Outemu Cold Plum vs. TTC Silent Red
An in-depth look at the Outemu Cold Plum and the TTC Silent Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Outemu Cold Plum and TTC Silent Red mechanical keyboard switches, both offer unique features and benefits that cater to different preferences. The Cold Plum switch is praised for its thocky sound profile and fully nylon construction, providing enthusiasts with a satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the Silent Red switch stands out for its smooth and quiet operation, making it ideal for office or shared living spaces. While the Cold Plum switch offers a distinct and enjoyable typing feel, the Silent Red switch provides a comfortable and muted 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
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
3.70 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 Red both utilize different materials for their housing components, with the Cold Plum featuring a nylon top housing and the Silent Red featuring a polycarbonate top housing. Nylon is known for its softer properties, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing on switches made with this material. On the other hand, polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic that produces a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, adding a clear and resonant tone to the typing experience. In terms of aesthetics, polycarbonate's translucency is ideal for switches with RGB lighting, while nylon offers a more classic look.
On the bottom housing side, both the Cold Plum and the Silent Red use nylon material. This results in a similar typing experience in terms of sound profile, with both switches producing a deep and fuller sound due to nylon's softer properties. The tactile feedback and bottom-out sound of the switches will be influenced by the qualities of the nylon bottom housing, contributing to a duller and rounder sound profile overall. Despite the different top housing materials, the shared use of nylon for the bottom housing ensures a consistent sound and feel when typing on both switches.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in the Outemu Cold Plum and TTC Silent Red impacts the sound profile and typing experience of each switch. While nylon provides a deeper and fuller sound with a softer feel, polycarbonate offers a sharper and more resonant sound quality. The split between top and bottom housing materials in each switch allows for a balance between tactile feedback and sound production, with the bottom housing influencing the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing has more of an impact when releasing a key. Whether using nylon or polycarbonate, both switches offer unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences in typing experiences.
Weight
When comparing the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch and the TTC Silent Red linear switch, it is clear that the actuation and bottom out forces play a significant role in determining the typing experience. The Cold Plum switch has a heavier actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams, making it a medium-heavy option. On the other hand, the Silent Red switch is lighter with an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, also falling in the medium-heavy category. The Cold Plum switch provides a more substantial typing experience due to its heavier forces, while the Silent Red switch offers a lighter touch, making it ideal for longer typing sessions or gaming. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference, with some preferring the heavier actuation force of the Cold Plum for a more pronounced keystroke feel, and others opting for the lighter touch of the Silent Red for increased comfort during extended use.
Travel distance
The Outemu Cold Plum linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the TTC Silent Red linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.7 mm. Both switches fall within the shorter range of travel distances, which is preferred by gamers for faster response times. However, the Cold Plum has a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Silent Red. If you prefer a more responsive feel, the Cold Plum may be the better option for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly deeper press, the Silent Red with its longer travel distance might be more suitable. Ultimately, both switches offer a relatively short travel distance and will provide similar results in terms of overall key press experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Silent Red has an MSRP of $5.28 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Red for $4.38.
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
In terms of sound, the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch is known for its thocky sound profile, providing a unique and satisfying typing experience with a distinct noise level. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Red linear switch offers a muted sound profile, making it a great choice for those looking for a quieter typing experience, especially in shared environments like offices or living spaces. The sound differences between the two switches can significantly impact the overall typing ambiance and user preference.
When it comes to feel, the Outemu Cold Plum switch is said to have a smooth keystroke that complements its satisfying sound profile, offering enthusiasts a unique typing experience. In comparison, the TTC Silent Red switch is described as buttery, providing a smooth and fluid keystroke experience that is consistent from top to bottom. Additionally, the Silent Red switch offers a padded bottom-out feel for enhanced comfort during extended typing sessions. The feel of a switch plays a crucial role in the typing experience, and the differences between the Cold Plum and Silent Red switches cater to varying preferences in terms of typing sensation.
Overall, the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch and the TTC Silent Red linear switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel that cater to different typing preferences. While the Cold Plum switch provides a thocky sound profile and a smooth keystroke experience, the Silent Red switch offers a muted sound profile and a buttery feel for a quieter and seamless typing experience. Depending on individual preferences for sound and feel, either switch can provide an enjoyable typing experience that aligns with the user's preferences and environment. Ultimately, both switches offer quality options for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts seeking a unique and satisfying typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch and the TTC Silent Red linear switch, consider your preferences for typing experience and sound level. If you enjoy a distinct and tactile typing feel with a thocky sound profile, the Cold Plum switch may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prioritize a smooth and quiet typing experience, especially in shared environments like an office or living space, the Silent Red switch would be more suitable. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to personal preference and the specific environment in which you'll be using your keyboard.
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