Outemu Cold Plum vs. Jwick Taro
An in-depth look at the Outemu Cold Plum and the Jwick Taro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Cold Plum and Jwick Taro offer different experiences tailored to individual preferences. The Cold Plum is a linear switch known for its thocky sound profile and smooth keystroke, making it a favorite among enthusiasts seeking a unique and enjoyable typing feel. On the other hand, the Taro is a tactile switch that provides a cozy typing experience with a medium level of tactility and crisp clacks. Each switch has its own strengths and appeal, but ultimately the choice between the two comes down to personal preference and typing style. 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
67g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Outemu Cold Plum and Jwick Taro both utilize nylon for their bottom housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. This is due to nylon being a softer plastic that absorbs more sound than harder plastics, creating a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Cold Plum uses a nylon top housing, while the Taro utilizes a polycarbonate top housing. The polycarbonate top housing of the Taro creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile compared to the Cold Plum. The difference in top housing materials between the two switches leads to distinct sound characteristics, with the Cold Plum offering a deeper sound and the Taro providing a clearer and resonant sound.
Despite both switches featuring a nylon bottom housing, the Cold Plum and Jwick Taro differ in their top housing material, with the Cold Plum having a nylon top housing and the Taro featuring a polycarbonate top housing. While typing on switches with nylon bottom housing creates a deeper and fuller sound profile, the choice of top housing material affects the sound characteristics significantly. The Cold Plum's nylon top housing results in a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer nature, while the Taro's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper and crisper sound profile. Aesthetically, the Taro's clear polycarbonate top housing is ideal for RGB lighting, enhancing the visual appeal of the switch.
In switches where the top and bottom housings are made of different materials, the qualities of each housing material are experienced differently during typing. The bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, while the top housing has a greater impact on the sound when releasing a key. In the case of the Outemu Cold Plum with nylon top and bottom housing, and the Jwick Taro with a polycarbonate top and nylon bottom housing, the differences in sound profiles are evident. The Cold Plum offers a deeper and fuller sound, while the Taro provides a sharper and crisper sound, showcasing how the choice of housing materials can impact the overall typing experience.
Weight
The Outemu Cold Plum linear switch has a slightly lighter actuation force of 60 grams compared to the Jwick Taro tactile switch, which has an unknown actuation force. However, both switches have a similar bottom out force, with the Cold Plum requiring 70 grams and the Taro requiring 67 grams. This makes both switches fall into the medium-heavy category when it comes to force. Some users may prefer the Cold Plum for its slightly lighter actuation force, which can be more comfortable for longer typing sessions or gaming sessions. On the other hand, those looking for a more substantial typing experience may lean towards the Taro with its slightly heavier bottom out force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference in terms of actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch is 3.3 mm, while the Jwick Taro tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are popular among gamers for quicker response times. The Cold Plum is slightly shorter in distance compared to the Taro, which may appeal to those looking for even faster keystrokes. On the other hand, the Taro's slightly longer travel distance may provide a more satisfying depth for those who prefer a more deliberate keypress. Overall, both switches offer a relatively short travel distance that can cater to different preferences depending on individual typing or gaming styles.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Jwick Taro has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Taro for $4.25.
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 switch is known for its thocky sound profile, delivering a satisfying and distinct typing experience. On the other hand, the Jwick Taro switch is described as having a neutral sound profile, suitable for various purposes and preferences. The sound produced by a switch is also influenced by other factors like the keyboard and keycaps used, so individual results may vary.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the Cold Plum switch is lauded for its smooth keystrokes, providing a pleasant typing experience for enthusiasts. In contrast, the Jwick Taro switch is described as buttery, offering a smooth and fluid keystroke sensation. Additionally, the Taro switch is noted for its stepped tactile feel, providing a mild tactile bump that enhances typing feedback.
Overall, both the Outemu Cold Plum and Jwick Taro switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Cold Plum excels in providing a thocky sound profile and smooth keystrokes, while the Taro switch offers a neutral sound profile and buttery, stepped tactile feel. Depending on your preference for sound and feel, choosing between these switches can result in a satisfying typing experience.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when considering whether to choose the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch or the Jwick Taro tactile switch, it ultimately boils down to your personal preferences. If you are looking for a unique typing experience with a thocky sound profile and smooth keystrokes, then the Cold Plum switch may be the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a cozy typing experience with a snappy tactile feedback and crisp clacks, the Taro switch might be more up your alley. Both switches offer strengths in different areas, so it's important to consider what qualities are most important to you in a mechanical keyboard switch. Ultimately, the decision is yours to make based on your individual typing preferences and needs.
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