Outemu Brown vs. Outemu Cold Plum
An in-depth look at the Outemu Brown and the Outemu Cold Plum switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Outemu Brown and Outemu Cold Plum mechanical keyboard switches, it's clear that they each offer unique features for different preferences. The Outemu Brown switch is best known for its tactile feedback, providing a slight bump when pressed that can enhance typing accuracy and speed. On the other hand, the Outemu Cold Plum switch stands out for its linear motion, offering a smooth keystroke and distinct thocky sound profile that appeals to those seeking a unique typing experience. While the Brown switch may be preferred by those who enjoy tactile feedback, the Cold Plum switch could be ideal for enthusiasts looking for a smooth and satisfying typing feel. 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
53g
Actuation force
60g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
70g
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
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
The Outemu Brown and Outemu Cold Plum switches both feature a nylon bottom housing, which brings a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the material's ability to absorb sound more effectively than harder plastics. This means that typing on either switch will result in a similar experience in terms of the sound produced when pressing down on a key. The difference lies in the top housing material, with the Brown having a polycarbonate top housing and the Cold Plum featuring a nylon top housing.
The use of polycarbonate in the top housing of the Outemu Brown creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile compared to the Cold Plum's nylon top housing, which produces a duller and rounder sound due to its softer material. This means that releasing a key on the Brown switch will result in a different sound compared to the Cold Plum when typing. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate in the Brown switch allows for RGB lighting to shine through, providing a visual aesthetic element that the Cold Plum does not offer with its opaque nylon top housing.
Overall, the differences in housing materials between the Outemu Brown and Outemu Cold Plum switches result in distinct sound profiles and typing experiences. While the nylon bottom housing provides a similar deep and full sound for both switches, the choice between a polycarbonate or a nylon top housing will influence the overall sound produced and the aesthetic appeal of the switch. Whether you prefer a sharper, crisper sound with RGB lighting capabilities (Brown) or a deeper, fuller sound with no lighting effects (Cold Plum), both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences.
Weight
In comparing the Outemu Brown tactile switch and the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch, the actuation force and bottom out force play a significant role in determining the typing experience. The Brown has a lighter actuation force of 53 grams compared to the Cold Plum's 60 grams, making the Brown more sensitive to keypresses. However, when it comes to bottoming out, the Brown requires a force of 65 grams, while the Cold Plum needs 70 grams, indicating that the Cold Plum offers a slightly heavier typing experience. Both switches fall under the category of medium-heavy actuation and bottom out forces, providing a balance between a light touch for longer typing sessions and a more substantial feel for those seeking a stronger push when typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Outemu Brown tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. In this case, the Cold Plum switch has a shorter travel distance compared to the Brown switch. The difference may not seem significant, but it can affect the typing experience for users. Those who prefer a quicker response time may lean towards the Cold Plum switch with its shorter travel distance, ideal for gaming or fast typing. On the other hand, those who enjoy a more pronounced key press and a deeper feel may find the Brown switch with its longer travel distance to be more satisfying. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and typing style.
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 Brown 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 Brown switch is often said to have a quiet sound profile with a subtle tactile bump, making it a popular choice for those who prefer a more subdued typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Cold Plum switch is known for its thocky sound profile, which is louder and more pronounced compared to the Brown switch. The Cold Plum switch also offers a smooth keystroke without any tactile feedback, providing a different typing feel compared to the tactile bump found in the Brown switch.
Overall, when comparing the subjective qualities of the Outemu Brown tactile switch and the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch, it is clear they offer distinct typing experiences. The Brown switch provides a quiet and tactile typing experience, ideal for those who prefer a more subtle feel, while the Cold Plum switch offers a louder and smoother typing experience with its unique thocky sound profile. Depending on personal preference, either switch can provide a satisfying typing experience, ensuring that enthusiasts have options to tailor their keyboard to their liking.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Outemu Brown tactile switch and the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch, you would want to choose the Brown if you prefer a slightly lighter bottom out force of 65 grams and are looking for a tactile typing experience. The Brown switch is a solid choice for typists who enjoy the tactile feedback provided by the bump in the keystroke. On the other hand, you would want to choose the Cold Plum if you are seeking a unique typing experience with a thocky sound profile and a slightly heavier bottom out force of 70 grams. The Cold Plum switch offers a smooth keystroke and satisfying sound, making it a great option for enthusiasts looking for a distinct and enjoyable typing feel. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches will depend on your personal preference for typing feel, sound profile, and bottom out force.
Mentioned in this article
