Outemu Cold Plum vs. Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie

Overview

When diving into the world of mechanical keyboard switches, enthusiasts often gravitate towards the Outemu Cold Plum and Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie, both of which offer their own unique take on the linear switch experience. The Outemu Cold Plum is celebrated for its fully nylon construction, providing a distinct and enjoyable typing feel characterized by a smooth keystroke and a satisfying thocky sound profile. This makes it an appealing choice for those who prioritize both aesthetics and acoustics in their typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie, constructed from durable POM material, strikes a brilliant balance between quality and affordability, while also offering a similar thocky auditory feedback and remarkable smoothness. For users looking to enhance their typing experience without breaking the bank, the Sea Salt Smoothie serves as an excellent option. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your preferences and typing style.

By the numbers

Outemu Cold Plum Linear

Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie Linear

$3.10 per 10

$3.00

$2.70 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The Outemu Cold Plum switches are constructed with a nylon top and bottom housing, both of which contribute to a unique auditory experience. Nylon is known for its softer texture, which helps absorb sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile that creates a more muted acoustic experience. This quality of nylon allows for a more rounded sound when typing, ensuring that each keystroke feels more substantial and satisfying. The consistency of the material in both the top and bottom housings means the Cold Plums will provide a uniform sound and feel across the entire switch, enhancing the overall typing experience.

In contrast, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie switches utilize POM (polyoxymethylene) for both the top and bottom housing. POM is regarded for producing a smooth and pleasing sound, also leaning towards a deeper profile, but with a distinct quality that differs from nylon. The material’s resilience and smoothness contribute to a typing experience that is quite unique, characterized by a more muted sound as compared to the Cold Plum. While both switches deliver a deeper auditory output, the differentiation lies in the resonance quality; the POM may offer a crisper feel accompanied by a quieter typing experience when compared to the nylon housing.

Despite these differences, users can expect to achieve somewhat similar results between the two switches in terms of the overall sound profile. The nylon and POM materials, while distinct, both create deeper sound signatures, making either switch suitable for those looking for a muted typing experience. When engaging with these switches, the bottom housing's material will primarily influence the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing will inform the release sound. Thus, while the materials differ, the end result of a deeper and satisfying typing experience is a shared achievement between the Outemu Cold Plum and Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie switches.

Weight

When comparing the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch, we find notable differences in actuation force and bottom out force that cater to varying typing preferences. The Cold Plum switch features an actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams, categorizing it as medium-heavy. This heavier force can provide a more substantial typing experience, making it a suitable choice for users who appreciate a firmer tactile feedback while typing or gaming. In contrast, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie has a lighter actuation force of 48 grams, making it easier to press, which benefits users who prefer extended typing sessions without fatigue. However, the bottom out force for the Sea Salt Smoothie remains unknown, preventing a direct comparison in that regard. Overall, the Cold Plum switch is the heavier option, while the Sea Salt Smoothie is lighter, allowing users to select based on their personal typing style and comfort.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch, we find that they differ significantly. The Cold Plum has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, making it the shorter option, while the Sea Salt Smoothie features a travel distance of 3.7 mm, which provides a deeper feel. For those who prioritize responsive keystrokes, the Cold Plum's shorter travel distance may be more appealing, as it allows for quicker actuation. On the other hand, users who enjoy a more substantial feel when typing may prefer the Sea Salt Smoothie's longer travel distance, as it offers a more satisfying depth with each press. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches hinges on personal preference for either a snappier response or a more pronounced actuation.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Outemu Cold Plum switches are characterized by a distinct thocky sound profile that enthusiasts find satisfying. This sound is largely influenced by their fully nylon construction, which contributes to deeper resonance upon actuation. Similarly, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie switches also feature a thocky sound profile, combining a robust acoustic signature with its medium-weight design. Both switches can offer an enjoyable auditory experience, although the exact sound may vary depending on the board and keycaps used, leading to a potentially similar sound outcome when combined with the right components.

When considering feel, the Cold Plum switches are lauded for their smooth keystroke, providing a pleasant typing experience that doesn't introduce any tactile bumps or interruptions. This smoothness is a key quality that makes them popular among users seeking a fluid typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie switches, made from all-POM material, also promise exceptional smoothness, emphasizing a consistent and easy actuation. Both switches are designed to deliver a seamless feel, so users can expect a similarly enjoyable and fluid typing experience regardless of which switch they choose.

Overall, both the Outemu Cold Plum and Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switches present compelling options for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts, especially those who prioritize sound and smoothness. While the Cold Plum offers a distinctive thocky sound and is built with fully nylon materials, the Sea Salt Smoothie also provides a thocky auditory feedback paired with high-quality POM for an equally smooth feel. Ultimately, both switches are well-suited to users seeking a combination of pleasant sound and satisfying actuation, making either a worthy addition to a mechanical keyboard setup.

Conclusion

To wrap up, when deciding between the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences regarding feel, sound, and typing experience. If you are an enthusiast seeking a robust, thocky sound profile and a distinctly satisfying keystroke, the Cold Plum's medium-heavy bottom out force of 70 grams can provide the tactile feedback and density that you might enjoy, particularly for both typing and gaming. Conversely, if you favor an exceptionally smooth keystroke combined with a more muted sound profile, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie could be the better choice. This switch not only boasts a lighter touch, which may be more comfortable for prolonged typing sessions but also offers a budget-friendly alternative without compromising quality. Ultimately, if you appreciate a firmer response and a more pronounced auditory experience, go for the Cold Plum; if you prioritize a smoother, quieter typing experience, the Sea Salt Smoothie is the way to go.

Mentioned in this article

Outemu Cold Plum Linear

$3.10 per 10

Learn more

Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie Linear

$3.00

$2.70 per 10

Learn more