Outemu Cold Plum vs. Outemu Dustproof Red
An in-depth look at the Outemu Cold Plum and the Outemu Dustproof Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options from Outemu stand out: the Cold Plum and the Dustproof Red, both linear switches that cater to different preferences. The Outemu Cold Plum is celebrated for its unique thocky sound profile and fully nylon construction, offering a smooth keystroke that delivers an enjoyable and satisfying tactile experience. This switch is an excellent choice for enthusiasts who value auditory feedback along with a distinct typing feel. On the other hand, the Outemu Dustproof Red switch, while lacking specific distinctive features in the provided context, is designed to ensure durability and resistance to dust, making it ideal for users who prioritize longevity and consistent performance over sound profile. Both switches bring unique benefits to the table, appealing to different types of keyboard users. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that fits your needs.
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
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
When comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Cold Plum and Outemu Dustproof Red switches, notable differences can be observed in their top housings. The Cold Plum features a nylon top housing, known for its softer properties, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile during typing. This softness absorbs sound more effectively than harder materials, contributing to a duller and rounder auditory experience. In contrast, the Dustproof Red employs a polycarbonate top housing, characterized by its stiffness, which produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This distinction indicates that while both switches may feel different during use, the sonic output is significantly affected by the type of material used in their respective top housings.
On the other hand, both the Cold Plum and Dustproof Red share similarities when it comes to their bottom housings, as both utilize nylon. This consistent choice means that users can expect a similar typing experience from both switches regarding bottom-out feedback and sound. The nylon bottom housing in both cases contributes to a deeper and fuller sound, absorbing sound effectively to create that characteristic dull and rounded auditory profile. Therefore, while the top housing variances introduce a noticeable shift in the switches' overall sound characteristics, the commonality of nylon in the bottom housing ensures that the foundational typing experience remains consistent.
Ultimately, the blend of different materials in the Cold Plum and Dustproof Red switches influences their overall performance and auditory profile. The specific properties of the nylon and polycarbonate in their respective top housings generate distinct sound qualities, with the Cold Plum's nylon yielding a more subdued experience and the Dustproof Red's polycarbonate offering a crisper tone. However, with both switches employing nylon for their bottom housings, users will find that the deeper sound associated with nylon is a unifying experience, demonstrating how the interplay between different materials can lead to nuanced yet identifiable results in keyboard feel and sound.
Weight
When comparing the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch and the Outemu Dustproof Red linear switch, there's a notable difference in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Cold Plum features a heavier actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams, making it a suitable choice for those who prefer a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Dustproof Red has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, catering to users who seek ease and comfort during extended typing sessions or gaming marathons. While the Cold Plum offers a firmer resistance, providing feedback that some typists and gamers appreciate, the Dustproof Red's lighter force allows for quicker keystrokes and less fatigue. Overall, users looking for a heavier feel should lean toward the Cold Plum, while those prioritizing a lighter touch will find the Dustproof Red more to their liking.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch and the Outemu Dustproof Red linear switch, we find that the Cold Plum has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Dustproof Red features a longer travel distance of 4 mm. This makes the Cold Plum the shorter switch, offering a more responsive feel that is often favored by gamers seeking quick actuation times. In contrast, the Dustproof Red, with its greater travel distance, may appeal to those who appreciate a more substantial depth to their keystrokes, providing a more gradual and deliberate feel while typing or gaming. Therefore, your choice between these switches can significantly influence your typing experience, depending on whether you prioritize speed or depth.
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 Red.
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 renowned for its thocky sound profile, which provides a rich auditory feedback that delights typists and gamers alike. This sound enhances the overall typing experience, making each keystroke feel more purposeful. While the Outemu Dustproof Red switch does not have a specific sound profile associated with it, both switches' auditory qualities will ultimately vary based on the combination of the keyboard's construction and the keycap material used, meaning that you can potentially achieve a satisfying acoustic experience with either switch depending on your setup.
When it comes to feel, the Cold Plum switch is celebrated for its smooth keystrokes that provide a tactile satisfaction, catering well to users who appreciate a refined typing experience. The specifics of how the Dustproof Red switch feels are unknown, leaving its tactile characteristics ambiguous. However, given that both are linear switches, they are likely to offer a comparable smoothness typical of linear designs, allowing for fluid transitions between keystrokes.
In conclusion, the Outemu Cold Plum switch stands out for its thocky sound and smooth feel, making it an attractive choice for keyboard enthusiasts. Although the Outemu Dustproof Red lacks a defined sound and feel profile, it shares the linear switch design, which suggests a smooth typing experience. Ultimately, if you prioritize audio feedback and tactile satisfaction, the Cold Plum is likely the better option, but those seeking simplicity and smoothness may find the Dustproof Red equally suitable based on their individual preferences and keyboard configurations.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch and the Outemu Dustproof Red linear switch, you should consider your specific typing preferences and needs. If you appreciate a more tactile experience with a thocky sound profile, and you prefer a heavier actuation force, the Cold Plum switch is the better choice. Its fully nylon construction provides durability and enhances the pleasant auditory feedback you’ll experience with each keystroke, making it ideal for enthusiasts who love a distinct and enjoyable typing feel. On the other hand, if you favor a slightly lighter touch with a smoother feel and don’t require an elaborate sound profile, the Dustproof Red will suit your needs well. It’s a solid switch for everyday typing that enables fast, effortless keypresses without the added heft, making it an excellent pick for gamers who prioritize speed and responsiveness. Ultimately, your choice should align with your personal comfort and the auditory experience you seek from your mechanical keyboard.
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