Outemu Cold Plum vs. TTC Silent Brown
An in-depth look at the Outemu Cold Plum and the TTC Silent Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Cold Plum and the TTC Silent Brown offer unique experiences for users. The Cold Plum switch is a linear switch known for its thocky sound profile and fully nylon construction, providing a smooth keystroke and a satisfying sound that appeals to typing enthusiasts. On the other hand, the Silent Brown switch is a tactile switch that offers a comfortable typing experience with a light-medium level of resistance and a satisfying rounded tactile bump, along with a muted sound profile. While the Cold Plum switch may appeal to those seeking a distinct and enjoyable typing feel, the Silent Brown switch is great for users looking for a more subtle and comfortable 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
45g
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
3.80 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
The Outemu Cold Plum and TTC Silent Brown both feature nylon top housings, which are known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer nature of the plastic. This results in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches with nylon housings. In comparison, the Silent Brown utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which produces a sharper and crisper sound profile thanks to the stiffer nature of the material. The polycarbonate top housing is also translucent, making it ideal for switches with RGB lighting, adding an aesthetic appeal to the overall design.
On the other hand, both the Cold Plum and Silent Brown have nylon bottom housings, offering a similar experience in terms of sound and feel. The softer nature of nylon absorbs sound, creating a deeper and fuller sound profile, contributing to a duller and rounder sound when typing. This similarity in bottom housing material may result in a consistent typing experience across both switches, focusing more on the impact of the bottom-out sound and feel rather than the top housing. However, the top housing material still plays a significant role in the sound produced when releasing a key.
Overall, the choice between the Outemu Cold Plum and TTC Silent Brown may come down to personal preference regarding the sound profile and aesthetics. The Cold Plum's nylon housing provides a deeper and fuller sound, while the Silent Brown's polycarbonate housing offers a sharper and crisper sound. Additionally, the translucent nature of the Silent Brown's top housing allows for RGB lighting effects, enhancing the visual appeal of the switch. While both switches share nylon bottom housings, the difference in top housing materials could result in distinct typing experiences, making it important to consider which sound profile best suits your preferences.
Weight
The Outemu Cold Plum linear switch has a higher actuation force of 60 grams compared to the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch's 45 grams, making the Silent Brown the lighter option for a softer typing experience. However, both switches have a similar bottom out force, with the Cold Plum at 70 grams and the Silent Brown at 63.5 grams, both falling into the medium-heavy category. For those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing sessions or gaming, the Silent Brown may be the better choice, while those looking for a more substantial typing experience may lean towards the Cold Plum. Overall, the actuation and bottom out forces of these switches play a significant role in determining the typing feel and feedback for users, with the Silent Brown providing a lighter actuation force and the Cold Plum offering a heavier actuation force.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch and the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch, it is clear that the Cold Plum has a shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm compared to the Silent Brown's 3.8 mm. The Cold Plum's shorter travel distance may be preferred by gamers looking for faster response times, while the Silent Brown's longer travel distance may provide a more satisfying key press for those who prefer a deeper feel. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances commonly found in modern keyboard switches, offering a similar typing experience in terms of travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for key feel and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Silent Brown 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 Brown for $5.00.
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 sound of the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch to the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch, the Cold Plum offers a thocky sound profile due to its fully nylon construction, while the Silent Brown provides a muted sound profile for a quieter typing experience. The choice between the two will depend on whether you prefer a more distinct and satisfying sound like the Cold Plum or a softer and quieter sound like the Silent Brown. Remember that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as your keyboard and keycaps.
Moving on to the feel of these switches, the Cold Plum offers a smooth keystroke that complements its satisfying sound profile. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Brown switch provides a buttery, mild, and polished typing experience with a light-medium level of resistance and a rounded tactile bump. The Cold Plum may appeal to those who enjoy a smooth and distinct typing feel, while the Silent Brown is suitable for individuals looking for a more gentle and uniform typing sensation.
Overall, both the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch and the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Cold Plum stands out for its thocky sound profile and smooth keystroke, making it a great choice for enthusiasts seeking a distinct typing experience. On the other hand, the Silent Brown provides a quieter typing experience with a comfortable tactile feel. Ultimately, the decision between the two will come down to personal preference in terms of sound, feel, and typing experience. Regardless of your choice, both switches offer satisfying qualities that will enhance your overall typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch or the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch, it ultimately depends on your preference for typing experience. If you prioritize a unique and enjoyable sound profile with a medium-heavy bottom out force, the Cold Plum may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a comfortable typing experience with a light to medium resistance, a satisfying tactile bump, and a muted sound profile, the Silent Brown switch would be more suitable. Consider the characteristics of each switch and how they align with your typing preferences to make the best decision for your mechanical keyboard setup.
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