Outemu Cold Plum vs. Gateron Quinn
An in-depth look at the Outemu Cold Plum and the Gateron Quinn switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Cold Plum and the Gateron Quinn offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Cold Plum stands out for its thocky sound profile and smooth keystrokes, making it a popular choice for enthusiasts looking for a distinct and enjoyable typing experience. On the other hand, the Quinn switch is known for its crisp, light tactility and deep, resonant sound profile, providing users with a precise and immersive typing experience. While the Cold Plum offers a satisfying typing feel, the Quinn switch adds a touch of character with its rich sound. 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
59g
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
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
22mm double-stage gold-plated
Housing materials
Both the Outemu Cold Plum and the Gateron Quinn utilize nylon as the material for their top and bottom housing, resulting in similar qualities when it comes to the sound profile and feel of typing on these switches. Nylon is known for its softer plastic composition, which allows it to absorb more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. This creates a duller and rounder sound overall, providing a satisfying typing experience for users of both switches.
While the top and bottom housings of the Cold Plum and the Quinn are made of the same material, they still play different roles in the overall typing experience. The qualities of the bottom housing have a more significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed, whereas the top housing affects the sound when a key is released. This division of qualities between the two housings allows for a more nuanced typing experience, with each housing contributing to a specific aspect of the sound profile and feel of the switch.
Overall, the choice of nylon as the housing material for both the Outemu Cold Plum and the Gateron Quinn contributes to a consistent typing experience with a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound that is favored by many keyboard enthusiasts. Whether it's the bottom housing impacting the bottom-out sound or the top housing affecting the sound upon key release, users can expect a satisfying typing experience with either switch choice.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch and the Gateron Quinn tactile switch are quite similar, with both being in the medium-heavy range. The Cold Plum has an actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams, while the Quinn has an actuation force of 59 grams and a bottom out force of 67 grams. This means that the Cold Plum is slightly heavier than the Quinn in both aspects. The weight of the switches is crucial when choosing the right one for your needs. Some may prefer a lighter switch like the Quinn for longer typing sessions or gaming, while others may lean towards the heavier Cold Plum for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, both switches offer a balance between actuation and bottom out force, providing a satisfying typing experience for users.
Travel distance
The Outemu Cold Plum linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Gateron Quinn tactile switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.4 mm. Both switches offer a shorter travel distance compared to the traditional 4.0 mm distance, making them suitable for those looking for faster response times, such as gamers. However, the Cold Plum switch may provide a slightly quicker actuation due to its shorter travel distance. On the other hand, the Quinn switch may offer a slightly more satisfying keypress with its slightly longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and keypress feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Quinn has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Quinn for $5.50.
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
In terms of sound, the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch is best known for its thocky sound profile, delivering a deep and satisfying sound during key presses. On the other hand, the Gateron Quinn tactile switch offers a bassy and resonant sound profile, providing a rich and immersive auditory experience with each keystroke. While the Cold Plum offers a thocky sound, the Quinn provides a deeper and richer sound profile with its bassy and resonant characteristics.
When it comes to feel, the Outemu Cold Plum switch is known for its smooth keystroke, delivering a satisfying typing experience. In comparison, the Gateron Quinn tactile switch offers a unique combination of crisp, light switch-like tactility, providing a precise, clean, and crisp tactile bump. The Cold Plum switch offers a smooth typing experience, whereas the Quinn switch provides a tactile and responsive feel with its snappy and polished characteristics.
Overall, the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch and the Gateron Quinn tactile switch each offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Cold Plum delivers a thocky sound profile and smooth keystrokes, while the Quinn offers a bassy and resonant sound with crisp tactility. Both switches provide distinct typing experiences that cater to different preferences, so choosing between the two would depend on individual preferences for sound and feel. Ultimately, whether you opt for the Cold Plum or the Quinn, you can expect a satisfying and enjoyable typing experience with either switch.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a unique typing experience with a thocky sound profile and medium-heavy bottom out force, the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a combination of crisp, light switch-like tactility with a deep and resonant sound profile, along with a slightly lighter bottom out force, the Gateron Quinn tactile switch would be more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will come down to your personal preferences regarding sound, feel, and typing experience. Consider what factors are most important to you in a keyboard switch and choose accordingly.
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