Outemu Cold Plum vs. TTC Silent Bluish White (V2)
An in-depth look at the Outemu Cold Plum and the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Outemu Cold Plum and the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) offer unique experiences worth considering. The Cold Plum switch is praised for its thocky sound profile and smooth keystrokes, providing enthusiasts with a distinct and enjoyable typing feel. On the other hand, the Silent Bluish White (V2) switch offers a medium tactile feel that delivers a precise and comfortable typing experience while also being designed to be as quiet as possible, suitable for office or shared living space use. Each switch has its own strengths, but both promise a satisfying typing experience. 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
42g
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Cold Plum and the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2), one key difference lies in their top housing materials. The Cold Plum features a nylon top housing, known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition that absorbs more sound. On the other hand, the Silent Bluish White (V2) utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffer plastic properties. While the Cold Plum offers a more rounded sound, the Silent Bluish White (V2) provides a clearer and more resonant sound, making it suitable for users who prefer a sharper typing experience.
Another area of comparison between the two switches is their bottom housing materials. Both the Cold Plum and the Silent Bluish White (V2) utilize nylon for their bottom housing, resulting in a similar deep and full sound profile that is characteristic of this classic switch housing material. The softer nature of nylon allows for better sound absorption, creating a more muffled and rounded sound when typing on switches equipped with this material. Therefore, users can expect a consistent typing experience in terms of sound and feel when it comes to the bottom housing of these switches.
Overall, the choice between the Outemu Cold Plum and the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) will ultimately come down to personal preference in sound profile and typing experience. While the Cold Plum offers a softer and more rounded sound with its nylon top and bottom housings, the Silent Bluish White (V2) provides a crisper and sharper sound with its polycarbonate top housing. Users looking for a deeper and fuller sound may lean towards the Cold Plum, while those seeking a more defined and resonant sound may prefer the Silent Bluish White (V2). Ultimately, both switches offer quality housing materials that contribute to a unique typing experience.
Weight
The Outemu Cold Plum linear switch and the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) tactile switch have distinct differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Cold Plum has a higher actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams, creating a medium-heavy typing experience. In contrast, the Silent Bluish White (V2) has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it a lighter option overall. This means that the Silent Bluish White (V2) will require less force to trigger a keystroke and reach the bottom of the keystroke compared to the Cold Plum. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for typing feel, with some preferring the lighter touch of the Silent Bluish White (V2) for extended typing sessions, while others may prefer the heavier resistance of the Cold Plum for a more substantial typing experience.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch is 3.3 mm, while the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) tactile switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.5 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them popular choices for those who prioritize speed and responsiveness. Gamers, in particular, may appreciate the shorter travel distance as it allows for quicker key presses and potentially faster response times. However, some users may find the shorter travel distance of the Cold Plum to be too abrupt, preferring the slightly longer travel distance of the Silent Bluish White (V2) for a more substantial key press feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for travel distance and key press feedback.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) has an MSRP of $6.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Bluish White (V2) for $4.63.
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 delivers a thocky sound profile with its fully nylon construction, which may result in a unique typing experience. On the other hand, the Silent Bluish White (V2) switch is designed to be as quiet as possible, offering a muted sound that minimizes the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. Depending on personal preference, the Cold Plum switch may provide a more distinct and possibly louder typing experience compared to the Silent Bluish White (V2).
In terms of feel, the Cold Plum switch is known for its smooth keystroke, but specific descriptors are not provided. On the other hand, the Silent Bluish White (V2) switch offers a buttery, mild, stepped, subtle, and polished typing experience. This means that users can expect a smooth and fluid keystroke, with a gentle resistance that is suitable for most typing preferences. The Silent Bluish White (V2) provides a comfortable and precise feel that is designed to enhance the overall typing experience.
In conclusion, the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch and the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) tactile switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Cold Plum may provide a louder and possibly more satisfying thocky sound profile, the Silent Bluish White (V2) delivers a quieter and more muted typing experience. When it comes to feel, the Cold Plum's smooth keystroke is contrasted by the Silent Bluish White (V2)'s buttery, mild, stepped, subtle, and polished typing experience. Depending on personal preferences for sound and feel, both switches offer unique qualities that can enhance your typing experience. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on whether you prefer a louder, thocky sound profile or a quieter, more tactile typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch and the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) tactile switch, consider your preference for key feel and sound. If you enjoy a smooth and thocky typing experience with a medium-heavy bottom out force, the Cold Plum may be the right choice for you. However, if you prefer a light and buttery tactile feel with a quieter sound profile suitable for office or shared living spaces, the Silent Bluish White (V2) could be the better option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing preferences and where you plan to use the keyboard.
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