Outemu Cold Plum vs. Outemu Milk Tea
An in-depth look at the Outemu Cold Plum and the Outemu Milk Tea switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Outemu Cold Plum and the Outemu Milk Tea. The Cold Plum is a linear switch that is well-known for its unique typing experience, featuring a thocky sound profile and fully nylon construction. The smooth keystroke and satisfying sound of the Cold Plum switches make them a great choice for enthusiasts looking for a distinct and enjoyable typing feel. On the other hand, the Milk Tea is a tactile switch that offers a different typing experience compared to the Cold Plum. While the specific details about the Milk Tea switch are not provided, tactile switches typically offer a slight bump in the keystroke to provide feedback to the typist. Each switch has its own strengths and appeal, but when it comes to deciding between the two, it ultimately depends 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
N/A
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
Ly
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
The Outemu Cold Plum and Outemu Milk Tea both use Nylon for their top housing material, which gives them a similar deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. The Nylon material is relatively softer compared to harder plastics, allowing it to absorb more sound and create a duller and rounder sound. This results in a satisfying typing experience with a more subdued sound compared to switches with harder plastic housings. Despite both switches using the same material for their top housing, the Milk Tea offers a brighter sound signature with resonant clacks, providing a unique typing experience compared to the Cold Plum.
On the other hand, the bottom housing material differs between the Outemu Cold Plum and Outemu Milk Tea. While both switches use Nylon for their bottom housing, the qualities of this material are focused on the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch. The relatively softer nature of Nylon allows for a deeper and fuller sound profile, contributing to a more satisfying typing experience. Despite the similarities in the bottom housing material, the differences in the top housing material between the Cold Plum and Milk Tea will affect the sound when releasing a key. This showcases how the combination of different housing materials can impact the overall typing experience of a switch.
In conclusion, the Outemu Cold Plum and Outemu Milk Tea offer unique typing experiences due to differences in their housing materials. While both switches use Nylon for their bottom housing, providing a deeper and fuller sound profile, the Cold Plum and Milk Tea diverge in their top housing materials. The Cold Plum's Nylon top housing results in a duller and rounder sound, while the Milk Tea's Ly top housing produces bright and resonant clacks. These variations in housing materials give each switch its own distinct sound signature, catering to different preferences for typing feel and sound.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch and the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch, it is evident that the Cold Plum is heavier while the Milk Tea is lighter. The Cold Plum has an actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams, making it a medium-heavy switch. In contrast, the Milk Tea has an actuation force of 45 grams, and the bottom out force is unknown. The lighter actuation force of the Milk Tea makes it a preferred choice for those who prefer a lighter typing experience, allowing for longer typing periods without fatigue. On the other hand, the heavier actuation and bottom out force of the Cold Plum provides a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference and typing style - whether one prefers a lighter or heavier switch for their specific typing needs and preferences.
Travel distance
The Outemu Cold Plum linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, which is shorter than the 4 mm travel distance of the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch. In this case, the Cold Plum offers a quicker key press experience compared to the Milk Tea. Gamers looking for faster response times may prefer the Cold Plum due to its shorter travel distance. However, those who enjoy a deeper key press sensation may opt for the Milk Tea with its longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference in terms of key press depth and responsiveness.
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 Tea.
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
Overall, the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch is favored for its thocky sound profile and smooth keystrokes, offering a unique and enjoyable typing experience for enthusiasts. On the other hand, the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch's subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel are unknown. However, it is important to consider that individual preferences for sound and feel can vary greatly among keyboard users. Ultimately, when comparing these two switches, it is essential to test them out personally to determine which one best suits your typing style and preferences. Keep in mind that both switches come from the same brand, so you can expect a similar level of quality and performance in terms of construction and durability.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch and the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch, you should consider a few key factors. If you prioritize a unique typing experience with a thocky sound profile and smooth keystrokes, then the Cold Plum may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile switch with a different feel, the Milk Tea may be more suitable. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference and what you value most in a mechanical keyboard switch. Consider testing out both switches if possible to see which one suits your typing style and preferences best.
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