Outemu Cold Plum vs. Outemu Milk Blue
An in-depth look at the Outemu Cold Plum and the Outemu Milk Blue switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Cold Plum and Milk Blue offer unique typing experiences catering to different preferences. The Cold Plum is a linear switch that stands out for its thocky sound profile and fully nylon construction, providing a smooth keystroke and satisfying sound for enthusiasts seeking a distinct and enjoyable typing feel. On the other hand, the Milk Blue is a clicky switch that offers a different tactile experience. While general pointers indicate that the Cold Plum is ideal for those who prefer a quieter typing experience and the Milk Blue for those who enjoy a more audible feedback, it's important to dive deeper into the specific characteristics of each switch to determine which one best suits your individual needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
60g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.20 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 Milk Blue lies in their housing materials. The Cold Plum features a nylon top housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic that absorbs more sound. On the other hand, the Milk Blue is equipped with a polycarbonate top housing, known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This difference in top housing material results in unique sound characteristics for each switch, catering to different preferences for typing experience.
In terms of bottom housing, both the Cold Plum and the Milk Blue utilize nylon material. The use of nylon in the bottom housing contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, similar to the impact of nylon in the top housing. This consistency in bottom housing material between the two switches means that users can expect a similar typing experience when it comes to the bottom-out sound and feel. The nylon bottom housing in both switches ensures a consistent tactile response and sound quality while typing.
Overall, the distinction in housing materials between the Outemu Cold Plum and the Outemu Milk Blue results in contrasting sound profiles. While the Cold Plum offers a duller and rounder sound due to its nylon top housing, the Milk Blue provides a clearer and resonant sound thanks to its polycarbonate top housing. However, the shared nylon bottom housing ensures that both switches deliver a deep and full sound profile while typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound characteristics and typing feel.
Weight
The Outemu Cold Plum linear switch has a heavier actuation force of 60 grams compared to the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch, which has a lighter actuation force of 50 grams. However, both switches have a bottom out force that is not specified, making it unknown whether one is heavier than the other in that aspect. The Cold Plum offers a medium-heavy typing experience with its higher actuation force, providing users with a more substantial feel when typing. On the other hand, the Milk Blue clicky switch's lighter actuation force may be preferred by those looking for a smoother typing experience, allowing for longer typing sessions without causing fatigue. In the end, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for either a lighter or heavier typing feel.
Travel distance
The Outemu Cold Plum linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, making it shorter than the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch with a travel distance of 4 mm. The Cold Plum's shorter travel distance may appeal to gamers looking for faster response times, while the Milk Blue's longer travel distance may provide a more satisfying typing experience for those who prefer greater depth in their keystrokes. Both switches offer unique benefits based on their travel distances, so choosing between them ultimately depends on personal preference and typing style. Ultimately, the Cold Plum and Milk Blue switches provide distinct tactile experiences due to their different travel distances.
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 Milk Blue.
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 from Outemu is praised for its thocky sound profile and smooth keystroke, providing a unique and enjoyable typing experience. On the other hand, the Milk Blue switch lacks any specific information about its sound profile, making it difficult to compare to the Cold Plum switch in this aspect. When it comes to feel, the Cold Plum switch is known for its smooth keystrokes, but there is no information available about the feel of the Milk Blue switch. Overall, if you are looking for a switch with a distinct sound profile and smooth keystrokes, the Outemu Cold Plum switch would be a great choice. However, for the Milk Blue switch, it is recommended to try it out firsthand or do further research to determine its qualities in comparison to the Cold Plum switch.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch and the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch, it ultimately comes down to your preference for typing experience. If you enjoy a smooth keystroke with a thocky sound profile and medium-heavy bottom out force, the Cold Plum switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a clicky sound with light actuation force, the Milk Blue switch might be more to your liking. Consider your typing style and sound preference when deciding between these two switches to find the one that best suits your needs. Ultimately, both switches offer a unique typing experience that can enhance your overall keyboard usage.
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