Outemu Cold Plum vs. Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring
An in-depth look at the Outemu Cold Plum and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Outemu Cold Plum, a linear switch, and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring, a tactile switch. The Cold Plum is favored for its thocky sound profile and smooth keystroke, providing enthusiasts with a distinct and enjoyable typing experience. On the other hand, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring is known for its medium-high level of tactility and deep, resonating thocks during typing. While the Cold Plum offers a unique sound and feel, the Shadow switch variant provides a satisfying tactile response. 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
55g
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
63g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
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
20mm dual-stage spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Cold Plum and Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switches, one can see distinct differences in the sound profiles they produce. The Cold Plum's nylon top and bottom housings create a deeper and fuller sound due to the softer nature of nylon, which absorbs more sound and results in a duller and rounder tone. In contrast, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring's polycarbonate top and bottom housings produce a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile because of the stiffer nature of polycarbonate. This difference in sound quality highlights the impact that housing materials can have on the overall typing experience.
Despite their differences, both the Cold Plum and Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switches offer unique benefits based on their housing materials. While the nylon housing of the Cold Plum provides a softer and more absorbing sound profile, the polycarbonate housing of the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring offers a clearer and more resonant sound quality. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for RGB lighting to shine through, adding an aesthetic element to the switch. Ultimately, both switches provide a distinct typing experience based on the characteristics of their housing materials.
In conclusion, the choice between the Outemu Cold Plum and Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switches ultimately comes down to personal preference in sound profile and aesthetics. While both switches utilize different housing materials to achieve their unique sound qualities, they both offer a satisfactory typing experience. Whether you prefer the deeper, fuller sound of nylon or the sharper, crisper sound of polycarbonate, these switches demonstrate the importance of housing materials in determining the overall feel and sound of a mechanical keyboard.
Weight
The Outemu Cold Plum linear switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 60 grams compared to the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch, which has an actuation force of 55 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Cold Plum requires 70 grams while the Shadow Double Spring only needs 63 grams. Overall, the Cold Plum provides a medium-heavy typing experience, while the Shadow Double Spring offers a medium one. The Cold Plum may be preferred by those who enjoy a more substantial typing feel, while the Shadow Double Spring might be a better option for those who prefer a lighter touch for longer typing sessions. Regardless of the difference in force, both switches offer a satisfying typing experience with their respective actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch, we can see a clear distinction in their specifications. The Cold Plum has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, making it shorter than the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring's 4 mm travel distance. This means that the Cold Plum offers a quicker keystroke due to its shorter travel distance, catering to those who prefer a faster response time, such as gamers. On the other hand, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring provides a slightly deeper keystroke with its longer travel distance, appealing to individuals who prefer a more substantial key press. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preference regarding travel distance and the desired typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring has an MSRP of $4.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring for $3.57.
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 it comes to sound, the Cold Plum switch offers a thocky sound profile due to its fully nylon construction, providing a smooth and satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch is described as clacky and high-pitched, offering a sharp and crisp sound with deep, resonating thocks. Both switches can provide a unique auditory experience, but the Cold Plum may lean towards a more subdued thocky sound compared to the Shadow switch's sharper and brighter sound.
In terms of feel, the Cold Plum switch's tactile characteristics are unknown at this time. In contrast, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch is described as sharp, accented, snappy, bouncy, and stepped. With a two-staged spring, this switch offers a high level of tactile feedback, making each keypress distinct and responsive. The combination of these tactile qualities provides a dynamic and engaging typing experience for users seeking a tactile switch with medium-high tactility.
Overall, the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch offer distinct qualities in sound and feel. The Cold Plum switch is characterized by its thocky sound profile and smooth keystrokes, providing a satisfying typing experience for enthusiasts. In contrast, the Shadow switch boasts a clacky and high-pitched sound along with sharp, accented, snappy, bouncy, and stepped tactile feedback, making it a great choice for those looking for a tactile switch with a medium-high level of tactility. Ultimately, both switches offer unique advantages depending on the user's preferences, allowing for a personalized typing experience with either option.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch, consider the typing experience you are looking for. If you prioritize a unique thocky sound profile and smooth keystroke, the Cold Plum may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile switch with a medium-high level of tactility and enjoy the deep, resonating thocks while typing, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring is worth considering. Ultimately, the decision boils down to personal preference in terms of sound and feel. Make sure to test both switches if possible to determine which one aligns best with your typing style and preferences.
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