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Outemu Cold Plum vs. Aflion Thunder Shadow

An in-depth look at the Outemu Cold Plum and the Aflion Thunder Shadow switches—which one is the best fit for you?

Overview

When looking at the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch and the Aflion Thunder Shadow tactile switch, a key difference immediately stands out. The Cold Plum is all about the smooth keystroke and satisfying thocky sound, making it a top choice for enthusiasts seeking a unique typing experience. On the other hand, the Thunder Shadow offers a pronounced tactile bump and medium weight feel, catering to those who enjoy a balance between feedback and comfort. While both switches have their own set of benefits and characteristics, figuring out which one is right for you will depend on your personal preferences 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

63.5g

Pre-travel

2.00 mm

Pre-travel

2.00 mm

Total travel

3.30 mm

Total travel

3.50 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

20mm double-stage spring

Housing materials

In comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Cold Plum and the Aflion Thunder Shadow, one can see a clear distinction between the use of nylon and polycarbonate. The Cold Plum utilizes nylon for both its top and bottom housings, creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer plastic that absorbs more sound. On the other hand, the Thunder Shadow features a polycarbonate top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. While both materials have their own advantages, the choice between nylon and polycarbonate ultimately comes down to personal preference in terms of sound quality and typing experience.

Despite their differences, both the Cold Plum and the Thunder Shadow share the characteristic of having a nylon bottom housing. This commonality means that both switches elicit a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing, thanks to the softer nature of nylon that absorbs more sound than harder plastics. While the top housing material may vary between the two switches, the use of nylon in the bottom housing ensures a consistent typing experience in terms of sound quality. Therefore, users can expect similar results in the bottom-out sound and feel when using either the Cold Plum or the Thunder Shadow.

Overall, the choice between the Outemu Cold Plum and the Aflion Thunder Shadow ultimately comes down to personal preference in terms of sound profile and typing experience. The Cold Plum's nylon housing provides a duller and rounder sound, while the Thunder Shadow's polycarbonate housing offers a sharper and crisper sound. Both switches share the use of nylon in the bottom housing, guaranteeing a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. Whether one prefers the softer sound of nylon or the clearer sound of polycarbonate, both switches offer a unique typing experience based on their housing materials.

Weight

The Outemu Cold Plum linear switch has a slightly higher actuation force of 60 grams compared to the Aflion Thunder Shadow tactile switch, which has an unknown actuation force. However, the bottom out force of the Cold Plum is also higher at 70 grams, while the Thunder Shadow has a bottom out force of 63.5 grams. Both switches fall into the medium-heavy category in terms of force required. In general, those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Aflion Thunder Shadow, while those who prefer a more substantial feel may prefer the Outemu Cold Plum. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.

Travel distance

The Outemu Cold Plum linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Aflion Thunder Shadow tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. In this case, the Thunder Shadow has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Cold Plum. Both switches fall within the realm of shorter travel distances which are favorable for faster response times, especially for gamers. However, the slight variance in travel distance may be noticeable to some users. Those who prefer a more abrupt feel may opt for the Cold Plum, while those who prefer a bit more depth in the key press may lean towards the Thunder Shadow. Ultimately, both switches offer similar benefits in terms of responsiveness, with the main distinction being the slightly longer travel distance of the Thunder Shadow.

Price comparison

Which switch is more bang for your buck?

The Aflion Thunder Shadow has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Thunder Shadow for $3.91.

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

When it comes to sound, the Outemu Cold Plum switch is best known for its thocky sound profile, which offers a satisfying and distinct typing experience. On the other hand, the Aflion Thunder Shadow switch provides a neutral sound signature that complements its balanced tactile bump, making it a suitable choice for a wide range of users. While the sound of a switch can be influenced by various factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used, both switches offer unique sound qualities that cater to different preferences.

In terms of feel, the Outemu Cold Plum switch is praised for its smooth keystrokes, offering a comfortable and enjoyable typing feel for enthusiasts. Conversely, the Aflion Thunder Shadow switch provides an invigorating typing sensation with its pronounced tactile bump, moderate to firm actuation force, and snappy feel. This creates an immersive typing experience that is responsive and engaging. Both switches offer distinct tactile feedback that can enhance the overall typing experience for users who prefer different levels of feedback.

In conclusion, the Outemu Cold Plum and Aflion Thunder Shadow switches offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel that cater to different preferences. While the Cold Plum switch provides a thocky sound profile and smooth keystrokes, the Thunder Shadow switch offers a neutral sound signature and invigorating tactile feedback. Depending on your preference for sound and feel, both switches can provide a satisfying typing experience that enhances your overall typing performance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference and typing style.

Conclusion

To wrap up, when deciding between the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch and the Aflion Thunder Shadow tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you enjoy a thocky sound profile and smooth keystrokes, the Cold Plum may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a pronounced tactile bump and a harmonious balance in feel, the Thunder Shadow might be more suited to your liking. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different typing preferences, so consider what aspects are most important to you in a mechanical keyboard switch before making your decision. Ultimately, choosing between the Cold Plum and Thunder Shadow will depend on whether you prioritize sound or feel in your typing experience.

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