Outemu Cold Plum vs. HMX Sunset Gleam

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, choosing the right one can significantly enhance your typing experience. The Outemu Cold Plum switch stands out with its unique thocky sound profile and fully nylon construction, offering a smooth keystroke that appeals to enthusiasts in search of both performance and a distinct auditory feedback. This switch is ideal for those who appreciate a satisfying sound and feel while typing. On the other hand, the HMX Sunset Gleam, also known as the Duck Duck switch, marries quality materials with a subtle top-out and gratifying clack, all while benefiting from HMX's excellent factory lubrication. This makes it a compelling choice for users who prioritize a fluid experience and a touch of acoustic delight. While both switches are linear and designed for smoothness, their distinct sound profiles and construction materials cater to different preferences. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.

By the numbers

Outemu Cold Plum Linear

HMX Sunset Gleam Linear

$3.10 per 10

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The Outemu Cold Plum and HMX Sunset Gleam switches showcase distinct approaches to housing materials that influence their acoustic profiles and tactile experiences. The Cold Plum switch utilizes a nylon top housing, which is favored for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound. This is attributed to nylon's softer plastic composition that absorbs sound, resulting in a muted and rounder auditory experience. Conversely, the Sunset Gleam features a polycarbonate top housing. Polycarbonate is known for its stiffer structure, driving a crisper and higher-pitched sound, and is especially advantageous for RGB lighting due to its translucence. These two materials highlight contrasting philosophies in switch design: while the Cold Plum aims for warmth and depth, the Sunset Gleam seeks clarity and brightness.

However, both the Cold Plum and Sunset Gleam employ nylon for their bottom housings, bridging the gap between their differing top materials. This shared nylon bottom housing means that both switches deliver a similar tactile feedback experience when pressed, characterized by the same deep and round sound profile that nylon provides. This consistent element allows users to expect a degree of familiarity when bottoming out, regardless of the sound quality produced during key release, which is chiefly influenced by the top housing. Thus, both switches can create a harmonious typing experience, balancing the nuances of their differing top materials.

The impact of combining different housing materials can significantly affect user experience, especially in a tactile sense. With the nylon bottom housing present in both switches, gamers and typists can enjoy a consistent bottoming-out feel that emphasizes a fuller sound profile. The difference primarily emerges when the key is released, where the Cold Plum maintains its deep auditory signature, while the Sunset Gleam delivers a higher, crisper sound. Ultimately, both switches offer a unique interplay of materials that cater to varying preferences in sound and aesthetics, but the shared nylon bottom brings them closer together in terms of feel and base auditory characteristics.

Weight

The Outemu Cold Plum and HMX Sunset Gleam linear switches differ significantly in both actuation force and bottom out force, appealing to different user preferences. The Cold Plum switch has an actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams, categorizing it as medium-heavy, which provides a more substantial typing experience that some users prefer for tactile feedback. In contrast, the HMX Sunset Gleam features a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, making it suitable for those who favor a lighter touch and longer typing sessions with less strain. Consequently, the Cold Plum is the heavier switch, ideal for users who enjoy a firmer press, while the Sunset Gleam is the lighter option, fitting for those seeking comfort and ease during extensive use.

Travel distance

The Outemu Cold Plum linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that the Cold Plum switch is the shorter of the two, offering a more responsive feel that can be beneficial for gamers seeking quicker actuation. On the other hand, the Sunset Gleam, with its longer travel distance, provides a more substantial depth that some users may prefer for a more tactile typing experience. Therefore, if you prioritize speed and responsiveness, the Cold Plum is the better choice, while the Sunset Gleam may appeal to those who enjoy a deeper key pressing sensation.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The Outemu Cold Plum linear switch is characterized by a thocky sound profile, which delivers a deep and resonant tone, making it particularly appealing to those who enjoy a more pronounced auditory feedback while typing. The fully nylon construction of the Cold Plum adds to this unique sound signature, offering a satisfying auditory experience that can please even the most discerning enthusiasts. On the other hand, the HMX Sunset Gleam switch, also known as the Duck Duck switch, aims for a subtle top-out along with a satisfying clack that hints at its engineering precision. Though these sound profiles differ, it's important to note that the overall sound experience will always depend on multiple factors, such as the typing surface and keycap selection.

In terms of feel, the Outemu Cold Plum switches guarantee a smooth keystroke with a consistent resistance that many typists find enjoyable. The combination of a linear design with the thocky sound offers a unique tactile engagement that many enthusiasts seek for comfort during extended typing sessions. Similarly, the HMX Sunset Gleam delivers a refined feel, enhanced by the excellent factory-lubing process that HMX is known for. This careful attention to detail contributes to a smooth and satisfying pressing experience, making both switches appealing to those who prioritize seamless action during typing.

In conclusion, both the Outemu Cold Plum and HMX Sunset Gleam linear switches provide satisfying auditory and tactile experiences, albeit with their distinctive sounds and feels. The Cold Plum brings a thocky and deep sound with a smooth keystroke, while the Sunset Gleam offers a smooth action with a subtle clack and excellent factory lubrication. For newcomers trying to choose between them, either switch can deliver a gratifying typing experience, and they may ultimately opt for one based on personal sound preferences or the type of feel they prioritize in their daily use.

Conclusion

To wrap up, when considering which switch to choose between the Outemu Cold Plum and the HMX Sunset Gleam, it's essential to think about your typing style and personal preferences. If you favor a heavier keystroke that offers a thocky sound profile, the Cold Plum is likely the better fit for you. Its bottom-out force of 70 grams provides a more pronounced tactile experience, making it ideal for those who enjoy a robust feedback with their key presses, whether you're typing long documents or engaging in intense gaming sessions. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter and quicker keystroke for faster typing or gaming, the HMX Sunset Gleam might suit you better. With a bottom-out force of just 48 grams and a satisfying clack, this switch allows for a more agile response, making it perfect for rapid input and those who dislike the fatigue that can accompany heavier switches. Ultimately, your choice should align with what feels best for your typing habits and the auditory feedback you find most satisfying.

Mentioned in this article

Outemu Cold Plum Linear

$3.10 per 10

Learn more

HMX Sunset Gleam Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn more