Outemu Cold Plum vs. Outemu Silent Ocean
An in-depth look at the Outemu Cold Plum and the Outemu Silent Ocean switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Cold Plum and Outemu Silent Ocean both offer a unique typing experience. The Cold Plum switch is known for its thocky sound profile and fully nylon construction, providing a smooth keystroke and satisfying sound that appeals to enthusiasts looking for a distinct and enjoyable typing feel. On the other hand, the Silent Ocean switch offers a quieter typing experience, ideal for those who prefer a more subtle sound profile. While both switches have their own strengths, such as sound profile and construction material, it ultimately comes down to personal preference. 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
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.60 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 Silent Ocean, one key difference is in the top housing material. 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 Silent Ocean has a polycarbonate top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This contrast in sound profiles can impact the overall typing experience for users, with the Cold Plum offering a more subdued sound while the Silent Ocean provides a clearer and more resonant sound.
Another point of comparison lies in the bottom housing material of both switches, with both featuring a nylon bottom housing. This material choice contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile for both switches, thanks to the softer plastic that absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics. As a result, users can expect a similar tactile and auditory experience from pressing down on keys for both the Cold Plum and the Silent Ocean switches. While the top housing material may differ between the two, the shared nylon bottom housing provides a consistent sound profile across both switches.
Overall, the choice between the Outemu Cold Plum and the Outemu Silent Ocean will come down to personal preference in sound profiles. The Cold Plum's nylon top housing creates a duller and rounder sound profile, ideal for those who prefer a softer typing experience. In contrast, the Silent Ocean's polycarbonate top housing delivers a sharper and crisper sound profile, which may appeal to users seeking a more clear and resonant typing sound. While the bottom housings are the same for both switches, the different top housing materials offer distinct auditory experiences that can cater to varying preferences in mechanical keyboard typing.
Weight
The Outemu Cold Plum linear switch and the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch both fall into the medium-heavy category in terms of actuation force and bottom out force. The Cold Plum requires 60 grams of force to actuate and 70 grams to bottom out, while the Silent Ocean requires 45 grams to actuate and 65 grams to bottom out. In comparison, the Silent Ocean is the lighter of the two switches in terms of actuation force, making it a better choice for those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. The Cold Plum, on the other hand, offers a stronger push feel, which may be more appealing to users who prefer a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Outemu Cold Plum linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Silent Ocean switch has a longer travel distance compared to the Cold Plum switch. The Cold Plum switch may offer a slightly quicker response due to its shorter travel distance, which can be preferred by gamers looking for fast reaction times. On the other hand, the Silent Ocean switch may provide a more substantial and satisfying key press for those who prefer a deeper travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and typing experience.
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 Silent Ocean.
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
When it comes to sound, the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch is known for its thocky sound profile, creating a unique and satisfying auditory experience while typing. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch's sound profile is unknown. Keep in mind that the sound produced by a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard chassis and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel, the Outemu Cold Plum switch is praised for its smooth keystrokes and overall satisfying typing feel, thanks to its fully nylon construction. As for the Outemu Silent Ocean switch, information on its feel is currently unavailable. It is important to note that personal preference plays a significant role in determining the ideal typing experience for each individual user.
In conclusion, while the Outemu Cold Plum and Outemu Silent Ocean linear switches may differ in their sound and feel characteristics, both switches offer a range of options for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts to explore. Depending on your preferences for sound and feel, either switch could provide a enjoyable typing experience. Be sure to consider all factors, including personal preference, when selecting the right switch for your mechanical keyboard setup.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch and the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch, consider the differences in bottom out force and typing experience. If you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force of 70 grams and enjoy a thocky sound profile with smooth keystrokes, the Cold Plum may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force of 65 grams and prioritize a silent typing experience, the Silent Ocean may be more suitable for your preferences. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of key feel and sound profile.
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