Outemu Cold Plum vs. SP-Star Duck
An in-depth look at the Outemu Cold Plum and the SP-Star Duck switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options that stand out are the Outemu Cold Plum and the SP-Star Duck. The Outemu Cold Plum is a linear switch known for its thocky sound profile and fully nylon construction, providing a smooth keystroke and satisfying typing experience for enthusiasts seeking a unique feel. On the other hand, the SP-Star Duck is a tactile switch that offers a more subtle tactile typing experience with a clean and crispy sound profile. The Duck switches are categorized as neutral, mild, buttery, polished, appealing to those who prefer a gentle tactility while typing. Both switches have their virtues, with the Cold Plum excelling in distinct sound and smoothness, and the Duck offering a more subtle tactile feel. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
58g
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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold plated
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Cold Plum and the SP-Star Duck, it is evident that the Cold Plum utilizes nylon for both top and bottom housings, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the material's softer nature that absorbs more sound. In contrast, the Duck employs polycarbonate for both top and bottom housings, generating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile thanks to the material's stiffer composition, leading to a more clear and resonant sound. Despite their differences, both switches provide unique auditory experiences based on their housing materials.
However, if we focus on the top housing specifically, the Cold Plum's nylon creates a duller and rounder sound, while the Duck's polycarbonate produces a more vibrant and clear tone. This contrast is further emphasized by the aesthetic advantage of using polycarbonate for clear housing, allowing for enhanced RGB lighting effects. In this regard, the Duck's housing material offers a visually appealing aspect that the Cold Plum does not provide. Overall, the top housing material plays a significant role in shaping the overall sound profile and appearance of the switches.
When considering how the top and bottom housings impact the overall typing experience, it becomes clear that the bottom housing affects the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing is more influential on the sound when releasing a key. The differences between nylon and polycarbonate can be felt and heard in these various aspects of typing on the switches. While both materials offer distinct qualities to the typing experience, the Cold Plum and the SP-Star Duck showcase how housing materials can significantly influence the sound and feel of mechanical switches.
Weight
The Outemu Cold Plum linear switch has a higher actuation force of 60 grams compared to the SP-Star Duck tactile switch, which has an unknown actuation force. However, the Cold Plum also has a higher bottom out force of 70 grams, while the Duck has a bottom out force of 58 grams. This makes the Cold Plum switch heavier overall compared to the Duck switch, which is medium in terms of force. The heavier actuation and bottom out force of the Cold Plum switch may appeal to users looking for a more substantial typing experience, while the lighter force of the Duck switch may be preferred by those looking for a lighter typing experience for longer periods of time. Both switches provide different options for users depending on their preferences, with the Cold Plum offering a heavier feel and the Duck providing a lighter touch.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch is 3.3 mm, while the SP-Star Duck tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Duck switch has a longer travel distance compared to the Cold Plum switch. Generally, a shorter travel distance is preferred by gamers for faster response times, while a longer travel distance may provide a more traditional, deeper key press sensation. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference regarding travel distance and the type of typing or gaming experience desired. Both switches offer different travel distances to cater to different preferences for key feel and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The SP-Star Duck has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Duck for $5.40.
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 switch offers a thocky sound profile due to its fully nylon construction, providing a satisfying and unique typing experience. On the other hand, the SP-Star Duck switch offers a clean and crispy sound profile, perfect for those seeking a more subtle tactile typing experience. While the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used, both switches offer distinct auditory experiences catering to different preferences.
When it comes to feel, the Outemu Cold Plum switch is known for its smooth keystroke, delivering a satisfying typing feel to enthusiasts. In contrast, the SP-Star Duck switch provides a gentle tactility, offering a mild typing experience that is approachable to most users. Additionally, the Duck switch is described as buttery and polished, indicating a smooth and refined keystroke experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Both switches provide a comfortable typing feel, with the Cold Plum catering to those who prefer a smoother keystroke and the Duck appealing to those seeking a more tactile experience.
Overall, while the Outemu Cold Plum and SP-Star Duck switches offer different sound and feel qualities, both switches provide enjoyable typing experiences for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. Whether you prefer the thocky sound and smooth keystroke of the Cold Plum or the clean, crispy sound and gentle tactility of the Duck, you can expect a unique and satisfying typing experience with either switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preferences for sound and feel.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch and the SP-Star Duck tactile switch, consider the typing experience you are looking for. If you prefer a unique thocky sound profile and medium-heavy bottom out force, the Cold Plum switch is the way to go. On the other hand, if you enjoy a more subtle tactile typing experience with a clean and crispy sound profile and a medium bottom out force, the Duck switch would be more suitable for you. Ultimately, your choice should be based on your personal preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience.
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