Outemu Cold Plum vs. Outemu Silent White
An in-depth look at the Outemu Cold Plum and the Outemu Silent White switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Outemu Cold Plum and the Outemu Silent White. The Cold Plum switch is renowned for its thocky sound profile and fully nylon construction, offering a smooth keystroke and satisfying sound that appeals to typing enthusiasts. On the other hand, the Silent White switch is favored for its silent operation, making it ideal for those who value a quieter typing experience. Each switch has its own unique characteristics that cater to different preferences and needs. 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
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Outemu Cold Plum and Outemu Silent White both use different materials for their top and bottom housings, leading to variations in sound and feel. 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. In contrast, the Silent White utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, resulting in a sharper and crisper sound profile thanks to the stiffer plastic that produces a more resonant tone. While the Cold Plum's bottom housing also uses nylon for a similar sound experience, the Silent White's nylon bottom housing further enhances the switch's overall typing feel.
Despite the differences in their housing materials, both the Cold Plum and Silent White switches offer unique benefits to users. The nylon top housing of the Cold Plum provides a softer and more muffled sound that may appeal to those seeking a quieter typing experience. In comparison, the polycarbonate top housing of the Silent White adds a clarity and brightness to the typing sound, ideal for those who prefer a more distinct and sharp tone while typing. This distinction in sound profiles showcases how the choice of housing material can significantly impact the overall typing experience.
Overall, the choice between the Outemu Cold Plum and Outemu Silent White ultimately comes down to personal preference in sound and feel. While the Cold Plum offers a deeper and fuller sound profile with its nylon top and bottom housing, the Silent White provides a sharper and crisper typing experience with its polycarbonate top and nylon bottom housing. Both switches demonstrate the importance of housing materials in shaping the sound and feel of a mechanical keyboard switch, allowing users to customize their typing experience to suit their preferences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch and the Outemu Silent White linear switch, it is evident that the Cold Plum is the heavier option, with an actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams. In contrast, the Silent White is lighter, requiring an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams. This means that the Cold Plum provides a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel, while the Silent White offers a lighter touch, ideal for longer typing sessions. Both switches are effective for different preferences, with the Cold Plum catering to those who prefer a heavier force, and the Silent White appealing to users who prefer a lighter touch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on individual typing preferences and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The Outemu Cold Plum linear switch and the Outemu Silent White linear switch both have a travel distance of 3.3 mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that when pressing down on a key with either of these switches, you can expect to feel the same amount of travel distance from the top to the bottom. The travel distance in both switches allows for a consistent typing experience and feedback. Overall, while the Cold Plum and Silent White switches may have different characteristics and features, their travel distances remain the same, ensuring a similar typing experience for users of both switches.
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 White.
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 distinctive thocky sound profile and smooth keystroke, providing a satisfying typing experience for enthusiasts. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent White linear switch does not have a well-known sound profile. When it comes to feel, the Cold Plum switch offers a unique tactile sensation that is not well documented for the Silent White switch. Both switches may provide a similar typing experience due to their linear nature, but the Cold Plum is specifically favored for its audible feedback and smooth keystrokes. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches would depend on personal preference for sound and feel during typing sessions.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch or the Outemu Silent White linear switch, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and what you prioritize in a mechanical keyboard switch. If you enjoy a thocky sound profile and a medium-heavy bottom out force, then the Cold Plum may be the best choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother keystroke with a slightly lower bottom out force and silent operation, then the Silent White switch might be more suitable for your needs. Remember to take into consideration the environment you'll be using the keyboard in, as well as your own typing habits and preferences to make the best decision for your setup. Ultimately, both switches have their own unique qualities that can enhance your typing experience, so it's important to choose the one that aligns best with your typing style and preferences.
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