Outemu Blue vs. Outemu Cold Plum
An in-depth look at the Outemu Blue and the Outemu Cold Plum switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Blue and Outemu Cold Plum are two popular options that offer distinct typing experiences. The Outemu Blue switch is known for its clicky sound and tactile feedback, making it a favorite among those who enjoy the satisfying click of each keystroke. On the other hand, the Outemu Cold Plum switch is praised for its smooth keystrokes and thocky sound profile, thanks to its fully nylon construction. While the Blue switch may be preferred by users who prioritize auditory feedback and tactile feel, the Cold Plum switch is a great choice for those who appreciate a quieter typing experience with a unique sound profile. 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
50g
Actuation force
60g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
70g
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Blue and the Outemu Cold Plum switches, it is evident that they both offer unique qualities that contribute to the overall typing experience. The Blue's polycarbonate top housing provides a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile due to its stiffer nature, while the Cold Plum's nylon top housing delivers a deeper and fuller sound thanks to its softer composition. This contrast in materials results in distinct auditory feedback for users depending on their preference for sound profiles.
Moving on to the bottom housings, both the Blue and Cold Plum switches utilize nylon for this component. Nylon's ability to absorb sound more effectively than harder plastics results in a duller and rounder sound profile for both switches. This shared feature between the two switches ensures a consistent typing experience in terms of the sound produced during key presses. However, the impact of the bottom housing material may be more noticeable during bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing plays a larger role in the sound when releasing a key.
Overall, while the Outemu Blue and Outemu Cold Plum switches may differ in their top housing materials (polycarbonate vs. nylon), they both share a nylon bottom housing that contributes to their sound profile. The polycarbonate top housing of the Blue produces a crisper sound, while the nylon top housing of the Cold Plum offers a fuller sound. Despite these differences, the nylon bottom housing in both switches creates a consistent typing experience with a duller and rounder sound profile. Ultimately, the choice between these switches may come down to personal preference regarding the specific sound profile desired for typing.
Weight
When comparing the Outemu Blue clicky switch and the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch, the actuation force and bottom out force play significant roles in defining the typing experience. The Blue switch has a lighter actuation force of 50 grams, making it easier to trigger keystrokes quickly. In contrast, the Cold Plum switch requires a heavier actuation force of 60 grams, providing a more substantial typing feel. While the bottom out force for the Blue switch is unknown, the Cold Plum switch has a bottom out force of 70 grams, indicating a medium-heavy typing experience when fully pressed. Those who prefer a lighter feel for longer typing periods may lean towards the Blue switch, while individuals seeking a more robust typing experience may opt for the Cold Plum switch. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Outemu Blue clicky switch and the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch, the Blue has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Cold Plum has a shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. The Blue switch offers a more traditional travel distance, providing a bit more depth when typing or gaming. On the other hand, the Cold Plum switch has a shallower travel distance, preferred by gamers looking for faster response times. The shorter travel distance of the Cold Plum switch may feel more abrupt to some users, while the longer travel distance of the Blue switch may feel more substantial. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for travel distance and typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
In this case, both switches are $3.10. As such, price can't serve as a tiebreaker when choosing between the Blue and Cold Plum.
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 Outemu Blue clicky switch is known for its loud and crisp click sound, which can be quite satisfying for those who enjoy auditory feedback while typing. In comparison, the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch offers a quieter "thocky" sound profile that is deep and pleasant to the ear. The Blue switch provides a tactile bump during actuation, giving a tactile feel, while the Cold Plum switch offers a smooth keystroke without any tactile feedback. This difference in feel can impact typing speed and comfort for different users. Overall, if you prefer a loud clicky sound with tactile feedback, the Outemu Blue switch would be the way to go. For a quieter typing experience with a smooth keystroke, the Outemu Cold Plum switch would better suit your preferences. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, ensuring that you can achieve a satisfying typing experience regardless of your choice.
Conclusion
Therefore, when making a decision between the Outemu Blue clicky switch and the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing habits. If you enjoy a clicky and tactile typing experience with no bottom out force, then the Outemu Blue switch would be a suitable choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth and linear feel with a medium-heavy bottom out force, the Outemu Cold Plum switch may be more to your liking. Consider how you type and the sound profile you prefer when making your decision. Both switches offer unique characteristics that can enhance your typing experience, so explore your options and choose the one that best suits your needs. Ultimately, the decision is yours to make, so take your time and enjoy the process of finding the perfect mechanical keyboard switch for you.
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