Outemu Cold Plum vs. Outemu Cream Yellow
An in-depth look at the Outemu Cold Plum and the Outemu Cream Yellow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to compare and contrast are the Outemu Cold Plum and the Outemu Cream Yellow. The Outemu Cold Plum is a linear switch, known for its thocky sound profile and fully nylon construction. The smooth keystroke and satisfying sound make it a great choice for enthusiasts seeking a distinct and enjoyable typing feel. On the other hand, the Outemu Cream Yellow is a tactile switch, offering a different typing experience compared to the Cold Plum. While specific details about the Cream Yellow are not provided, tactile switches typically provide more tactile feedback with a bump in the keystroke, appealing to those who prefer a more tactile typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the Cold Plum and Cream Yellow will depend on personal preference and typing style; 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
60g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Nylon
Stem material
pom
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
Both the Outemu Cold Plum and the Outemu Cream Yellow utilize nylon as their housing material, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. The softness of nylon allows for more sound absorption compared to harder plastics, giving a duller and rounder sound overall. This means that both switches will provide a similar typing experience in terms of sound texture and depth.
However, where the Cold Plum and Cream Yellow differ is in the color and potentially in the composition of their respective nylon housings. While the descriptions of the top and bottom housings for both switches are identical, the color variation may have an impact on the overall aesthetics of the keyboard build. Additionally, slight variations in the manufacturing process could result in nuanced differences in sound and feel between the two switches.
In essence, the housing materials of the Outemu Cold Plum and the Outemu Cream Yellow play a key role in determining the typing experience for users. While both switches share the same nylon housing material with similar sound characteristics, potential differences in color and manufacturing processes could lead to subtle variations in the overall performance of the switches. Ultimately, choosing between the Cold Plum and Cream Yellow may come down to personal preference in terms of aesthetics and potentially nuanced differences in typing feel.
Weight
In comparing the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch and the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch, it is evident that the actuation and bottom out forces play a significant role in the typing experience. The Cold Plum has a heavier actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams, providing a medium-heavy typing feel. On the other hand, the Cream Yellow has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, making it a medium switch. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may find the Cream Yellow more suitable, as it requires less force to trigger a keystroke, allowing for longer typing sessions without fatigue. In contrast, the Cold Plum offers a firmer push feel, catering to users who prefer a more substantial typing experience. While their actuation and bottom out forces differ, both switches offer a smooth typing experience that can enhance productivity and gaming performance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch and the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch is equal, with both switches covering a distance of 3.3 mm from top to bottom. This means that when pressing down on a key equipped with either switch, users will experience a consistent travel distance regardless of which switch is being used. The similarity in travel distance between the two switches allows for a consistent typing experience, making it easier for users to transition between different keyboards equipped with these switches. Overall, both the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch and the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch offer a standard travel distance of 3.3 mm, providing users with a familiar and comfortable 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 Cold Plum and Cream Yellow.
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 comparing the subjective qualities of the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch and the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch, one can distinguish some key differences. The Cold Plum switch stands out for its thocky sound profile and smooth keystrokes, providing a satisfying typing experience for enthusiasts. On the other hand, the Cream Yellow switch has a yet undefined sound profile, but offers a tactile feedback that enhances the typing feel. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, whether it be a preference for a distinctive sound or a tactile feedback. Ultimately, the sound and feel of these switches will play a crucial role in determining which one best suits your typing style and preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch and the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch, consider the factors that matter most to you. If you prioritize a unique typing experience with a thocky sound profile and medium-heavy bottom out force of 70 grams, then the Cold Plum may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force of 60 grams and a satisfying tactile bump, then the Cream Yellow may be more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, the decision between these switches comes down to personal preference in terms of sound, feel, and overall typing experience.
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