Outemu Cold Plum vs. Wuque Studio WS Onion
An in-depth look at the Outemu Cold Plum and the Wuque Studio WS Onion switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When looking for a mechanical keyboard switch that offers a unique typing experience, the Outemu Cold Plum and Wuque Studio WS Onion switches are definitely worth considering. The Cold Plum stands out for its thocky sound profile and fully nylon construction, providing enthusiasts with a smooth keystroke and satisfying sound. On the other hand, the WS Onion boasts a buttery smooth keystroke feel with its polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing. While the Cold Plum offers a distinct and enjoyable typing feel, the WS Onion provides a crisp, responsive feel and a neutral sound profile. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
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
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
WS CL635 Gold Plated Stainless Spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Cold Plum and the Wuque Studio WS Onion, the main difference lies in the material used for the top housing. The Cold Plum features a nylon top housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic nature. On the other hand, the WS Onion utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, creating a sharper and crisper sound profile with its relatively stiffer plastic composition. This contrast in top housing materials leads to distinct sound characteristics between the two switches.
Despite the difference in top housing materials, both the Cold Plum and WS Onion utilize nylon for their bottom housing. This commonality results in a similar typing experience for users of both switches, as nylon's softer plastic absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound profile. The shared use of nylon in the bottom housing ensures that the sound and tactile feedback for pressing down on the keys will be consistent between the two switches.
Overall, the choice of housing materials for switches plays a significant role in determining the sound profile and tactile feedback experienced by the user. While the Cold Plum's nylon housing results in a deeper sound profile, the WS Onion's polycarbonate housing offers a sharper and clearer sound experience. However, both switches maintain a consistent typing experience due to their shared use of nylon bottom housings. Whether a user prefers a softer, duller sound or a sharper, crisper sound, each switch offers a unique typing experience based on its housing materials.
Weight
The Outemu Cold Plum linear switch has a slightly higher actuation force of 60 grams compared to the Wuque Studio WS Onion linear switch, which has an unknown actuation force. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Cold Plum switch requires 70 grams, while the WS Onion switch only requires 63.5 grams. This makes the WS Onion switch slightly lighter in terms of bottom out force. The actuation force of the WS Onion switch is unknown, so it is hard to compare in terms of lightness or heaviness. In general, the Cold Plum switch may provide a more substantial typing experience due to its higher actuation and bottom out force, while the WS Onion switch may be a better option for those who prefer a lighter typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for typing pressure and weight.
Travel distance
The Outemu Cold Plum linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, making it shorter than the Wuque Studio WS Onion linear switch, which has a travel distance of 4 mm. The Cold Plum's shorter travel distance may appeal to gamers looking for faster response times, as shorter distances are often preferred in that community. On the other hand, the WS Onion's longer travel distance could be a better choice for those who prefer a deeper feel when pressing a key. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the specific needs of the user. Both switches can provide a satisfying typing experience, but the Cold Plum will offer a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the WS Onion.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Wuque Studio WS Onion has an MSRP of $7.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the WS Onion for $5.53.
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
Overall, when comparing the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Onion linear switch, we see some key differences in subjective qualities. The Cold Plum offers a thocky sound profile and a smooth keystroke, providing a distinct and enjoyable typing feel for enthusiasts. On the other hand, the WS Onion offers a neutral sound profile and a buttery smooth keystroke feel, with a crisp and responsive sensation. While the sound and feel may vary between the two switches, they both offer a satisfying typing experience. Depending on personal preference, users can choose between the unique thocky sound of the Cold Plum or the buttery smooth feel of the WS Onion. Ultimately, both switches offer quality construction and performance, ensuring a positive typing experience for users.
Conclusion
Therefore, when deciding between the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Onion linear switch, consider your preference for bottom out force. If you prefer a slightly heavier key press, the Cold Plum with its 70-gram bottom out force may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly lighter key press, the WS Onion with its 63.5-gram bottom out force might be more suitable. Additionally, take into account the sound and feel of each switch - the Cold Plum for a thocky sound and smooth keystroke, and the WS Onion for a neutral sound and buttery, polished feel. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing preferences and the overall typing experience you are looking to achieve.
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