Outemu Cold Plum vs. Outemu Crystal Brown
An in-depth look at the Outemu Cold Plum and the Outemu Crystal Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch to the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch, it is clear that each offers a unique typing experience. The Cold Plum is renowned for its thocky sound profile and fully nylon construction, providing a smooth keystroke and satisfying sound that appeals to enthusiasts searching for a distinct and enjoyable typing feel. On the other hand, the Crystal Brown switch does not have a specific standout feature mentioned, leaving its appeal up to personal preference. If you are looking for a switch that offers a satisfying sound and smooth keystroke, the Outemu Cold Plum may be the ideal choice. 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
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
Nylon
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
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 main difference between the Outemu Cold Plum and the Outemu Crystal Brown lies in their housing materials. The Cold Plum features a nylon top housing, which is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound. In contrast, the Crystal Brown utilizes a polycarbonate top housing that produces a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, thanks to its stiffer plastic composition. While the Cold Plum offers a duller and rounder sound, the Crystal Brown provides a clearer and more resonant sound, making them suitable for different preferences in typing experience.
Both the Cold Plum and the Crystal Brown share a nylon bottom housing, which contributes to a deep and full sound profile during typing. The similarity in the bottom housing material between the two switches ensures that users will experience a consistent sound quality in terms of its depth and resonance. However, the difference in the top housing material between nylon and polycarbonate creates distinct characteristics in the overall sound profile produced by each switch. This highlights how housing materials play a crucial role in determining the sound and feel of mechanical switches, even when other features may be similar between them.
Considering the impact of housing materials on the sound profile of mechanical switches, the choice between the Outemu Cold Plum and the Outemu Crystal Brown ultimately comes down to personal preference. If you prefer a deeper and fuller sound with a duller and rounder quality, the Cold Plum with its nylon housing might be the better option for you. On the other hand, if you lean towards a sharper, higher-pitched sound that is clear and resonant, the Crystal Brown with its polycarbonate housing would be more suitable. Regardless of the differences in housing materials, both switches offer a unique typing experience that can cater to various preferences in sound and feel.
Weight
In comparing the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch to the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch, it is evident that the Cold Plum has a higher actuation force of 60 grams compared to the Crystal Brown's actuation force of 45 grams. This means that the Cold Plum requires more force to trigger a keystroke. Additionally, the Cold Plum has a higher bottom out force of 70 grams, indicating that it is heavier to press all the way down compared to the Crystal Brown's bottom out force of 55 grams. This makes the Cold Plum switch more suitable for individuals who prefer a stronger push feel and a more substantial typing experience. On the other hand, the Crystal Brown switch is lighter in terms of both actuation and bottom out forces, making it ideal for those who prefer a lighter typing experience for extended periods of time. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for actuation and bottom out force weights.
Travel distance
The Outemu Cold Plum linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Crystal Brown has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Cold Plum. The 3.3 mm travel distance of the Cold Plum may be preferred by those looking for a quicker response time, such as gamers. On the other hand, the 4 mm travel distance of the Crystal Brown may appeal to those who prefer a deeper, more substantial key press. Both switches offer different experiences based on their travel distances, so choosing between the two ultimately depends on personal preference and what feels most comfortable to the user.
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 Crystal Brown.
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 Cold Plum linear switch is praised for its thocky sound profile, which is characterized by a deep and satisfying sound while typing. This unique sound is achieved due to the fully nylon construction of the switch, providing a smooth keystroke that enhances the overall typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch's sound profile is currently unknown, but it is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by the keyboard and keycaps being used.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the Outemu Cold Plum switch is known for its smooth keystrokes, providing a consistent and enjoyable typing experience for enthusiasts. Meanwhile, the specific typing feel of the Outemu Crystal Brown switch is currently unknown. However, tactile switches typically offer a more tactile bump during typing, providing users with feedback when a key press is registered.
In conclusion, the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch boasts a thocky sound profile and smooth keystrokes due to its fully nylon construction, making it a popular choice for enthusiasts seeking a unique typing experience. While the sound and feel of the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch are currently unknown, it is worth considering that tactile switches generally offer a tactile bump during typing. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the overall typing experience desired.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch or the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to personal preference. If you are looking for a unique typing experience with a thocky sound profile and fully nylon construction, then the Cold Plum may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force and a tactile typing feel, then the Crystal Brown switch might be more suited to your preferences. Consider your typing style, sound preferences, and desired typing experience when making your decision between these two switches. Ultimately, both switches offer their own distinct advantages, so choose the one that aligns best with your preferences and typing needs.
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