiles with the POM being on the deeper side and the nylon eliciting a deeper and fuller sound.
Moving on to the bottom housing, the Neptune's polycarbonate material results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile compared to the Cold Plum's nylon bottom housing. The stiffness of the polycarbonate plastic contributes to a clear and resonant sound, particularly beneficial for switches with RGB lighting due to its translucency. On the other hand, the nylon material of the Cold Plum absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound profile. Both bottom housing materials play a key role in the overall sound profile of the switches, with polycarbonate providing a sharper sound and nylon offering a fuller sound.
While the housing materials of the TTC Neptune and the Outemu Cold Plum switches differ in terms of POM and polycarbonate for the top and bottom housings respectively, they each bring unique qualities to the switches. The combination of these materials affects the sound profile and feel of the switches, with the top housing influencing the sound when releasing a key and the bottom housing impacting the bottom-out sound and feel. Despite their differences, both switches deliver pleasing and distinct sound profiles, making them suitable options for those looking for specific sound characteristics in their mechanical keyboards.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the TTC Neptune linear switch and the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch, it is evident that the Neptune is the lighter option with an actuation force of 41 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. On the other hand, the Cold Plum is the heavier choice with an actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams. The lighter actuation force of the Neptune makes it ideal for those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions, while the heavier actuation force of the Cold Plum offers a more substantial typing experience for those who enjoy a stronger push feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces to optimize typing comfort and efficiency.
Travel distance
The TTC Neptune linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. This means that the Cold Plum has a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Neptune. In general, the shorter the travel distance, the faster the response time, which can be advantageous for gamers looking for quick keystrokes. On the other hand, a longer travel distance can provide a more satisfying and tactile typing experience for those who prefer more depth in their key presses. Both switches offer their own benefits depending on personal preference, with the Neptune offering a slightly longer travel distance than the Cold Plum.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Neptune has an MSRP of $7.99 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Neptune for $5.09.
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
In terms of sound, the Neptune linear switch offers a low-pitched, muted, neutral, subdued, and thocky sound profile, resulting in a refined and unobtrusive auditory experience. In comparison, the sound profile of the Outemu Cold Plum switch is unknown, so it's difficult to directly compare the two in this aspect. Ultimately, if you prefer a switch with a deep, rich, and satisfying sound, the Neptune would be a great choice.
When it comes to feel, the TTC Neptune linear switch is often described as buttery, gummy, frictionless, mild, and polished, providing a smooth, seamless, and uniform typing sensation with minimal resistance. On the other hand, the feel of the Outemu Cold Plum switch is also unknown, making it challenging to draw a direct comparison. If you appreciate a typing experience that feels almost frictionless and offers effortless key presses, the Neptune would be a fantastic option.
Overall, both the TTC Neptune and Outemu Cold Plum linear switches have their unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Neptune excels in offering a smooth, matte feel with a muted sound profile, while the Cold Plum provides a thocky sound and smooth keystrokes. If you prioritize a refined sound and a buttery typing experience, the Neptune would be an excellent choice. However, if you're looking for a distinct thocky sound and smooth key presses, the Cold Plum might be the switch for you. Ultimately, the decision between the two would depend on your personal preferences in sound and feel.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the TTC Neptune linear switch and the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch, consider your preference for bottom out force, typing experience, sound profile, and feel. If you prefer a lighter bottom out force and a smooth, frictionless typing experience with a matte feel and muted sound, the TTC Neptune may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and enjoy a thocky sound profile with a fully nylon construction, the Outemu Cold Plum switch could be the perfect fit for your typing style. Ultimately, your decision should be based on the specific characteristics that align with your personal preferences and typing needs.
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