Outemu Cold Plum vs. Jwick Splash Brothers
An in-depth look at the Outemu Cold Plum and the Jwick Splash Brothers switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to comparing mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Cold Plum and Jwick Splash Brothers both offer unique features that may appeal to different types of users. The Cold Plum from Outemu is praised for its thocky sound profile and fully nylon construction, providing a smooth keystroke and satisfying typing experience for enthusiasts looking for something distinct. On the other hand, the Splash Brothers from Jwick offer a shorter activation and long pole stem, giving them a snappy and polished feel while emitting a creamy sound signature. Both switches have their own strengths and characteristics that make them stand out in the crowded mechanical keyboard market. 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
48g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Extended long spring
Housing materials
The Outemu Cold Plum and the Jwick Splash Brothers both have unique housing materials that contribute to the overall sound profile of the switches. The Cold Plum features nylon top and bottom housings, which are known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer nature of the plastic that absorbs more sound. On the other hand, the Splash Brothers have polycarbonate top housing, which produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. While the Cold Plum offers a duller and rounder sound, the Splash Brothers provide a clearer and more resonant sound. Despite these differences, both switches utilize similar nylon bottom housings that contribute to the deep and full sound profile.
In terms of aesthetics, the housing materials of the Cold Plum and the Splash Brothers offer distinct visual characteristics. The Clear polycarbonate top housing of the Splash Brothers allows for RGB lighting to shine through, creating a visually appealing experience for users who enjoy customizable lighting effects. On the other hand, the opaque nylon top housing of the Cold Plum may not offer the same visual appeal, but it still contributes to the switch's unique sound profile. Whether you prefer a switch with a transparent top housing for RGB lighting or a more subdued opaque top housing for a softer sound, both the Cold Plum and the Splash Brothers cater to different preferences.
When it comes to typing experience, the housing materials of the Cold Plum and the Splash Brothers play a crucial role in shaping the overall feel of the switches. The softer nylon material of the Cold Plum's housing absorbs more sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller typing experience. In contrast, the stiffer polycarbonate material of the Splash Brothers provides a crisper and more responsive typing experience. Whether you prefer a switch with a softer, more muted sound or a switch with a sharper, more pronounced sound, both the Cold Plum and the Splash Brothers offer unique typing experiences based on their housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch and the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch, there are noticeable differences. The Cold Plum has a higher actuation force of 60 grams compared to the Splash Brothers which has an unknown actuation force. However, in terms of bottom out force, the Cold Plum requires 70 grams of force while the Splash Brothers only requires 48 grams. This makes the Splash Brothers the lighter option between the two. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience for longer periods of time may lean towards the Splash Brothers, while those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience may opt for the heavier Cold Plum. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, ensuring that users will get similar quality of performance with either option.
Travel distance
The Outemu Cold Plum linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3mm, while the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, with the Splash Brothers being slightly longer than the Cold Plum. Gamers may prefer the Cold Plum for its slightly shorter travel distance, which can result in faster response times during intense gaming sessions. On the other hand, those who appreciate a bit more depth in their keystrokes may opt for the Splash Brothers. Overall, both switches offer a relatively short travel distance compared to traditional switches, catering to different preferences for key feel and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Outemu Cold Plum comes in at $3.10, whereas the Jwick Splash Brothers comes in at $2.49.
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 is best known for its thocky sound profile, while the Jwick Splash Brothers switch offers a creamy sound signature. The Cold Plum switch provides a unique and satisfying sound experience for typing enthusiasts, whereas the Splash Brothers switch has a more neutral sound profile that is suitable for most intents and purposes. Keep in mind that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the type of keyboard and keycaps being used.
When it comes to feel, the Outemu Cold Plum switch offers a smooth keystroke and satisfying typing feel, but specific descriptors are not available. On the other hand, the Jwick Splash Brothers switch is described as mild, snappy, bouncy, subtle, and polished. These qualities suggest that the Splash Brothers switch provides a gentle, responsive, and lively typing experience with smooth key travel, making it suitable for various preferences and typing styles.
Overall, the Outemu Cold Plum and Jwick Splash Brothers linear switches offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Cold Plum switch is best known for its thocky sound profile and smooth keystroke, the Splash Brothers switch provides a creamy sound signature and a range of feel descriptors like mild, snappy, bouncy, subtle, and polished. Depending on your preferences and typing style, both switches can provide a satisfying and enjoyable typing experience that is sure to meet your needs. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will come down to personal preference and the specific typing experience you are looking to achieve.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding between the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch and the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch, it is important to consider your preferences for typing experience. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and enjoy a thocky sound profile with a smooth keystroke, the Cold Plum may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force and a creamy sound signature with shorter activation combined with a long pole stem, the Splash Brothers may be more suitable for your typing needs. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so it's essential to consider what kind of typing experience you value the most when making your decision.
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