Outemu Cold Plum vs. Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile
An in-depth look at the Outemu Cold Plum and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Cold Plum and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Cold Plum switch is a linear switch that is praised for its thocky sound profile and smooth keystrokes, making it a top choice for enthusiasts looking for a distinct and enjoyable typing experience. On the other hand, the WS Light Tactile switch is a tactile switch known for its smoothness, snappy tactile bump, and neutral sound signature, making it a great option for those who prefer a more tactile feel while 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
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
15.4mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Cold Plum and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile, it is evident that both switches utilize nylon for the bottom housing. This material choice results in a deeper and fuller sound profile for both switches, as nylon's softness allows it to absorb more sound, creating a rounder and duller sound. This similarity in bottom housing material means that users can expect a similar typing experience in terms of sound and feel when using either switch.
However, where the switches differ is in their top housing materials. The Cold Plum features a nylon top housing, while the WS Light Tactile utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing. The use of nylon in the Cold Plum results in a softer and more absorbent sound profile, while polycarbonate in the WS Light Tactile creates a sharper and crisper sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that incorporate RGB lighting, further distinguishing the WS Light Tactile in terms of aesthetics and functionality.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in switches plays a significant role in determining the sound profile and overall typing experience. While both the Cold Plum and the WS Light Tactile share a nylon bottom housing that provides a deep and full sound, their top housing materials set them apart. The Cold Plum's nylon top housing creates a softer sound profile, while the WS Light Tactile's polycarbonate top housing results in a sharper and clearer sound. Ultimately, users can choose between the two switches based on their preference for sound aesthetics and RGB lighting compatibility.
Weight
The Outemu Cold Plum linear switch has a higher actuation force of 60 grams compared to the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile switch, which has an actuation force of 45 grams, making it lighter. Similarly, the Cold Plum also has a higher bottom out force of 70 grams in comparison to the WS Light Tactile's 50 grams, making it heavier. The Cold Plum provides a more substantial typing experience with its medium-heavy forces, while the WS Light Tactile offers a lighter touch, perfect for longer typing sessions or gaming. Both switches offer a different typing experience based on their actuation and bottom out forces, catering to users who prefer either a lighter or heavier feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing force.
Travel distance
The Outemu Cold Plum linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, making it shorter than the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile tactile switch which has a travel distance of 4 mm. The Cold Plum's shorter travel distance provides gamers with a faster response time, ideal for quick reactions during gaming sessions. On the other hand, the WS Light Tactile switch's longer travel distance may appeal to those who prefer a deeper key press, offering a more satisfying typing experience. Both switches offer different benefits based on personal preferences, with the Cold Plum being shorter and the WS Light Tactile being longer in terms of travel distance.
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 Light Tactile comes in at $4.20.
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 linear switch is known for its thocky sound profile, offering a unique and satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile tactile switch is described as having a neutral sound signature, making it suitable for a wide range of users and environments. Both switches offer distinct sound characteristics, with the Cold Plum providing a more tactile and audible experience while the WS Light Tactile offers a more subtle and versatile sound profile.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Cold Plum is known for its smooth keystroke, providing a satisfying typing feel for enthusiasts. On the other hand, the WS Light Tactile switch is described as having a stepped feel, offering a more subtle tactile experience with distinct pre-travel and post-travel sensations. Additionally, the WS Light Tactile switch is also categorized as easy-to-press, requiring minimal force to activate and reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. Both switches offer unique tactile experiences, with the Cold Plum providing a smoother keystroke and the WS Light Tactile offering a more nuanced tactile feel.
Overall, the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile tactile switch offer distinct sound and feel characteristics that cater to different preferences among mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. The Cold Plum provides a more tactile and audible typing experience with its thocky sound profile and smooth keystroke, while the WS Light Tactile switch offers a more versatile sound signature and a stepped tactile feel. Depending on individual preferences for sound and feel, both switches offer unique typing experiences that are sure to enhance your mechanical keyboard setup.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile tactile switch, consider your preference for typing experience. If you value a unique thocky sound profile and medium-heavy bottom out force, the Cold Plum may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a light bottom out force with a snappy and perceptible tactile bump in a neutral sound signature, the WS Light Tactile switch would be more suitable. Ultimately, it boils down to personal preference in terms of sound, feel, and typing style. Happy typing!
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