Outemu Cold Plum vs. Jerrzi Salt Ice
An in-depth look at the Outemu Cold Plum and the Jerrzi Salt Ice switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Cold Plum and Jerrzi Salt Ice are two standout options to consider. The Cold Plum is praised for its thocky sound profile, smooth keystroke, and fully nylon construction, providing enthusiasts with a unique and enjoyable typing experience. On the other hand, the Salt Ice switches are known for their exceptionally bright and clacky characteristics, paired with a light touch for vibrant feedback and effortless actuation. While both switches offer distinct advantages, choosing between them ultimately depends on personal preference and typing style. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
N/A
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
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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Cold Plum and the Jerrzi Salt Ice, the key difference lies in their composition. The Cold Plum utilizes nylon for both its top and bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softness of the material. In contrast, the Salt Ice features polycarbonate for both housings, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile thanks to its stiffness. While the Cold Plum offers a duller and rounder sound, the Salt Ice provides a more clear and resonant tone, making them suitable for different preferences in typing experience.
Despite the differences in housing material, both the Outemu Cold Plum and the Jerrzi Salt Ice display similar characteristics in terms of sound profile based on their respective nylon and polycarbonate compositions. The nylon top housing of the Cold Plum absorbs more sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller typing sound, while the polycarbonate top housing of the Salt Ice produces a sharper and crisper sound due to its stiffness. Additionally, the nylon bottom housing of the Cold Plum and polycarbonate bottom housing of the Salt Ice emphasize the impact of the bottom-out sound and feel, showcasing the versatility of these materials in enhancing typing experiences.
Overall, the choice between the Outemu Cold Plum and the Jerrzi Salt Ice ultimately comes down to personal preference in sound profile and typing feel. While the Cold Plum's nylon housing delivers a more rounded and deep sound, the Salt Ice's polycarbonate housing offers a crisper and clearer sound. Both switches showcase the impact of housing material on typing experience, with the Cold Plum's nylon creating a softer typing feel and the Salt Ice's polycarbonate providing a stiffer sensation. Whether one prefers a duller, fuller sound or a sharper, higher-pitched tone, these housing materials play a significant role in shaping the overall typing experience for enthusiasts.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch and Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch differ significantly. The Cold Plum has an actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams, giving it a medium-heavy feel. In contrast, the Salt Ice has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, but its bottom out force is unknown. This means that the Cold Plum will provide a more substantial typing experience with its heavier forces, while the Salt Ice offers a lighter touch for those who prefer to type for longer periods without fatigue. 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 Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. In this case, the Salt Ice switch has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Cold Plum switch. Both switches fall within the category of shorter travel distances, making them ideal for individuals who prioritize quick response times, such as gamers. However, the slight difference in travel distance may result in a slightly different feel when pressing down on the keys. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches may come down to personal preference, with the Cold Plum offering a slightly shorter travel distance for those seeking a more abrupt feel, while the Salt Ice provides a slightly longer travel distance for individuals who prefer a deeper press.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Jerrzi Salt Ice has an MSRP of $2.79 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Salt Ice for $2.30.
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 comparing the Outemu Cold Plum and Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switches, it's important to consider both sound and feel. The Cold Plum switches are known for their thocky sound profile, delivering a smooth keystroke and satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the Salt Ice switches stand out with their bright and clacky characteristics, offering vibrant feedback and effortless actuation. In terms of feel, the Cold Plum switches provide a unique typing experience with their nylon construction, while the Salt Ice switches are praised for their light touch and responsive feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference, with the Cold Plum offering a distinct and enjoyable typing feel, and the Salt Ice providing an energetic and responsive experience. Whether you choose the Cold Plum or Salt Ice, you can expect a high-quality typing experience that caters to your preferences.
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 bright and clacky characteristics with a lighter touch and unknown bottom out force, the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch may be more your style. Consider your preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience when deciding between these two switches to find the one that best suits your needs. Ultimately, both switches offer distinct qualities that can enhance your typing experience depending on your personal preferences.
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