Outemu Cold Plum vs. Outemu Silent Yellow
An in-depth look at the Outemu Cold Plum and the Outemu Silent Yellow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Cold Plum and Outemu Silent Yellow both offer unique features and benefits for users to consider. The Cold Plum is praised for its thocky sound profile and fully nylon construction, providing a smooth keystroke and satisfying typing experience that appeals to enthusiasts looking for a distinct feel. On the other hand, the Silent Yellow switch is known for its silent operation, making it ideal for those who prefer a quieter typing experience. While both switches have their own strengths and applications, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and specific 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
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 housing materials of the Outemu Cold Plum and the Outemu Silent Yellow lies 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. In contrast, the Silent Yellow utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, known for producing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This difference in material results in distinct auditory experiences when typing on the switches.
On the other hand, both the Cold Plum and the Silent Yellow share a nylon bottom housing, which is known for providing a deeper and fuller sound profile similar to the top housing of the Cold Plum. This similarity in bottom housing material means that the bottom-out sound and feel of both switches will be influenced by the nylon material, creating a consistent typing experience in terms of sound characteristics. However, the top housing of the Silent Yellow, being polycarbonate, will still give it a unique sound profile distinct from the Cold Plum.
Overall, the contrasting housing materials of the Outemu Cold Plum and the Outemu Silent Yellow contribute to their unique sound profiles. While the Cold Plum with its nylon top housing offers a deeper and fuller sound, the Silent Yellow with its polycarbonate top housing boasts a sharper and crisper sound. This difference in sound characteristics allows users to choose a switch based on their preference for sound profile, whether they prefer a more mellow and dull sound or a sharper and clearer sound when typing. Regardless, both switches maintain a consistent typing experience due to their shared nylon bottom housing.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch, there are noticeable differences in weight. The Cold Plum has an actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams, providing a medium-heavy typing experience. In contrast, the Silent Yellow switch requires 65 grams of actuation force and 80 grams of bottom out force, making it heavier in comparison. For those who prefer a lighter touch, the Cold Plum switch may be the better option, as it allows for longer typing sessions without fatigue. On the other hand, the Silent Yellow switch is ideal for users who enjoy a more substantial push feel while typing. Overall, the actuation and bottom out forces of these switches cater to different preferences, providing varying levels of feedback and resistance for a personalized typing experience.
Travel distance
The Outemu Cold Plum linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. The Silent Yellow switch has a longer travel distance compared to the Cold Plum switch. A travel distance of 4mm is closer to the traditional distance, offering a deeper press compared to the Cold Plum. Gamers may prefer the Cold Plum for its shorter travel distance, which can result in faster response times. However, some may find the shorter distance to feel abrupt. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and the desired typing or gaming 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 Yellow.
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 known for its thocky sound profile and fully nylon construction, delivering a distinct and satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch does not have a specific sound profile mentioned, indicating a quieter typing experience. The feel of the Cold Plum switch is described as smooth, providing a pleasant typing feel for enthusiasts. Unfortunately, there is no specific information available about the feel of the Silent Yellow switch. In conclusion, if you are looking for a unique and enjoyable typing experience with a satisfying sound, the Outemu Cold Plum switch would be a great choice. However, if a quieter typing experience is preferred, the Silent Yellow switch may be a better option despite the lack of specific information on its sound and feel. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on personal preference and the overall setup of your mechanical keyboard.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch, consider the differences in bottom out force and sound profile. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and enjoy a unique typing experience with a thocky sound profile, the Cold Plum switch may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you don't mind a heavier bottom out force and prioritize a quieter typing experience, the Silent Yellow switch could be the more suitable option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your preference for typing feel and sound, so make sure to consider these factors carefully before making your choice.
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