Outemu Cold Plum vs. Gateron Smoothie
An in-depth look at the Outemu Cold Plum and the Gateron Smoothie switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Outemu Cold Plum and the Gateron Smoothie mechanical keyboard switches, both are linear switches that offer a unique typing experience. The Cold Plum is known for its thocky sound profile and fully nylon construction, providing a smooth keystroke and satisfying sound for enthusiasts seeking a distinct typing feel. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie boasts an all-POM construction that delivers a thocky sound signature, remarkable smoothness, and a lightweight touch. While the Cold Plum offers a satisfying sound profile, the Smoothie excels in providing a buttery and silky 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
40g
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
The Outemu Cold Plum and Gateron Smoothie both use different housing materials for their switches, with the Cold Plum utilizing nylon for both the top and bottom housing, while the Smoothie uses POM material for both parts. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature and increased sound absorption, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, POM housings provide a unique and pleasing sound that is on the deeper side and relatively more muted. Despite these differences, both materials offer a similar level of sound customization and can result in a satisfying typing experience.
When comparing the top and bottom housings of the Cold Plum and the Smoothie, it is important to note that the qualities of each housing material will be split between the top and bottom of the switch. The bottom housing plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed, affecting the overall typing experience. On the other hand, the top housing will influence the sound when a key is released, contributing to the overall sound profile of the switch. While the specific characteristics of nylon and POM may differ, both materials play a crucial role in determining the overall sound and feel of the switch.
In conclusion, the choice between the Outemu Cold Plum and the Gateron Smoothie ultimately boils down to personal preference and the desired typing experience. While the Cold Plum's nylon housing offers a deeper and fuller sound profile, the Smoothie's POM housing provides a unique and muted sound that some may find more pleasing. Both switches offer a high level of customizability and can result in a satisfying typing experience, showcasing the versatility of different housing materials in creating a unique sound signature. Whether you prefer the softer and absorbent nature of nylon or the deeper and more muted sound of POM, both switches offer a high-quality typing experience with their distinct housing materials.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch and the Gateron Smoothie linear switch, it is clear that the Cold Plum is the heavier of the two. The Cold Plum has an actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams, making it medium-heavy. In contrast, the Smoothie is lighter, with an actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force that is unknown. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Smoothie switch, as it requires less force to activate the keys. On the other hand, the Cold Plum may be more suitable for those who desire a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
The Outemu Cold Plum linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Gateron Smoothie linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. In this case, the Smoothie has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Cold Plum. This means that the Smoothie switch will require the user to press the key down a bit further before actuation compared to the Cold Plum switch. If you prefer a switch with a shorter travel distance for faster response times, the Cold Plum would be the better choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a bit more depth to the key press, then the Gateron Smoothie would be the preferable option. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on your personal preference for key feel and actuation depth.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Smoothie has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Smoothie for $2.60.
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 is known for its thocky sound profile, providing a deep and satisfying thud or knock when pressed. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie also offers a thocky sound signature but with a low-pitched and subdued tone, creating a more mellow sound experience. Both switches deliver a unique typing sound that can enhance the overall typing experience, but the Cold Plum may have a slightly sharper sound compared to the smoother and more relaxed sound of the Smoothie. Ultimately, the sound preference between the two switches will come down to personal preference and the overall setup of your keyboard.
In terms of feel, the Cold Plum switch is praised for its smooth keystrokes and satisfying typing experience, but specific descriptors are not listed. In contrast, the Gateron Smoothie is described as buttery, creamy, and silky, offering a seamless and effortless typing sensation due to its POM construction. The Smoothie switch provides a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, with lubricant applied in the switch enhancing the overall typing feel. While the Cold Plum switch may also provide a smooth typing experience, the Gateron Smoothie's buttery, creamy, and silky attributes give it a more luxurious and refined feel during typing sessions.
In conclusion, both the Outemu Cold Plum switch and the Gateron Smoothie switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel, providing users with distinct typing experiences. The Cold Plum switch delivers a thocky sound profile and a smooth typing feel, while the Smoothie switch offers a thocky sound signature with a buttery, creamy, and silky typing experience. Depending on your preferences for sound and feel, either switch can provide a satisfying typing experience that enhances your overall enjoyment and performance while using a mechanical keyboard. Ultimately, experimenting with both switches or gathering more information on their specific qualities can help you determine which one aligns best with your typing preferences.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when deciding between the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch and the Gateron Smoothie linear switch, you should consider your preference for bottom out force. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force of 70 grams, then the Cold Plum switch would be a suitable choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with no specified bottom out force and prioritize a thocky sound profile, remarkable smoothness, and a lightweight touch, then the Smoothie switch would be the ideal option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize the unique typing experience and satisfying sound of the Cold Plum or the affordability and smoothness of the Gateron Smoothie.
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