Outemu Cold Plum vs. Bsun Taichi
An in-depth look at the Outemu Cold Plum and the Bsun Taichi switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Cold Plum and the Bsun Taichi each offer distinct advantages that cater to different preferences among typists and gamers. The Cold Plum switches are celebrated for their thocky sound profile and fully nylon construction, providing a smooth keystroke complemented by a satisfying auditory feedback that appeals to enthusiasts seeking a unique and enjoyable typing experience. In contrast, the Bsun Taichi switches feature a long-pole stem, extended springs, and walled stems, which result in an enchanting high-pitched bottom-out sound while emphasizing unparalleled smoothness and stability for those who prioritize fluidity in their keystrokes. While both options fall into the linear switch category, differing sound profiles and construction nuances make each suitable for different styles of use. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal 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
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
21mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Cold Plum and the Bsun Taichi, a distinct difference is noted in their respective top housings. The Cold Plum utilizes a nylon top housing, which is characterized by its softer plastic composition. This material creates a deeper and fuller sound profile as it absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder auditory experience. In contrast, the Taichi employs a polycarbonate top housing that is significantly stiffer. This rigidity contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound, offering a clearer resonance than nylon. Notably, the polycarbonate's translucency not only enhances sound projection but also makes it ideal for RGB lighting integration, providing an aesthetic advantage in illuminated settings.
In contrast to their top housing, both the Cold Plum and the Taichi utilize nylon for their bottom housing. This commonality means that both keyboards will produce a deeper and fuller sound profile upon key bottoming out, due to the sound-absorbing qualities of nylon. Despite the differences in the top materials, the fact that both switches share nylon in the bottom housing leads to a similar experience in terms of the bottom-out feel. When pressed, users can expect the benefits of the nylon material to prevail, resulting in a consistent auditory feedback that is pleasant and satisfying across both models.
Ultimately, the overall sound experience of each switch will be influenced by the combination of their housing materials. While the Cold Plum delivers a unified sound profile due to both top and bottom housings being constructed from nylon, the Taichi benefits from the stark contrast in sound characteristics between its polycarbonate top and nylon bottom. Users looking for a rounder sound will likely prefer the Cold Plum’s all-nylon construction, whereas those who favor a clearer and sharper sound might gravitate towards the Taichi, especially when considering potential RGB lighting effects. Nevertheless, both switches will provide a rich typing experience, with the nylon bottom housing ensuring a commonality in sound performance during key presses.
Weight
The Outemu Cold Plum linear switch and the Bsun Taichi linear switch exhibit distinct differences in their actuation forces, which impacts user experience significantly. The Cold Plum has an actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom-out force of 70 grams, categorizing it as medium-heavy. This heavier force can provide a more substantial typing experience, which some may find satisfying during extended use, especially in gaming or intensive typing sessions. In contrast, the Taichi has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams, making it easier to press and ideal for users who prefer a less strenuous typing experience, especially during long work hours. However, the bottom-out force for the Taichi is unknown, which leaves a gap in comparison. If it were available, the corresponding bottom-out force would be crucial in determining how it feels when a key is fully pressed. Overall, the Cold Plum is the heavier switch, while the Taichi, being lighter, caters to those who favor reduced fatigue during lengthy use.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch and the Bsun Taichi linear switch, we find that the Cold Plum has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Taichi measures at 3.6 mm. This makes the Cold Plum the shorter option, offering a more responsive feel that many gamers may prefer for quicker key presses. In contrast, the Taichi, with its longer travel distance, provides a greater sense of depth, which might appeal to users who enjoy a more deliberate typing experience. Thus, if you prioritize speed and quickness, the Cold Plum would be the ideal choice, whereas those seeking a more substantial keystroke may prefer the Taichi. Overall, selecting between these two switches will depend on your personal preference for travel distance and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Bsun Taichi has an MSRP of $2.75 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Taichi for $2.25.
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 switches are known for their thocky sound profile, delivering a satisfying auditory experience that many enthusiasts find appealing. This deeper sound is largely attributed to their fully nylon construction, which contributes to the overall acoustic dampening and produces a low, solid sound when bottoming out. In contrast, the Bsun Taichi switches offer a high-pitched bottom-out sound, characterized by the long-pole stem and extended springs that enhance the auditory feedback during keystrokes. This combination of design elements creates a more pronounced sound that may stand out more distinctly when typing. Sound characteristics can also be influenced by factors such as the choice of keyboard and keycaps, affecting the overall acoustic experience with each switch.
When it comes to feel, the Cold Plum switches are recognized for their smooth keystroke, providing an enjoyable typing experience that users often rave about. The linear nature of the switch ensures that there is no tactile bump, resulting in an uninterrupted and fluid typing motion that many users appreciate for both gaming and typing. On the other hand, the Bsun Taichi switches are engineered for unparalleled smoothness and stability, thanks to their long-pole stem and walled designs. This emphasis on smoothness may lead to an equally satisfying sensation while typing, making the experience enjoyable and effortless, much like the Cold Plum switches do.
Overall, both the Outemu Cold Plum and Bsun Taichi linear switches offer unique attributes in terms of sound and feel. The Cold Plum excels with its thocky sound profile and smooth keystrokes, creating a cozy and solid typing experience. Meanwhile, the Taichi stands out with its enchanting high-pitched sound and exceptional smoothness, appealing to those who favor a more distinct auditory feedback. Regardless of your choice, both switches promise a pleasant experience; the specifics of sound and feel may differ, allowing users to select based on their personal preferences and the desired typing experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch and the Bsun Taichi linear switch, you should consider your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a medium-heavy feedback and enjoy a thocky sound profile coupled with a unique typing experience, the Outemu Cold Plum switch would be the ideal choice for you. Its fully nylon construction enhances both the feel and sound, making it a great option for enthusiasts who appreciate a distinct and satisfying keystroke. On the other hand, if you're someone who seeks an enchanting high-pitched bottom-out sound and values unparalleled smoothness and stability, the Bsun Taichi switch would be more suitable. With its long-pole stem and extended springs, the Taichi delivers a different auditory experience that can enhance your typing enjoyment. Ultimately, your choice should align with whether you seek a more pronounced feedback through sound and feel with the Cold Plum or a smoother and more delicate experience with the Taichi.
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