Outemu Cold Plum vs. Outemu Red
An in-depth look at the Outemu Cold Plum and the Outemu Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Outemu Cold Plum and Outemu Red mechanical keyboard switches, both linear switches offer their own unique qualities. The Cold Plum stands out for its thocky sound profile and fully nylon construction, providing a smooth keystroke and satisfying sound that appeals to typing enthusiasts looking for a distinct typing experience. On the other hand, the Red switch is known for its simplicity and is also categorized as a linear switch. While both switches offer their own advantages, such as the unique typing feel of the Cold Plum and the straightforward design of the Red, it is essential to dive deeper into the specifics to determine the best switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
60g
Actuation force
46g
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.10 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
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 Red lies in the material used for their top housing. The Cold Plum features a nylon top housing, which creates a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic that absorbs more sound. On the other hand, the Red boasts a polycarbonate top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The choice between these two materials can greatly impact the overall sound and feel of the switch, catering to different preferences of keyboard enthusiasts.
While both switches feature a nylon bottom housing, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, the distinction in their top housing materials sets them apart. The Cold Plum's use of nylon for both top and bottom housing ensures a consistent typing experience with a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, the Outemu Red's combination of polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing gives it a unique sound profile that is crisper and resonant. This difference in housing materials provides users with a choice between a softer, more absorbing sound and a sharper, clearer sound.
Despite the differences in their housing materials, both the Outemu Cold Plum and Outemu Red offer a high-quality typing experience. The split between the qualities of the top and bottom housing materials allows users to feel the impact of each material when pressing down on a key and when releasing it. Whether you prefer a deeper, fuller sound profile with the Cold Plum's nylon housing or a sharper, crisper sound with the Red's polycarbonate housing, both switches deliver reliable performance and can cater to a variety of preferences in terms of sound and feel.
Weight
When comparing the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch to the Outemu Red linear switch, it is evident that the Cold Plum has a heavier actuation force and bottom out force compared to the Red. The Cold Plum requires 60 grams of actuation force and 70 grams of bottom out force, making it a medium-heavy switch. On the other hand, the Red switch has a lighter actuation force of 46 grams and a bottom out force of 62 grams, placing it in the medium category. The actuation force of a switch is crucial for triggering keystrokes, while the bottom out force measures the pressure needed to fully press the key. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may find the Red switch more suitable for longer typing sessions, while users seeking a more substantial push feel may opt for the Cold Plum switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference for actuation force and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch is 3.3 mm, while the Outemu Red linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. The Cold Plum's travel distance is shorter than that of the Red, making it a better option for those seeking a quicker and more responsive typing experience. Gamers, in particular, may prefer the Cold Plum switch for its faster response times. On the other hand, the Red switch with a longer travel distance may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial key press feel with added depth. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style, with the Cold Plum offering a shorter travel distance and the Red providing a longer one.
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 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
Overall, when comparing the subjective qualities of the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch and the Outemu Red linear switch, the Cold Plum is favored for its unique thocky sound profile and smooth keystroke, providing a distinct and enjoyable typing experience. In contrast, the Red switch lacks known distinctive qualities in sound and feel. Given this information, it can be inferred that the Cold Plum switch would likely provide a more satisfying typing experience compared to the Red switch. However, it is important to consider that individual preferences play a significant role in determining the ideal switch for each person, so trying out both switches to see which one aligns better with your typing style and preferences would be beneficial. Ultimately, both switches are linear in nature, so if you prefer a smooth keystroke without tactile feedback, you can expect similar results from both switches in that regard.
Conclusion
Ultimately, when deciding between the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch and the Outemu Red linear switch, your choice should be based on your preference for typing experience. If you enjoy a unique thocky sound profile and medium-heavy bottom out force, then the Cold Plum switches would be a great option for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother keystroke with a medium bottom out force, then the Red switches would be more suitable. Consider your sound and feel preferences to make the best decision for your mechanical keyboard setup.
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