Outemu Cold Plum vs. Huano Sakura

Overview

When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, two notable options that stand out are the Outemu Cold Plum and the Huano Sakura, both linear switches but distinct in their characteristics. The Cold Plum is celebrated for its thocky sound profile and fully nylon construction, delivering a smooth keystroke that caters to enthusiasts who relish a unique and enjoyable typing experience; its satisfying sound adds an extra layer that many users find appealing. On the other hand, the Huano Sakura offers a feather-light touch, making it ideal for extended typing sessions, along with medium acoustics that strike a balance between auditory feedback and quiet operation. Both switches offer compelling reasons for consideration: the Cold Plum for those seeking a robust tactile experience with pronounced sound, and the Sakura for users prioritizing comfort during long periods of use. 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

Huano Sakura Linear

$3.10 per 10

$3.50 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Cold Plum and the Huano Sakura switches, we find a contrast in their top housing materials while both switches utilize nylon for the bottom housing. The Cold Plum features a nylon top housing, which is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its relatively soft plastic composition. This allows the nylon to absorb more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder auditory experience when typing. In contrast, the Sakura switch employs a POK (polyketone) top housing, which is not only smooth due to its low coefficient of friction but also significantly more durable than nylon. POK's exceptional wear and shock resistance contribute to a clackier sound profile while offering a contrast to the warmer, rounder sound of the Cold Plum’s nylon top.

Despite the differences in top housing materials, both the Cold Plum and Sakura exhibit the same nylon composition for their bottom housings. This shared use of nylon in the lower part of the switch ensures that both models will provide a deeper and fuller sound profile when bottoming out, as nylon's softer characteristics help absorb sound effectively. As a result, users can expect a similar auditory experience when the key is fully pressed, even though the overall sound profile may differ during actuation and release due to the varying top materials. The impact of bottom housing characteristics becomes crucial in determining how the switch feels and sounds on bottoming out.

Ultimately, the combination of different top materials means the overall performance of the Outemu Cold Plum and Huano Sakura will differ in nuanced ways, particularly in their sound profiles and the tactile sensations experienced when pressing the keys. While nylon contributes to a consistent auditory foundation for both models, the Cold Plum’s nylon top will yield a more muted sound experience, whereas the Sakura’s POK top housing will enhance brightness and clarity, resulting in a sharper auditory feedback. This blending of materials results in a unique typing experience for each switch, allowing users to choose based on their preferred sound and feel.

Weight

When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch and the Huano Sakura linear switch, a clear distinction emerges. The Cold Plum features a notably heavier actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams, categorizing it as medium-heavy. In contrast, the Sakura offers a much lighter experience with an actuation force of just 35 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it a preferable choice for those who favor a lighter touch during extended typing sessions or gaming marathons. Consequently, typists seeking a more substantial and tactile feel might gravitate towards the Cold Plum, while those prioritizing comfort and ease of use would likely find the Sakura more appealing. Overall, the Cold Plum is heavier, while the Sakura is lighter, providing users with distinct experiences based on their preferences.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch and the Huano Sakura linear switch, the Cold Plum features a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Sakura offers a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that if you're looking for a more responsive feel, the Cold Plum may be the better choice due to its shorter distance, which can lead to quicker actuation times, especially favored by gamers. On the other hand, the Sakura's longer travel distance provides a more pronounced key press, catering to those who prefer a deeper, more tactile experience when typing. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference for either responsive action or a more substantial key feel.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The Outemu Cold Plum linear switch produces a distinctive thocky sound profile that many typists find pleasing. Its fully nylon construction contributes to the acoustics, creating a richer sound that’s particularly satisfying during typing. This switch is favored among enthusiasts for its enjoyable auditory feedback, making every keystroke feel a bit more pronounced without being overly loud. In contrast, the Huano Sakura linear switch features a feather-light touch combined with medium acoustics, which makes it suitable for longer typing sessions where maintaining energy and comfort is essential. While it may not have the deep resonance of the Cold Plum, the Sakura offers a more subdued sound that can help minimize distractions in quieter environments.

When it comes to feel, the Cold Plum switch is recognized for its smooth keystroke, providing a consistent tactile experience that many typists appreciate. This smoothness enhances the overall typing experience, contributing to a sense of satisfaction with each press. The Huano Sakura, on the other hand, is characterized by its feather-light touch, which minimizes the effort required for each keystroke. This allows for rapid typing and is particularly advantageous for users who prioritize speed and comfort during extended use, though it may lack the tactile feedback that some typists desire.

Overall, the Outemu Cold Plum and Huano Sakura switches offer different qualities that cater to varying preferences among typists. The Cold Plum excels in providing a deep, thocky sound and a smooth keystroke that can make typing feel more engaging. In contrast, the Sakura is a great choice for those seeking a lightweight typing experience with moderate sound levels. Ultimately, the best switch for any newcomer will depend on whether they prioritize sound, feel, or a combination of both to enhance their typing experience.

Conclusion

To conclude, your choice between the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch and the Huano Sakura linear switch ultimately depends on your typing preferences and usage scenarios. If you enjoy a tactile and thocky sound profile along with a firmer bottom-out force of 70 grams, the Cold Plum is likely the better fit for you. It provides a unique typing experience that many enthusiasts appreciate, making it ideal for those who want both feedback and a satisfying sound while typing. On the other hand, if you prioritize comfort and extended usage, the feather-light touch of the Sakura with its 45 grams bottom-out force could be the switch for you. This makes it a fantastic option for long typing sessions where less strain on your fingers is crucial, combined with medium acoustics that won’t disturb others around you. Therefore, consider your typing style, whether you prefer a heavier and more audible switch or a lighter, quieter alternative, to choose the switch that will give you the most satisfying typing experience.

Mentioned in this article

Outemu Cold Plum Linear

$3.10 per 10

Learn more

Huano Sakura Linear

$3.50 per 10

Learn more