Outemu Cold Plum vs. Jerrzi Violet
An in-depth look at the Outemu Cold Plum and the Jerrzi Violet switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Cold Plum and Jerrzi Violet offer unique typing experiences for enthusiasts. The Cold Plum is a linear switch that is best known for its thocky sound profile and fully nylon construction, providing a smooth keystroke and satisfying sound. On the other hand, the Violet is a tactile switch with a smooth actuation and pleasingly poppy tactility, accompanied by a neutral sound signature. While the Cold Plum is ideal for those seeking a distinct and enjoyable typing feel, the Violet offers a balanced and enjoyable 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
45g
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
3.70 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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Outemu Cold Plum and the Jerrzi Violet both feature nylon bottom housings, which are known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to their softer plastic properties that absorb more sound. This results in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches with nylon housings. On the other hand, the Cold Plum has a nylon top housing, while the Violet has a polycarbonate top housing. The polycarbonate top housing of the Violet creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile compared to the Cold Plum's nylon top housing. This difference in top housing material leads to distinct sound characteristics between the two switches.
While both the Cold Plum and the Jerrzi Violet share nylon bottom housings, the use of different top housing materials results in varying sound profiles. The Cold Plum's nylon top housing elicits a deeper and fuller sound, while the Violet's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper and more resonant sound. Additionally, the polycarbonate top housing of the Jerrzi Violet allows for RGB lighting due to its translucency, adding an aesthetic appeal to the switch that the Cold Plum lacks. Despite these differences, both switches benefit from the sound absorption properties of nylon in their bottom housing, creating a similar dull and round sound experience when typing.
In terms of sound and feel, the housing materials of the Outemu Cold Plum and the Jerrzi Violet play a crucial role in shaping the overall typing experience. The differences in top housing materials between the two switches result in distinct sound profiles, with the Cold Plum offering a deeper and fuller sound due to its nylon top housing, while the Violet's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper and crisper sound. However, the shared nylon bottom housing of both switches contributes to a similar sound experience in terms of absorption and resonance. Overall, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preferences in sound characteristics and aesthetic preferences with regards to RGB lighting options.
Weight
The Outemu Cold Plum linear switch has a higher actuation force of 60 grams compared to the Jerrzi Violet tactile switch, which has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Cold Plum requires 70 grams while there is no information available about the Violet's bottom out force. The Cold Plum offers a medium-heavy typing experience, while the Violet provides a lighter touch for those who prefer a gentler keystroke. For those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience, the Cold Plum may be the better option, while the Violet is suitable for those looking for a lighter touch for longer typing or gaming sessions. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Outemu Cold Plum linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Jerrzi Violet tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm. In this case, the Jerrzi Violet tactile switch has a longer travel distance compared to the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch. The Cold Plum offers a shorter travel distance, which may be preferred by gamers looking for faster response times. On the other hand, the longer travel distance of the Violet switch may provide a more substantial and satisfying key press for those who prefer deeper travel distances. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of key press feel and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Jerrzi Violet has an MSRP of $2.79 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Violet for $2.30.
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 offers a thocky sound profile due to its fully nylon construction. This creates a distinctive and enjoyable typing experience for enthusiasts. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Violet switch provides a neutral sound signature, making it suitable for a wide range of users and environments. Both switches offer a pleasant typing experience, with the Cold Plum being more unique in its sound profile while the Violet offers a more balanced sound.
In terms of feel, the Cold Plum switch provides a smooth keystroke that is satisfying for users seeking a more linear typing experience. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Violet switch offers a gentle tactile feel with a pleasing poppy tactility. The Violet switch is described as having a stepped feel, which provides a mild tactile sensation compared to more pronounced tactile switches. Both switches offer a different typing feel, catering to users with varying preferences for tactile feedback.
In conclusion, the Outemu Cold Plum and Jerrzi Violet switches offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Cold Plum switch provides a thocky sound profile and a smooth keystroke, appealing to users looking for a unique typing experience. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Violet switch offers a neutral sound signature and a gentle tactile feel, catering to a wider range of users. Depending on your preference for sound and feel, either switch can provide a satisfying typing experience. Ultimately, both switches are excellent options for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts, each bringing their own unique qualities to the table.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch and the Jerrzi Violet tactile switch, consider your preference for typing experience. If you enjoy a unique and satisfying thocky sound profile with a medium-heavy bottom out force, the Cold Plum may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a gentle tactile switch with a smooth actuation and poppy tactility, along with a neutral sound signature, the Violet switch may be more appealing. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing preferences and the overall feel and sound you desire in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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