Outemu Cold Plum vs. TTC Venus
An in-depth look at the Outemu Cold Plum and the TTC Venus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Outemu Cold Plum and the TTC Venus mechanical keyboard switches, it is evident that both offer a unique typing experience. The Cold Plum is lauded for its thocky sound profile and fully nylon construction, providing a smooth keystroke and satisfying sound for enthusiasts seeking a distinct typing feel. On the other hand, the Venus stands out with its internal configuration that offers a seamless, frictionless glide combined with a springy resistance texture, giving each press a matte sensation. While the Cold Plum excels in providing a satisfying sound, the Venus boasts a very light actuation for rapid typing. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
52g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
3.80 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
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Lengthened 20.5mm spring
Housing materials
The Outemu Cold Plum and TTC Venus both feature unique housing materials that contribute to their sound profiles. The Cold Plum utilizes a nylon top housing, which offers a deeper and fuller sound with a duller and rounder tone due to its softer plastic composition. In comparison, the Venus incorporates a POM top housing that produces a pleasing and unique sound profile on the deeper side, albeit relatively more muted. While both materials have their own distinct characteristics, they both aim to enhance the overall typing experience by creating a specific sound profile.
In terms of the bottom housing, the Cold Plum again features nylon, providing a deeper and fuller sound with a duller and rounder tone. On the other hand, the Venus uses a polycarbonate bottom housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate contributes to a more clear and resonant sound, particularly impacting the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate in the Venus allows for RGB lighting effects, adding a visual appeal to the switch beyond just the auditory experience.
While the housing materials of the Cold Plum and Venus differ in terms of top and bottom components, each material contributes uniquely to the overall sound profile of the switch. The bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key, while the top housing plays a larger role in the sound when releasing a key. Both switches aim to provide a satisfying typing experience with distinctive sound profiles, offering users the opportunity to choose based on their preference for sound and feel. Ultimately, whether using the nylon of the Cold Plum or the POM and polycarbonate of the Venus, users can expect a unique and enhanced typing experience from each of these switches.
Weight
The Outemu Cold Plum linear switch has a higher actuation force of 60 grams compared to the TTC Venus linear switch with an actuation force of 45 grams, making the Cold Plum switch heavier. On the other hand, the bottom out force of the Cold Plum is also heavier at 70 grams, while the Venus has a lighter bottom out force of 52 grams. This means that the Cold Plum switch provides a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel, while the Venus switch offers a lighter touch for longer typing sessions. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on individual preferences regarding actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Outemu Cold Plum linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the TTC Venus linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. In this case, the Cold Plum has a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Venus. The Cold Plum's 3.3 mm travel distance may appeal to gamers seeking faster response times, while the Venus' 3.8 mm travel distance could be favored by those who prefer more substantial depth when pressing down on a key. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which have become more popular recently. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preferences for key press feel and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Venus has an MSRP of $7.99 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Venus for $5.09.
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 best known for its thocky sound profile, which delivers a deep, rich, and satisfying sound when pressed, creating a unique typing experience. On the other hand, the TTC Venus switch is described as having a low-pitched, muted, neutral, and subdued sound profile. This means that the Venus switch produces a softer, quieter, and more mellow tone compared to the Cold Plum switch. While the Cold Plum offers a distinct and engaging sound, the Venus provides a smooth and muted auditory experience that wraps each keystroke in a subdued embrace. Ultimately, the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Outemu Cold Plum switch is known for its smooth keystroke and satisfying typing feel, offering enthusiasts a unique and enjoyable typing experience. In contrast, the TTC Venus switch is described as having a buttery, gummy, frictionless, mild, and polished feel. This means that the Venus switch provides a smooth, fluid, and effortless typing sensation, with a balanced mix of resistance and smooth key travel. The Cold Plum switch, on the other hand, offers a seamless typing experience with a satisfying tactile response. Both switches offer a different tactile and typing experience, catering to different preferences of users.
In conclusion, the Outemu Cold Plum and TTC Venus switches offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel, providing users with unique typing experiences. The Cold Plum switch stands out for its thocky sound profile and smooth keystroke, while the Venus switch impresses with its low-pitched, muted sound and buttery, frictionless feel. Depending on your preferences for sound and feel, both switches offer a satisfying and engaging typing experience that is sure to enhance your overall typing enjoyment. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on your personal preferences and typing style.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding between the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch and the TTC Venus linear switch, consider the factors of bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and enjoy a thocky sound profile with a fully nylon construction, the Cold Plum may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force and seek a switch with a unique "matte" sensation, smooth glide, and almost frictionless keystrokes, the TTC Venus might be more to your liking. Ultimately, your decision should be based on the specific typing experience you are looking for and the features that matter most to you.
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