Outemu Cold Plum vs. KTT Purple Star
An in-depth look at the Outemu Cold Plum and the KTT Purple Star switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Outemu Cold Plum and the KTT Purple Star mechanical keyboard switches, it's clear that both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Cold Plum stands out for its thocky sound profile and fully nylon construction, providing a smooth keystroke and satisfying sound for enthusiasts who appreciate a distinct typing experience. On the other hand, the Purple Star boasts an all-POM construction, delivering a buttery smooth typing feel with a neutral sound signature that is perfect for light typists due to its very light 45g bottom-out. While the Cold Plum offers a more tactile typing experience, the Purple Star focuses on providing ease and comfort for users. 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
43g
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In terms of the housing materials of the Outemu Cold Plum and the KTT Purple Star, both switches use different materials for their top and bottom housings. The Cold Plum utilizes nylon for both the top and bottom housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile with a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Purple Star employs POM for both the top and bottom housing, creating a unique sound profile that is deeper and relatively more muted. While they both offer a pleasing sound experience, the Cold Plum's nylon housing may provide a slightly softer typing experience compared to the Purple Star's POM housing.
Despite being made of different materials, the top and bottom housing of the Cold Plum and the Purple Star play a significant role in the overall sound profile and feel of the switches. The bottom housing, whether it be nylon for the Cold Plum or POM for the Purple Star, affects the bottom-out sound and feel when keys are pressed. On the other hand, the top housing has a more pronounced impact on the sound produced when keys are released. This difference in materials for the top and bottom housing can lead to varied typing experiences, with the Cold Plum potentially offering a deeper sound profile due to its nylon housing compared to the Purple Star with its POM housing.
While there are differences in the housing materials of the Outemu Cold Plum and the KTT Purple Star, both switches aim to enhance the typing experience by providing unique sound profiles and tactile feedback. The nylon top and bottom housing of the Cold Plum may cater to those looking for a softer and fuller sound, while the POM top and bottom housing of the Purple Star offer a relatively more muted and unique typing experience. Ultimately, whether you choose the Cold Plum or the Purple Star, you can expect to enjoy a satisfying typing experience with distinct sound characteristics based on the materials used in their housing.
Weight
Comparing the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch and the KTT Purple Star 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, making it a medium-heavy switch. In contrast, the Purple Star is the lighter option with an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, categorizing it as a light switch. The difference in weight between the two switches is significant, with the Cold Plum requiring more force for both actuation and bottoming out compared to the Purple Star. Those who prefer a more substantial typing experience may opt for the Cold Plum, while users seeking a lighter touch for longer typing or gaming sessions may find the Purple Star more suitable. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Outemu Cold Plum linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the KTT Purple Star linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are becoming more popular, especially among gamers looking for faster response times. However, the Cold Plum switch offers a slightly shorter travel distance, which may be preferred for those seeking maximum responsiveness. On the other hand, the Purple Star switch provides a slightly longer travel distance, which may appeal to individuals who prefer a more substantial keypress experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference for travel distance and typing feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Outemu Cold Plum comes in at $3.10, whereas the KTT Purple Star comes in at $4.88.
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
In terms of sound, the Outemu Cold Plum switch offers a thocky sound profile that is distinct and satisfying, while the KTT Purple Star switch provides a low-pitched and mellow tone that is more neutral. Depending on personal preference, the Cold Plum switch may be preferred by those who enjoy a more pronounced and unique sound, whereas the Purple Star switch may appeal to those seeking a quieter and smoother typing experience.
When it comes to feel, the Outemu Cold Plum switch provides a smooth keystroke that is enjoyable for typists looking for a tactile response. On the other hand, the KTT Purple Star switch offers a mild typing experience with easy-to-press keys that require minimal force to activate. This makes the Purple Star switch ideal for light typists who value comfort and ease of typing. The Cold Plum switch, with its satisfying feel and feedback, may be more suitable for those who enjoy a more tactile typing experience.
Overall, the Outemu Cold Plum and KTT Purple Star switches offer different sound and feel profiles that cater to individual preferences. While the Cold Plum switch provides a distinct thocky sound and smooth keystroke, the Purple Star switch offers a neutral sound and easy-to-press keys. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on whether you prioritize sound or feel in your typing experience. Both switches provide quality performance and are sure to enhance your typing experience, offering a unique and enjoyable feel with each keystroke.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch and the KTT Purple Star linear switch, you should consider your preferences in bottom out force, sound profile, and overall typing experience. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force of 70 grams and enjoy a thocky sound profile with a smooth keystroke, the Cold Plum switch is a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force of 50 grams and value a buttery smooth typing experience with a neutral sound signature, the Purple Star switch would be more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to your personal preferences in feel and sound, so choose the one that aligns best with your typing style and preferences.
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