Outemu Cold Plum vs. HMX Perky

Overview

When it comes to the world of mechanical keyboards, choosing the right switch can significantly impact your typing experience. The Outemu Cold Plum switches are renowned for their thocky sound profile and fully nylon construction, providing gamers and typists alike with a smooth keystroke accompanied by a satisfying auditory feedback. Ideal for enthusiasts in search of a unique and enjoyable typing feel, these linear switches excel in creating a distinct atmosphere during use. On the other hand, the HMX Perky switches stand out with their softer, glittery nylon housings, delivering a neutral and deeply satisfying typing experience. With a shorter travel distance, these switches offer a more condensed keystroke that many find enhances speed and responsiveness, making them an attractive choice for fast-paced gaming and typing sessions. Both switches cater to different preferences and use cases, but understanding their unique characteristics is crucial to making an informed decision. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Outemu Cold Plum Linear

HMX Perky Linear

$3.10 per 10

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The Outemu Cold Plum and HMX Perky switches share a number of similarities in their housing materials, which fundamentally affects their acoustic profiles. Both switches feature nylon as their top and bottom housing material, contributing to a consistent typing experience. As noted, nylon is revered for its softer plastic composition, which helps in absorbing sound, resulting in a richer and more muted auditory feedback when typing. This shared housing material leads to a deeper and fuller sound profile that is particularly pleasing for users who favor a tactile feel combined with a pronounced noise character. Consequently, both switches will deliver comparable sound quality while typing, creating a uniform auditory experience that users may find equally appealing.

The implications of using nylon for both top and bottom housings are significant in understanding how these switches perform during actual use. With both the Outemu Cold Plum and HMX Perky, the softer nylon absorbs vibrations effectively; however, slight distinctions can arise based on the switch designs and internal mechanisms. For instance, while both will create a softer landing sound thanks to the nylon housings, users might notice differences in the overall tactile feedback or actuation force due to variations in spring tension or other internal components. These subtleties can provide varied experiences, even though the sound produced remains largely consistent across the two brands.

In scenarios where the top and bottom housings differ in material—hypothetically presenting a scenario not applicable here—the characteristics of each housing would distinctly influence the typing experience. For the Outemu Cold Plum and HMX Perky, since both utilize nylon for both housings, users will enjoy a seamless experience with the switch feel and sound being closely aligned. The bottom housing will predominantly affect the feel and bottom-out sound when a key is fully pressed down, while the top housing will influence the sound when releasing the key. This duality ensures that both switches produce a rounded auditory feedback and tactile sensation favored by enthusiasts, resulting in end-users experiencing similarly satisfying performance regardless of which brand they choose.

Weight

When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch and the HMX Perky linear switch, notable differences emerge. The Cold Plum has a higher actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams, classifying it as medium-heavy. In contrast, the HMX Perky is significantly lighter, with an actuation force of only 43 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. This makes the Perky switch more suitable for those who prefer a lighter typing experience, ideal for prolonged use during work or extended gaming sessions. Conversely, the Cold Plum provides a more substantial touch, appealing to users who enjoy the feeling of a firmer push. Thus, those preferring lighter switches should gravitate towards the HMX Perky, while those looking for a heavier feel could opt for the Outemu Cold Plum.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch and the HMX Perky linear switch, it is clear that the Cold Plum has a slightly shorter distance of 3.3 mm compared to the Perky's 3.4 mm. This 0.1 mm difference may seem minimal, but it can have implications for user experience. Gamers, who often prefer quicker response times, might find the Cold Plum's shorter travel distance more suitable, as it allows for swifter actuation. Conversely, those who favor a more tactile and hearty depth in their keystrokes may lean towards the Perky, given its longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on individual preferences for responsiveness versus depth.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The Outemu Cold Plum linear switch is renowned for its thocky sound profile, contributing to an acoustic experience that many enthusiasts find satisfying. This sound is a result of the fully nylon construction, which helps in producing a fuller, deeper tonal quality when a key is pressed. On the other hand, the HMX Perky linear switch has a more neutral sound that may come across as tighter and less pronounced compared to the Cold Plum. This distinction creates a different auditory experience, where the Cold Plum’s thocky nature offers more presence, while the Perky aligns with a subtler sound, offering a softer typing experience. However, it’s essential to keep in mind that the overall sound produced can vary significantly based on the keyboard's material, design, and the keycaps used.

When evaluating feel, the Cold Plum switch provides a smooth and satisfying keystroke, making it an appealing choice for heavy typists or those who prioritize comfort while typing. This smoothness enhances the overall typing experience, delivering a consistent touch throughout the key travel. In contrast, the Perky switch offers a more condensed typing feel due to its shorter travel distance, which can make each keystroke feel snappier and quicker. This difference in travel distance may appeal to users who prefer a more responsive feel, allowing for faster typing speeds. Together, the smoothness of the Cold Plum and the snappy response of the Perky cater to different preferences in typing dynamics.

In summary, both the Outemu Cold Plum and HMX Perky linear switches have their unique qualities that cater to varying typing preferences. While the Cold Plum is characterized by its thocky sound and smooth keystroke, the Perky offers a more neutral sound profile with a snappier feel thanks to its shorter travel distance. Ultimately, users might gravitate towards either switch depending on whether they prioritize a more resonant auditory experience or a quick-response typing feel. However, sound and feel can be subjective and influenced by external factors, so individuals are encouraged to test both options to find their ideal typing experience.

Conclusion

To wrap up, when deciding between the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch and the HMX Perky linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing habits. If you appreciate a medium-heavy switch with a larger actuation force, the Cold Plum with its 70-gram bottom-out force would be ideal for you, particularly if you enjoy a pronounced thocky sound and a more robust feel while typing. These characteristics make it a great choice for enthusiasts who revel in a satisfying auditory feedback and tactile experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch, the HMX Perky, with its 50-gram bottom-out force and shorter travel distance, is your go-to option. The Perky's softer, glittery housing provides a smooth and neutral feel, perfect for rapid typing and gaming, offering a lovely condensed typing experience. Thus, it suits those who favor speed and agility over a heavier keystroke. Ultimately, your choice should align with whether you prioritize a more tactile and auditory experience with the Cold Plum or seek a swift and lighter touch with the Perky.

Mentioned in this article

Outemu Cold Plum Linear

$3.10 per 10

Learn more

HMX Perky Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn more