Outemu Cold Plum vs. Outemu Dustproof Black
An in-depth look at the Outemu Cold Plum and the Outemu Dustproof Black switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to comparing two popular mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Cold Plum and Outemu Dustproof Black stand out for their unique features. The Cold Plum is well-known for its thocky sound profile and fully nylon construction, offering a smooth keystroke and satisfying sound that appeals to typing enthusiasts looking for a distinct and enjoyable experience. On the other hand, the Dustproof Black does not have any specific standout features mentioned. While both switches offer a linear typing experience, the Cold Plum seems to excel in providing a one-of-a-kind tactile feedback. 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
60g
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
80g
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
In comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Cold Plum and the Outemu Dustproof Black, it is clear that they differ significantly. The Cold Plum features a nylon top housing, which creates a duller and rounder sound profile due to its softer plastic that absorbs more sound. On the other hand, the Dustproof Black has a polycarbonate top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This contrast in sound profiles is attributed to the difference in stiffness between nylon and polycarbonate, with nylon providing a deeper sound and polycarbonate offering a more clear and resonant sound.
The housing material of the bottom part of the switches also differs between the Cold Plum and the Dustproof Black. Both switches use nylon for the bottom housing, resulting in a similar effect of creating a deeper and fuller sound profile. This consistency in housing material for the bottom part of the switches ensures that the typing experience remains consistent across both switches. However, the impact of the bottom housing is more prominent on the bottom-out sound and feel of the switches, highlighting the importance of housing materials in influencing the overall typing experience.
While the top and bottom housings of the Outemu Cold Plum and the Outemu Dustproof Black differ, the qualities of the housing materials are combined to create a unique sound profile for each switch. The split between the bottom and top housings allows for a balance in sound and feel when typing on the switches. Additionally, the differences in housing materials, whether it be nylon or polycarbonate, contribute to the overall aesthetics and functionality of the switches, showcasing the importance of housing materials in determining the overall performance and sound of mechanical switches.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch and the Outemu Dustproof Black linear switch, the Cold Plum offers a lighter typing experience with an actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams, while the Dustproof Black provides a heavier feel with an actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 80 grams. Both switches have the same actuation force, but the Dustproof Black requires more force to bottom out, making it heavier overall. For those who prefer a lighter feel for longer typing sessions or gaming marathons, the Cold Plum would be the ideal choice. However, users seeking a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel may lean towards the Dustproof Black. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch and the Outemu Dustproof Black linear switch, it is clear that the Cold Plum has a shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm compared to the Dustproof Black's 4 mm. The Cold Plum's 3.3 mm distance falls on the shallower end of the spectrum, while the Dustproof Black's 4 mm distance is more traditional. Gamers may prefer the Cold Plum for its quicker response time due to the shorter travel distance, while those who prefer a more substantial key press may opt for the Dustproof Black. Both switches offer different experiences based on their respective travel distances, catering to varying preferences in keyboard usage.
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 Dustproof Black.
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 Cold Plum switch has a reputation for a thocky sound profile and a fully nylon construction, which contributes to a smooth keystroke and satisfying sound during typing sessions. On the other hand, the Dustproof Black switch lacks specific information concerning its sound qualities. When it comes to feel, the Cold Plum switch offers a unique typing experience that some enthusiasts enjoy, but details about the feel of the Dustproof Black switch are not available. Keep in mind that individual preferences play a significant role in determining the ideal switch for each user, so trying out both switches on a personal board is essential to make an informed decision. Ultimately, while the Cold Plum switch is known for its distinctive sound and feel, the Dustproof Black switch may offer a similar typing experience, but further exploration is needed to compare the two switches accurately.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Outemu Cold Plum or Dustproof Black linear switches, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and typing style. If you are looking for a medium-heavy bottom out force with a unique thocky sound profile and smooth keystrokes, then the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a heavier bottom out force and are not as concerned about sound profile, then the Outemu Dustproof Black linear switch may be more suitable. Ultimately, both switches have their own strengths and it is important to consider factors such as typing feel, sound, and bottom out force before making a decision.
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