Outemu Cold Plum vs. Outemu Silent Yellow Jade
An in-depth look at the Outemu Cold Plum and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Outemu Cold Plum and Outemu Silent Yellow Jade are two popular options to consider. The Cold Plum switch is a linear switch, known for its thocky sound profile and nylon construction, providing a smooth keystroke and satisfying sound for enthusiasts looking for a distinct typing experience. On the other hand, the Silent Yellow Jade switch is a tactile switch, offering a quiet and tactile typing experience with a satisfying "thocky" sound. With its translucent jade yellow housing and punchy tactile bump, this switch is perfect for those who enjoy the tactile feedback while typing. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
Nylon
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
Both the Outemu Cold Plum and Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switches have nylon top and bottom housings, which means they share similar characteristics when it comes to the overall sound profile and typing experience. Nylon is known for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound due to its soft and sound-absorbing properties. This results in a duller and rounder sound when compared to switches made of harder plastics. Therefore, users can expect a consistent typing experience in terms of sound and feel with either switch.
However, despite both switches having nylon top and bottom housings, there might be slight differences in the way the characteristics of the housing material are distributed. The bottom housing of a switch typically has more impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing affects the sound when a key is released. This means that there may be subtle variations in the typing experience between the Cold Plum and Silent Yellow Jade switches, even though they share the same housing materials. These nuances could be a factor to consider for users who are particularly sensitive to typing sound and feel.
In conclusion, the choice between the Outemu Cold Plum and Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switches may come down to personal preference in terms of the typing experience. Both switches offer a deep and full sound profile thanks to their nylon top and bottom housings, but the distribution of these characteristics may vary slightly. Users looking for a consistent and reliable typing experience can rest assured that both switches will deliver similar results due to their shared housing materials, making them both excellent options for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch, it is evident that the Silent Yellow Jade is the lighter of the two, with an actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Cold Plum's 60 grams. Additionally, the Silent Yellow Jade also has a lighter bottom out force of 65 grams, in contrast to the Cold Plum's heavier bottom out force of 70 grams. Both switches fall into the medium-heavy category in terms of force required for actuation and bottoming out. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Silent Yellow Jade, while users who enjoy a more substantial push feel may opt for the Cold Plum. Ultimately, the differentiation in weight between the two switches allows for users to select the one that best suits their typing preferences, whether it be for extended typing sessions or a more robust typing experience.
Travel distance
Both the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch have the same travel distance of 3.3 mm. This means that users can expect a similar tactile experience when typing on both switches. The travel distance of 3.3 mm provides a good balance between responsiveness and comfort, making either switch a suitable choice for those looking for a smooth typing experience. Overall, whether you choose the Cold Plum or the Silent Yellow Jade, you can expect consistent results in terms of travel distance and typing feel.
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 Jade.
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 switch is known for its thocky sound profile thanks to its fully nylon construction, creating a smooth keystroke and satisfying sound. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switch offers a quieter typing experience with a tactile bump and a distinct "thocky" sound. While the Cold Plum provides a unique and enjoyable sound profile, the Silent Yellow Jade offers a quieter alternative with a tactile typing feel. Both switches excel in providing a satisfying typing experience, with the Cold Plum focusing more on the audible feedback and the Silent Yellow Jade offering a quieter typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on whether the user prefers a louder, more distinct sound or a quieter, tactile typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch, consider your preferences for sound and feel. If you enjoy a thocky sound profile and a smooth keystroke, the Cold Plum may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a quieter typing experience with a punchy tactile bump, the Silent Yellow Jade could be more suitable. Ultimately, both switches offer unique features that cater to different preferences, so it's important to determine what aspects of typing experience are most important to you before making a decision. Ultimately, the choice between the Cold Plum and Silent Yellow Jade switches will depend on your personal preference for sound and feel.
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