Outemu Cold Plum vs. Wuque Studio WS Jade
An in-depth look at the Outemu Cold Plum and the Wuque Studio WS Jade switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Outemu Cold Plum and the Wuque Studio WS Jade both offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Cold Plum is known for its thocky sound profile and smooth keystroke, providing a satisfying typing experience for enthusiasts who enjoy a distinct feel. On the other hand, the WS Jade stands out with its metallic insert in the stem base, creating a bright and resonant sound profile, along with a captivating RGB display. The typing experience with the WS Jade is described as creamy and smooth, with a rock-solid bottom-out. While both switches offer their own advantages, such as the Cold Plum's nylon construction and the WS Jade's light diffuser for RGB display, it ultimately 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
50g
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Nylon
Stem material
UPE
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
18mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
The Outemu Cold Plum and the Wuque Studio WS Jade both utilize different housing materials for their switches, with the Cold Plum featuring nylon housings and the WS Jade using POM housings. Both nylon and POM are known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile, with nylon being a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. POM housings, on the other hand, produce a unique and pleasing sound that leans towards the deeper side and is relatively more muted. While both materials bring their own distinct characteristics to the switches, they ultimately aim to enhance the overall typing experience for users.
Despite their differences, the nylon top housing of the Cold Plum and the POM top housing of the WS Jade both contribute to creating a richer sound profile. The nylon top housing of the Cold Plum absorbs more sound due to its softer nature, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound when typing on the switches. Similarly, the POM top housing of the WS Jade also produces a pleasing and unique sound that adds depth to the typing experience. While the materials may differ, both switches aim to provide a high-quality sound profile that enhances the overall typing feel for users.
In terms of the bottom housings, the nylon bottom housing of the Cold Plum and the POM bottom housing of the WS Jade also play a significant role in shaping the sound and feel of the switches. The bottom housing has more impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when the key is pressed, with nylon offering a deeper and fuller sound profile while POM creates a more muted sound on the deeper side. Despite these differences, both housing materials aim to enhance the overall typing experience by providing a satisfying sound profile that complements the key press. Whether nylon or POM, users can expect a premium typing experience with either the Cold Plum or the WS Jade switches.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Jade linear switch, it is evident that the Cold Plum is heavier overall. The Cold Plum requires a 60-gram actuation force and a 70-gram bottom out force, making it a medium-heavy switch. On the other hand, the WS Jade is lighter, with a 50-gram actuation force and a 60-gram bottom out force, classifying it as a medium switch. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may find the WS Jade more suitable for longer typing sessions or gaming marathons, while individuals who desire a more substantial typing feel may opt for the Cold Plum due to its heavier force requirements. 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 Wuque Studio WS Jade linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. In this case, the WS Jade has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Cold Plum. A shorter travel distance can be preferred by gamers for quicker response times, while a longer travel distance can offer a more satisfying key press for those who prefer deeper actuation. Both options can provide a different typing experience, so it ultimately depends on personal preference. Despite the difference in travel distance, both switches are relatively close and will offer similar results in terms of keyboard performance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Outemu Cold Plum comes in at $3.10, whereas the Wuque Studio WS Jade comes in at $4.30.
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 known for its thocky sound profile, which is likely to be more subdued and pleasant compared to the WS Jade's clacky, marbly, and resonant sound. The Cold Plum may offer a more muted typing experience, which some users prefer for a quieter workspace. On the other hand, the WS Jade's metallic insert in the stem base creates a unique sound that is crisp, bright, and percussive, adding a distinct auditory element to typing.
In terms of feel, the Cold Plum switch is recognized for its smooth keystroke, but specific descriptors are unknown. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Jade switch is described as silky and creamy, offering a smooth and buttery typing experience. The creamy sensation of the WS Jade switch may provide users with a luxurious feel and reduced resistance when typing, allowing for effortless keystrokes that glide smoothly across the keys.
Overall, while the Outemu Cold Plum and Wuque Studio WS Jade linear switches offer different sound and feel characteristics, they both provide a unique typing experience that caters to different preferences. The Cold Plum may appeal to users seeking a quieter typing experience with a thocky sound, while the WS Jade offers a more resonant and creamy typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and overall typing experience.
Conclusion
Ultimately, when choosing between the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Jade linear switch, consider your preference for typing experience. If you value a thocky sound profile and smooth keystrokes, the Cold Plum might be the perfect choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a bright metallic sound and a creamy typing feel, the WS Jade could be more to your liking. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, so it ultimately comes down to what type of typing experience you are looking for. Take into account the bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel described for each switch to make an informed decision based on your personal preferences.
Mentioned in this article
