Outemu Cold Plum vs. Huano Strawberry Latte

Overview

When exploring the world of mechanical keyboards, the choice of switches can significantly influence your typing experience. The Outemu Cold Plum switches stand out with their thocky sound profile and fully nylon construction, providing a unique and satisfying tactile feedback that enthusiasts often crave. These linear switches are characterized by their smooth keystroke, which makes them an enticing option for those looking to enhance their typing with a distinctive auditory and tactile enjoyment. On the other hand, the Huano Strawberry Latte switches offer a super smooth action thanks to the latest molds from Huano, resulting in a balanced sound profile that finds a harmonious middle ground—not too quiet yet not overly resonant. These linear switches are ideal for users desiring a more subtle auditory backdrop while still enjoying a fluid typing experience. Both switches cater to different preferences and styles, making them worth considering for your mechanical keyboard, but let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Outemu Cold Plum Linear

Huano Strawberry Latte Linear

$3.10 per 10

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Cold Plum and the Huano Strawberry Latte, significant differences emerge in their top housings. The Cold Plum features a nylon top housing, which is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softness and sound-absorbing properties. This results in a duller yet rounder auditory experience that many typists and gamers find appealing. In contrast, the Strawberry Latte's top housing is made from POK (polyketone), a material that not only enhances the smoothness of the switch but also contributes to a sharper and clackier sound due to its higher coefficient of friction. While both materials can yield satisfying acoustics, their distinct properties lead to different soundscapes, with the Cold Plum gravitating towards a more muted auditory result while the Strawberry Latte produces a brighter, more pronounced click.

The bottom housings, however, tell a different story. Both the Outemu Cold Plum and the Huano Strawberry Latte utilize nylon for their bottom housings, leading to similarities in the bottom-out sound and feel. This common choice ensures that, when pressed, both switches provide a deeper and fuller sound profile. Since both switches share the same bottom housing characteristics, users can expect a relatively consistent tactile feedback and auditory experience when bottoming out the key. The nylon material effectively absorbs sound, contributing to a softer landing that enhances overall acoustic dampening.

In summary, the contrasts between the Cold Plum and Strawberry Latte are largely evident in their respective top housings, with nylon offering a subdued sound versus POK providing a sharper auditory experience. However, both switches align in their choice of nylon for the bottom housing, allowing for similar outcomes in terms of sound profile and feel when the key is fully pressed. This blend of different top materials and the same bottom housing creates a unique balance, enabling users to experience distinct auditory characteristics while retaining a consistent tactile feedback throughout usage.

Weight

When comparing the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch, there's a clear distinction in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Cold Plum switch has a medium-heavy actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams, making it a sturdier option that some users might prefer for a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Strawberry Latte switch is significantly lighter, with an actuation force of just 35 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams. This lighter feel can be advantageous for users who type for extended periods or engage in long gaming sessions, as it can reduce finger fatigue. Thus, while the Cold Plum may appeal to those seeking a firmer key press, the Strawberry Latte is better suited for those who favor a softer touch, resulting in a more effortless typing experience. Overall, these differences highlight the preferences users should consider based on their desired typing experience: lighter versus heavier actuation and bottom out forces.

Travel distance

The Outemu Cold Plum linear switch features a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that the Cold Plum switch offers a shorter travel distance compared to the Strawberry Latte. For those who prioritize faster response times, the Cold Plum may be the better option, as its shorter distance can provide a more responsive feel. Conversely, the Strawberry Latte switch, with its greater travel distance, may appeal to users who prefer a deeper key press, allowing for a more substantial tactile experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for responsiveness versus the depth of travel.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Outemu Cold Plum switch is renowned for its thocky sound profile, which provides a deep and satisfying auditory feedback during typing. This characteristic makes it particularly appealing to enthusiasts who enjoy the auditory experience as much as the tactile one. Conversely, the Huano Strawberry Latte switch offers a balanced sound profile; it's neither excessively quiet nor overly resonant, striking a good middle ground that can be pleasant for users who prefer a less pronounced audio cue. Both switches contribute to an engaging typing environment, but the Cold Plum likely appeals more to those who revel in the rich, thocky sound.

When it comes to feel, the Cold Plum switch is celebrated for its smooth keystroke, allowing for fluid typing and a pleasurable experience. This smoothness is coupled with the switch's fully nylon construction, which tends to enhance durability and consistency over time. On the other hand, the Strawberry Latte switch also prioritizes a smooth experience, leveraging the latest molds from Huano to achieve this. While both switches promise smooth keystrokes, the Cold Plum may offer a more unique tactile feedback due to its distinct composition.

In conclusion, both the Outemu Cold Plum and Huano Strawberry Latte switches provide desirable qualities, but they cater to different preferences. The Cold Plum delivers a rich, thocky sound and very smooth feel, making it ideal for enthusiasts seeking a distinct auditory and tactile experience. In contrast, the Strawberry Latte balances sound and smoothness, making it suitable for those who prefer a more understated auditory presence without sacrificing feel. Depending on your personal preference for sound and tactile feedback, either switch can enhance your typing experience effectively.

Conclusion

To conclude, choosing between the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences and typing style. If you appreciate a heavier keystroke and enjoy a more pronounced thocky sound for an engaging and tactile experience, the Cold Plum switch is likely the better option for you. It's particularly suited for enthusiasts who prefer a solid feedback during typing and appreciate the craftsmanship of fully nylon construction. However, if you're looking for a lighter, smoother typing experience that allows for swift keystrokes and minimal fatigue during long sessions, the Strawberry Latte would be more suitable. Its balanced sound profile and lower bottom-out force provide a refreshing typing feel that's ideal for those who type rapidly or prefer a more subdued auditory feedback. Ultimately, both switches offer unique attributes, so consider your typing habits and preferences before making your decision.

Mentioned in this article

Outemu Cold Plum Linear

$3.10 per 10

Learn more

Huano Strawberry Latte Linear

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

Learn more