Outemu Cold Plum vs. Gateron Silent Ink Black
An in-depth look at the Outemu Cold Plum and the Gateron Silent Ink Black switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Cold Plum and the Gateron Silent Ink Black both offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Cold Plum is praised for its thocky sound profile and smooth keystroke, providing enthusiasts with a distinct and enjoyable typing experience. On the other hand, the Silent Ink Black is favored for its quiet operation, making it ideal for environments where noise level is a concern. The cushiony bottom-out feel of the Silent Ink Black adds to its appeal, giving users a 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
60g
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
70g
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
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Nylon
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Color coated
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Cold Plum and the Gateron Silent Ink Black, it is clear that both switches utilize unique materials to achieve distinct sound profiles. The Cold Plum's nylon top housing provides a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer plastic composition, absorbing more sound and creating a duller, rounder tone. In contrast, the Silent Ink Black's proprietary INK blend top housing produces a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound that is described as clacky, offering a different typing experience altogether.
When it comes to the bottom housing, both switches again showcase the differences in their material choices. The Cold Plum's nylon bottom housing contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, similar to its top housing qualities. This softer plastic absorbs more sound, resulting in a rounded tone. On the other hand, the Silent Ink Black's proprietary INK blend bottom housing maintains the switch's characteristic high-pitched sound with a satisfying, clacky feel. The bottom housing impacts the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, influencing the overall typing experience.
Overall, the differences in housing materials between the Outemu Cold Plum and the Gateron Silent Ink Black play a crucial role in shaping their unique sound profiles. While the Cold Plum offers a deeper and fuller tone with its nylon housing, the Silent Ink Black delivers a more pointed and high-pitched sound with its proprietary INK blend material. Despite these distinctions, both switches aim to provide a satisfying typing experience, showcasing how material choices can significantly impact the overall feel and sound of mechanical keyboards.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch are identical, with both requiring 60 grams of force to actuate and 70 grams to bottom out. This means that users can expect a consistent typing experience in terms of force required for both switches. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may find these switches to be on the medium-heavy side, which could be beneficial for longer typing sessions or gaming marathons. However, for individuals who enjoy a more substantial push feel, both switches would offer a satisfying typing experience. Overall, whether using the Outemu Cold Plum or the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch, users can expect similar results in terms of actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch is 3.3 mm, while the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Cold Plum has a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Silent Ink Black. A 3.3 mm travel distance may provide a more responsive feel for gamers seeking quick response times, while the 4 mm travel distance of the Silent Ink Black may offer a more substantial keypress for those who prefer a deeper feel. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and the type of typing experience desired.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Silent Ink Black has an MSRP of $8.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Ink Black for $8.35.
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 Outemu Cold Plum switch provides a thocky sound profile due to its nylon construction, which offers a distinct and satisfying auditory experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Silent Ink Black switch is designed to produce a muted sound, minimizing the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards for a quieter typing environment. Both switches offer unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences, with the Cold Plum being more pronounced and the Silent Ink Black being more subdued.
In terms of feel, the Outemu Cold Plum switch offers a smooth keystroke that is enjoyable for typing, enhancing the overall tactile experience. Contrarily, the Gateron Silent Ink Black switch provides a cushion-like bottom-out feel that is soft and gentle, reducing the impact and feedback typically associated with mechanical switches. Additionally, the Silent Ink Black switch is described as silky and polished, offering an exceptionally smooth typing experience with reduced friction and enhanced key travel.
Overall, the Outemu Cold Plum switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black switch each bring unique qualities to the table in terms of sound and feel. The Cold Plum switch delivers a thocky sound profile and smooth keystroke, while the Silent Ink Black switch offers a muted sound and cushion-like feel. Depending on your preference for sound and typing experience, both switches provide distinct options that can cater to different needs. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference and the specific requirements of the user.
Conclusion
In closing, if you are looking for a unique and enjoyable typing experience with a thocky sound profile, the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you need a quieter typing option with a plushy bottom-out feel, the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch would be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize sound and feel preferences in your mechanical keyboard switches. Both switches offer their own set of characteristics that cater to different preferences, so make sure to choose the one that aligns best with your typing style and environment.
Mentioned in this article
