Outemu Cold Plum vs. KTT Phalaenopsis
An in-depth look at the Outemu Cold Plum and the KTT Phalaenopsis switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options that come to mind are the Outemu Cold Plum, a linear switch, and the KTT Phalaenopsis, a tactile switch. The Cold Plum switches are revered for their thocky sound profile and smooth keystrokes, making them a favorite among enthusiasts looking for a unique typing experience. On the other hand, the Phalaenopsis switches stand out with their beautiful translucent design, light actuation force, and satisfying tactile bump. While the Cold Plum offers a distinct typing feel, the Phalaenopsis minimizes finger fatigue during long typing sessions. 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
37g
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 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
Polycarbonate
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm gold-plated spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Cold Plum and the KTT Phalaenopsis, we can see that they both offer unique characteristics that contribute to the overall sound profile of the switch. The Cold Plum utilizes nylon for both its top and bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer nature of nylon that absorbs more sound. On the other hand, the Phalaenopsis features polycarbonate for both its top and bottom housing, creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile attributed to the stiffer nature of polycarbonate. Despite these differences, both switches provide a distinctive typing experience based on their housing materials.
One key distinction between the two switches lies in their top housing materials. While the Cold Plum's nylon top housing offers a duller and rounder sound, the Phalaenopsis's polycarbonate top housing contributes to a more clear and resonant sound. This variation in sound profile can impact the overall typing experience for users who prefer a certain type of sound feedback. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches designed with RGB lighting, providing an aesthetic advantage that the Cold Plum's nylon top housing may not offer.
Furthermore, the choice of bottom housing material also plays a significant role in the typing experience. The Cold Plum's nylon bottom housing enhances the bottom-out sound and feel with its softer nature, while the Phalaenopsis's polycarbonate bottom housing contributes to a sharper and crisper sound profile. When combined with the top housing material, these differences in bottom housing material can create a well-rounded typing experience that caters to the preferences of users looking for specific sound characteristics in their switches. Ultimately, the housing materials of the Cold Plum and the Phalaenopsis each offer unique benefits that can influence the overall typing experience for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
Comparing the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch and the KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch, it is evident that the Cold Plum is heavier in terms of actuation and bottom out forces when compared to the Phalaenopsis. The Cold Plum requires an actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams, making it more suitable for those who prefer a medium-heavy typing experience. On the other hand, the Phalaenopsis has a much lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, providing a lighter typing feel. Those who prefer a lighter touch for longer typing sessions may find the Phalaenopsis more suitable, while those who enjoy a more substantial push feel may lean towards the Cold Plum. In essence, the choice between the two switches ultimately boils down to personal preference in terms of typing experience and force requirements.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch is shorter at 3.3 mm compared to the KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch which has a travel distance of 4 mm. The Cold Plum offers a quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance, making it a preferred choice for gamers who prioritize speed. On the other hand, the Phalaenopsis provides a deeper key press experience with its longer travel distance, which may be more appealing to those who prefer a more substantial feeling when typing. 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?
The KTT Phalaenopsis has an MSRP of $4.73 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Phalaenopsis for $4.15.
The Outemu Cold Plum comes in at $3.10 per 10 switches.
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 best described as having a thocky sound profile, meaning it produces a deep and satisfying sound similar to a soft knock or thud when the key is pressed and released. On the other hand, the KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch is known for its bassy sound, offering a deeper and richer sound profile during key presses. Both switches provide unique auditory experiences, but the Cold Plum leans towards a thocky sound while the Phalaenopsis offers a bassy tone, allowing users to tailor their typing experience based on their preferred sound.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Outemu Cold Plum's tactile feel is not specified in the provided information. Meanwhile, the KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch is characterized as stepped, meaning it has a two-stage tactile feel where there is a noticeable pre-travel and/or post-travel sensation. This provides a more subtle tactile feedback compared to switches with a larger tactile bump throughout the keystroke. The Cold Plum's feel remains a mystery, but the Phalaenopsis offers a distinctive stepped tactile experience for users who enjoy a more nuanced typing sensation.
In conclusion, the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch and the KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch offer different subjective qualities when it comes to sound and feel. While the Cold Plum provides a thocky sound profile with a smooth keystroke, the Phalaenopsis presents a bassy sound with a stepped tactile feel. Both switches cater to different preferences, allowing users to choose based on their preferred auditory and tactile typing experiences. It is important to consider these factors alongside other variables such as keycap and keyboard choices to create the ideal typing setup. Ultimately, whether you opt for the Cold Plum or the Phalaenopsis, you can expect a unique and enjoyable typing experience with distinct qualities associated with each switch.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch and the KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch, consider your preference for typing experience. If you enjoy a medium-heavy bottom-out force and a thocky sound profile, the Cold Plum may be the better option for you. However, if you prefer a lighter bottom-out force and a stepped tactile feel with a bassy sound profile, the Phalaenopsis switch could be the more suitable choice. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference and what type of typing experience you find most enjoyable.
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