Outemu Cold Plum vs. TKC Tangerine
An in-depth look at the Outemu Cold Plum and the TKC Tangerine switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch that best suits your typing needs, the Outemu Cold Plum and TKC Tangerine both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Cold Plum is known for its thocky sound profile and fully nylon construction, providing a smooth keystroke and satisfying sound that appeals to enthusiasts seeking a distinct typing experience. On the other hand, the Tangerine stands out for its incredibly smooth feel and UHWMPE housings, offering a pleasurable typing experience with a high-pitched clack. While the Cold Plum offers a unique sound profile and construction, the Tangerine provides a smooth and polished typing experience. 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
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
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
UHWMPE
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
UHWMPE
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold coated spring
Housing materials
The Outemu Cold Plum and TKC Tangerine switches both offer unique housing materials for a different typing experience. The Cold Plum features a nylon top housing, known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic that absorbs more sound. In contrast, the Tangerine utilizes a UHWMPE top housing, resulting in a brighter sound signature with resonant clacks. While both materials provide distinct acoustic qualities, the nylon top housing of the Cold Plum offers a duller and rounder sound compared to the UHWMPE top housing of the Tangerine.
Moving on to the bottom housing of the switches, the Cold Plum again incorporates nylon material, contributing to the switch's deeper and fuller sound profile when pressed down. Conversely, the Tangerine employs UHWMPE for its bottom housing, resulting in a bright sound signature with resonant clacks upon actuation. The difference in bottom housing materials between the two switches may impact the overall typing experience, with the Cold Plum offering a duller and rounder sound while the Tangerine provides a brighter and more resonant sound when keys are pressed.
In conclusion, the housing materials of the Outemu Cold Plum and TKC Tangerine switches play a significant role in shaping the sound and feel of typing on these switches. While the Cold Plum's nylon housing creates a deeper and fuller sound profile, the Tangerine's UHWMPE housing offers a brighter and more resonant typing experience. The contrast in housing materials between the two switches showcases how different materials can impact the acoustics and tactile feedback of mechanical keyboards, providing users with a variety of options to suit their preferences.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch and the TKC Tangerine linear switch both play a crucial role in determining the typing experience. In terms of actuation force, the Cold Plum requires 60 grams to trigger a keystroke, while the Tangerine's actuation force is not specified. However, the Cold Plum has a heavier bottom out force of 70 grams compared to the Tangerine's 62 grams, making it a slightly heavier option for those who prefer a more substantial typing experience. Those who prefer a lighter typing feel may lean towards the Tangerine switch, as it potentially has a lighter actuation force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference regarding typing pressure and force.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch and the TKC Tangerine linear switch, it is evident that the Cold Plum has a shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm compared to the Tangerine's 4 mm. The Cold Plum would provide a slightly quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance, making it a preferred choice for gamers seeking faster actions. On the other hand, the Tangerine offers a bit more depth with its longer travel distance, allowing for a more satisfying key press for those who prefer a more substantial feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on individual preferences for travel distance in relation to typing or gaming experiences.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Outemu Cold Plum comes in at $3.10, whereas the TKC Tangerine comes in at $6.30.
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
When it comes to sound, the Outemu Cold Plum switches are known for their thocky sound profile, providing a rich and deep sound with each keystroke. On the other hand, the TKC Tangerine switches have a high-pitched clack when typing, offering a sharper and crisper sound compared to the Cold Plum switches. Both switches offer unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences, so choosing between the two will depend on whether you prefer a deeper thocky sound or a high-pitched clack.
In terms of feel, the Outemu Cold Plum switches offer a smooth keystroke, providing a satisfying typing experience without much resistance. The TKC Tangerine switches, on the other hand, are described as frictionless, buttery, and polished, offering an extremely smooth and effortless typing experience. The Tangerine switches excel in providing a fluid and seamless typing sensation, making each keystroke a pleasure to type. Both switches offer a smooth feel, but the Tangerine switches take it a step further with their frictionless and buttery sensation.
Overall, the Outemu Cold Plum switches and the TKC Tangerine switches both offer unique and enjoyable typing experiences, each with its own sound and feel characteristics. Depending on your personal preference for sound and feel, you can choose between the thocky sound and smooth keystroke of the Cold Plum switches or the high-pitched clack and frictionless, buttery feel of the Tangerine switches. Whichever switch you decide to go with, you can expect a high-quality typing experience that will enhance your overall mechanical keyboard setup.
Conclusion
In summary, when deciding between the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch and the TKC Tangerine linear switch, consider the factors that are most important to you. If you prioritize a unique thocky sound profile and medium-heavy bottom out force, the Cold Plum may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you value an incredibly smooth typing experience, a medium bottom out force, and a high-pitched sound profile, the Tangerine switch could be the ideal option. Ultimately, both switches offer a premium typing experience, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference and what features you prioritize in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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