Outemu Cold Plum vs. Akko Rosewood

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, enthusiasts often find themselves choosing between options that offer distinct tactile experiences and sound profiles. The Outemu Cold Plum switches stand out for their fully nylon construction, providing a smooth keystroke complemented by a thocky sound, making them an excellent choice for those seeking a unique and satisfying typing feel. On the other hand, the Akko Rosewood switches also deliver a rich, thocky sound right out of the box, enhanced by a factory-applied layer of lubricant that ensures a pleasant typing experience without the need for modifications. While both switches cater to linear switch enthusiasts, the Cold Plum may appeal more to users looking for a pronounced sound profile, whereas the Rosewood could attract those who appreciate a premium feel straight from the manufacturer. 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

Akko Rosewood Linear

$3.10 per 10

$3.89

$3.11 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Cold Plum and the Akko Rosewood, it's noteworthy that both switches utilize nylon for their top and bottom housings. This shared material contributes significantly to their overall sound profile, which is characterized by a deeper and fuller auditory experience. Nylon, being a softer plastic, dampens sound waves more effectively than harder plastics, resulting in a notable absence of sharp overtones. Consequently, typing on either switch will yield a similar acoustic experience where the sounds produced are richer and rounder, showcasing the inherent qualities of nylon as a classic switch housing material.

In addition to the similar acoustic properties, both the Cold Plum and the Rosewood switches feature identical nylon structural elements in terms of sound absorption capabilities. The bottoms of the switches play a pivotal role in the bottom-out sound, while the tops influence the sound when releasing the keys. Given that both switches are made with nylon, users can expect a consistent typing experience across both models. The material’s ability to absorb and soften sound effectively blends the key feedback, creating a harmonious typing environment that is less prone to the brightness often felt with harder plastics. Thus, the commonality in housing materials means identical results in terms of sound dampening and overall tactile feel.

Despite the identical nylon composition of the housings in both the Cold Plum and the Rosewood, any differences in tactile response or feel would stem not from the materials used but rather from their respective designs or internal components. However, the similar acoustic properties derived from their shared nylon build ensure that users will enjoy comparable typing sounds and sensations, regardless of which switch they opt for. Therefore, when considering these switches, one can confidently expect a consistent signature sound and feel due to the common use of nylon in both the top and bottom housings.

Weight

When comparing the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch and the Akko Rosewood linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces that cater to varying user preferences. The Cold Plum switch requires an actuation force of 60 grams and has a bottom out force of 70 grams, making it a medium-heavy option. In contrast, the Rosewood switch is significantly lighter, with an actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. This difference means that users who prefer a lighter feel for extended typing sessions or gaming might favor the Akko Rosewood switch, while those looking for a more substantial and heavier typing experience would likely lean towards the Outemu Cold Plum switch. Overall, the Cold Plum is the heavier option, while the Rosewood offers a lighter alternative, each providing distinct tactile experiences based on their respective force requirements.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch and the Akko Rosewood linear switch, there is a notable difference. The Cold Plum has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Rosewood measures at 4.0 mm. This makes the Cold Plum the shorter option, which is preferable for gamers seeking quicker response times, as shorter distances can enhance performance. On the other hand, the Rosewood offers a longer travel distance, catering to those who enjoy a more tactile and substantial feel when typing or gaming. For users who appreciate a robust depth in their keystrokes, the Rosewood might be the better choice. Thus, depending on personal preference for responsiveness versus depth, one would choose between the Cold Plum’s more immediate feedback or the Rosewood’s more traditional, deliberate feel.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The Outemu Cold Plum linear switch is characterized by a thocky sound profile that provides a rich auditory feedback during typing. This sound is enhanced by the fully nylon construction of the switch, which adds to the overall depth and resonance. In comparison, the Akko Rosewood linear switch also boasts a similar deep, satisfying thocky sound right out of the box, attributed to a thin layer of factory-applied lubricant that helps in dampening harsh tones and promoting a more pleasing auditory experience. Despite their differences, both switches deliver a sound signature that is likely to satisfy enthusiasts looking for that characteristic thock.

When it comes to the feel of the switches, the Cold Plum is praised for its smooth keystroke, offering a glide-like typing experience that minimizes friction. This smoothness can significantly enhance the overall typing satisfaction, making it feel effortless. The Rosewood switch is similarly designed to provide a smooth experience, though specific details about its tactile feedback compared to the Cold Plum are not available. Both switches prioritize a fluid keystroke, ensuring that typists will enjoy seamless transitions from key to key, yielding a comfortable typing experience for both.

Overall, both the Outemu Cold Plum and the Akko Rosewood linear switches present captivating options for those venturing into the world of mechanical keyboards. With their thocky sound profiles and smooth keystrokes, they cater to enthusiasts looking for rich auditory and tactile feedback. The choice between them may ultimately come down to personal preference in design and brand loyalty, but either option promises a satisfying typing experience.

Conclusion

In summary, your choice between the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch and the Akko Rosewood linear switch should be guided by your specific preferences for feel, sound, and bottom-out force. If you prefer a firmer key that's more resistant and delivers a unique thocky sound profile, the Cold Plum with its 70-gram bottom-out force might be the ideal option for you. This switch is especially perfect for those who enjoy a tangible, satisfying typing experience and seek a more deliberate keystroke. On the other hand, if you favor a lighter touch with a softer bottom-out force of 50 grams, the Akko Rosewood is likely to suit your needs better. Its factory-applied lubricant, combined with its deep and pleasant sound, makes it an attractive choice for users who appreciate a smoother typing experience with fewer barriers. In the end, the decision ultimately boils down to whether you prefer the robust, thocky feel of the Cold Plum or the light, fluid experience offered by the Rosewood. Each switch brings its own unique flair to your mechanical keyboard, enhancing your typing experience in different ways.

Mentioned in this article

Outemu Cold Plum Linear

$3.10 per 10

Learn more

Akko Rosewood Linear

$3.89

$3.11 per 10

Learn more