Outemu Cold Plum vs. Gateron Weightlessness
An in-depth look at the Outemu Cold Plum and the Gateron Weightlessness switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts often find themselves torn between options that cater to different preferences and typing styles. The Outemu Cold Plum switch stands out with its linear design, delivering a smooth keystroke accompanied by a distinct "thocky" sound profile, thanks to its fully nylon construction. This makes it an appealing choice for those who enjoy a seamless typing experience without the distraction of tactile feedback. In contrast, the Gateron Weightlessness switch offers a tactile feel that strikes a balance between subtlety and moderation, combined with a sound profile that enhances its tactile characteristics. This makes the Weightlessness ideal for users seeking a responsive typing experience while still enjoying audible feedback. Both switches have their own unique appeal: the Cold Plum for its smooth delivery and satisfying auditory experience, and the Weightlessness for its engaging tactile feedback. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
60g
Actuation force
50g
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
3.40 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm double-staged spring
Housing materials
The Outemu Cold Plum and Gateron Weightlessness both utilize nylon as the primary housing material for their switches, encompassing both the top and bottom parts. This choice of material is essential for creating a unique typing experience, as nylon is known for its properties that deeply influence sound profiles. The nylon housings in both switches elicit a deeper and fuller sound, as the softer plastic characteristics of nylon absorb sound waves more effectively than harder plastics. This inherent quality makes both switches produce a duller and rounder auditory experience when typing, creating a similar tactile feel for users regardless of brand.
Both switches feature nylon in their top and bottom housings, ensuring that they deliver comparable acoustic effects during typing. With each utilizing the same material, the overall sound profile remains consistent, imparting qualities that affect the user experience from both the bottom out and key release perspectives. While the specific designs of the switches may differ, the nylon material brings a uniformity to the overall sound and feel during operation, making them feel similar when engaging with each key. In this sense, users can expect a consistent auditory environment and typing experience whether using the Cold Plum or Weightlessness switches.
Although the top and bottom housings may vary in design and structure, the shared nylon material guarantees a base level of performance between the two switch offerings. The acoustic results remain similar, deriving from their shared absorption qualities and sound dampening properties. This feature significantly affects user perception — while the mechanical actuation and tactile sensations may differentiate between the two, the foundational sound experience remains largely consistent due to the nylon construction in both switches. Thus, enthusiasts can rely on the sound profile's quality, regardless of which switch they choose to engage with, making both options attractive for those who prioritize auditory nuance in their typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch, there are notable differences in their design and feel. The Outemu Cold Plum has an actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams, categorizing it as medium-heavy. This provides a more substantial typing experience, which may appeal to users who prefer a stronger or more forceful key press. In contrast, the Gateron Weightlessness has a lighter actuation force of 50 grams, making it easier to press, but its bottom out force remains unknown. Although the Gateron switch's action is lighter, the lack of a bottom out value leaves room for uncertainty regarding its overall responsiveness at full compression. For typists who value prolonged use without fatigue, the Outemu Cold Plum's heavier force might be less appealing compared to the Gateron’s lighter feel, but those who prefer a more tactile feedback in their typing experience might gravitate toward the former. Overall, individuals seeking a lightweight option for extended typing sessions may favor the Gateron Weightlessness, while those who prefer more weight and feedback should consider the Outemu Cold Plum.
Travel distance
The Outemu Cold Plum linear switch features a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.4 mm. This indicates that users of the Cold Plum switch will experience a marginally shorter key travel, which may feel more responsive and suitable for fast-paced gaming scenarios. In contrast, the slightly longer travel distance of the Weightlessness switch could appeal to those who prefer a more pronounced depth while typing or gaming, offering a more substantial feel with each keypress. Overall, if responsiveness is your priority, the Cold Plum is preferable, but if you lean towards a more traditional, hearty depth, the Weightlessness may be the better choice.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Weightlessness has an MSRP of $6.10 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Weightlessness for $5.50.
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 linear switch is known for its distinctive thocky noise, which creates a satisfying auditory experience during typing. This sound is further enhanced by the switch's fully nylon construction, contributing to a deeper resonance. On the other hand, the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch offers a more balanced sound profile, which adds a subtle yet pleasing auditory element to every keystroke. While both switches provide satisfying sound experiences, they differ significantly in timbre; the Cold Plum leans towards a fuller, more pronounced sound, while the Weightlessness maintains a more moderate tone.
When it comes to feel, the Cold Plum switches provide an exceptionally smooth keystroke, enhancing the overall typing experience and making them particularly appealing to enthusiasts who appreciate uninterrupted flow while typing. In contrast, the Weightlessness switches deliver a subtle to moderate tactile feel, allowing typists to experience a gentle feedback without the harsh bump associated with more tactile switches. This difference means that users of the Cold Plum may find their typing more fluid and linear, while those using the Weightlessness may appreciate the gentle tactile cues that guide their fingers with each keystroke.
In conclusion, the Outemu Cold Plum and Gateron Weightlessness switches present unique qualities catering to different typing preferences. The Cold Plum is ideal for those seeking a smooth, thocky sound with effortless keystrokes, while the Weightlessness is suited for users who enjoy a subtle tactile feedback complemented by a balanced sound profile. Ultimately, choosing between these switches depends on personal preference, as either switch can result in a satisfying typing experience, though they evoke distinctly different sensations and auditory outputs.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch, it’s essential to consider your personal typing preferences and the environment in which you’ll be using the keyboard. If you appreciate a firmer keystroke and enjoy the distinct “thocky” sound profile that accompanies it, the Cold Plum switch might be your best bet. This switch is ideal for enthusiasts who revel in a heavier feel, delivering a smooth keystroke that many find satisfying for both typing and gaming. On the other hand, if you prefer a softer tactile feedback with a more subtle sound, the Gateron Weightlessness switch can offer you an excellent balance. This switch is best suited for situations where quiet operation is essential, such as in shared workspaces or during extended typing sessions, as it provides a gentle tactile bump without being overly loud. Your ultimate choice will depend on whether you lean towards a more pronounced sound and feel with the Cold Plum or a balanced, quieter experience with the Gateron Weightlessness.
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