Outemu Cold Plum vs. Wuque Studio WS POM+
An in-depth look at the Outemu Cold Plum and the Wuque Studio WS POM+ switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Outemu Cold Plum and the Wuque Studio WS POM+ stand out as compelling options for those who appreciate linear switches. The Cold Plum is renowned for its thocky sound profile and fully nylon construction, providing a smooth keystroke that appeals to typing enthusiasts looking for a distinct and enjoyable experience. Its unique acoustics and satisfying feedback make it a preferred choice for users who prioritize auditory pleasure in their typing. In contrast, the WS POM+ offers an all-POM construction, delivering an equally deep and satisfying "thock" sound with a buttery-smooth keystroke. This switch is ideal for users seeking a balance between tactile satisfaction and a quiet typing experience, making it versatile for both work and gaming setups. While both switches cater to linear switch lovers, their distinct materials and sound profiles create different typing sensations. 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
55g
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
POM
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
22mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Cold Plum and the Wuque Studio WS POM+, both feature top and bottom housings that contribute distinctly to the switch's sound and feel, yet they utilize different materials. The Cold Plum employs nylon for both its top and bottom housings, making use of the material’s soft properties to create a deeper and fuller sound profile that is more muted but reflects a rounded character. Nylon’s ability to absorb sound waves plays a significant role in delivering this auditory experience, ultimately giving users a more tactile and acoustically satisfying feel as they type.
On the other hand, the WS POM+ uses POM for its housings, which is known for creating a unique and pleasing sound profile. Although both nylon and POM are softer plastics compared to harder materials, POM housings produce a somewhat deeper and more muted sound, similar to nylon but with a distinct sharpness in feedback and sonic characteristics. The fundamental difference lies in the typing experience itself; while both can yield a satisfying acoustic result, the POM configuration is likely to provide a different tactile response due to the material's specific properties that affect the timbre of sound created upon bottoming out and releasing the key.
Ultimately, while the Cold Plum and WS POM+ utilize different materials—nylon versus POM—they both produce comparable auditory experiences in terms of depth and muteness, due to their specific sound-dampening qualities. If one is looking to achieve similar results in terms of acoustics, using switches with nylon or POM will lead to a deeper, more muted sound profile, though they may cater to slightly different preferences in terms of tactile feedback and overall typing sensation. Each material imparts its unique character, making the choice between them a matter of personal taste and typing style, rather than a stark contrast in performance.
Weight
When comparing the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS POM+ linear switch, notable differences emerge in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Cold Plum switch features a heavier actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience which may appeal to users who prefer an additional tactile weight during use. In contrast, the WS POM+ switch is lighter, with an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, making it ideal for those looking for a more effortless keypress, particularly beneficial for extended typing sessions or gaming marathons. Overall, while the Cold Plum offers a medium-heavy experience, the WS POM+ delivers a medium-light feel, catering to different user preferences for typing intensity.
Travel distance
The Outemu Cold Plum linear switch features a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Wuque Studio WS POM+ linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. This makes the Cold Plum the shorter option, providing a more responsive feel that may appeal to gamers seeking quicker key actuation. On the other hand, the WS POM+ offers a more traditional length, which some users might find ideal for a more pronounced typing experience. For those who prefer a shallower depth and quicker response times, the Cold Plum would be the better choice, while the WS POM+ would cater to those who enjoy a more hearty key press. Overall, the difference in travel distances suggests that the Cold Plum is designed for rapid use, whereas the WS POM+ caters to a more classic typing experience.
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 POM+ comes in at $3.90.
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, both the Outemu Cold Plum and the Wuque Studio WS POM+ linear switches offer a deep and satisfying "thock" profile that appeals to many enthusiasts. The Cold Plum is celebrated for its thocky sound, likely a result of its nylon construction, while the WS POM+ also delivers a similarly deep acoustic experience thanks to its all-POM material. This similarity suggests that users can expect a pleasing auditory feedback from both switches, though the exact sound characteristics may still vary slightly based on the keyboard build and keycap selection.
When it comes to feel, the Cold Plum switch is known for its smooth keystroke, providing a particularly satisfying typing experience that many users seek in linear switches. The WS POM+, on the other hand, offers a buttery-smooth keystroke, which indicates a refined tactile response as well. Both switches excel in delivering a smooth tactile experience, which is a hallmark of linear switches, and should appeal to users who prioritize effortless key presses in their typing or gaming sessions.
In conclusion, both the Outemu Cold Plum and the Wuque Studio WS POM+ linear switches stand out for their desirable sound profiles and smooth keystroke feel. While the Cold Plum is characterized by its thocky sound and nylon construction, the WS POM+ boasts a similarly satisfying acoustic presence with its POM material, making both options excellent choices for typing enthusiasts. Ultimately, personal preference will guide the final choice, but either switch promises a rewarding and enjoyable experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS POM+ linear switch, your preferences and typing habits will significantly influence your choice. If you enjoy a typing experience that's robust and satisfying, with a thocky sound profile and a slightly heavier actuation force of 70 grams, the Cold Plum is the ideal switch for you. It's particularly suited for those who appreciate a more tactile and deliberate typing experience, whether for gaming or lengthy writing sessions. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch and a smoother keystroke, the WS POM+ with its 55 grams of actuation force might be the better option, especially if you value rapid inputs and a more effortless typing feel. The deep thock sound signature of the WS POM+ provides a unique auditory experience that feels luxurious and satisfying. Ultimately, your choice should align with your typing style; go for the Cold Plum if you crave that satisfying weight and acoustic feedback, or select the WS POM+ for a smooth, lighter, and equally pleasant experience.
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