Outemu Cold Plum vs. Wuque Studio WS Red
An in-depth look at the Outemu Cold Plum and the Wuque Studio WS Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Cold Plum and the Wuque Studio WS Red both offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Cold Plum is praised for its thocky sound profile and smooth keystrokes, making it a favorite among enthusiasts looking for a distinct typing experience. On the other hand, the WS Red stands out for its bouncy and responsive typing feel with a heavier actuation force, providing a satisfying and substantial typing experience. While both switches have their strengths, 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
3.80 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
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-stage spring
Housing materials
The Outemu Cold Plum and the Wuque Studio WS Red both feature nylon housing materials for both the top and bottom of the switch. This means that both switches will offer a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing, as nylon is known for absorbing more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. The use of nylon in both the top and bottom housings of these switches ensures consistency in sound and feel throughout each keystroke, providing a satisfying typing experience for users of either switch.
While both the Cold Plum and the WS Red switches share the same nylon housing materials for both the top and bottom, the design and construction of the switches may still differ. The overall build quality, thickness of the housing material, and design elements such as the shape of the housing could potentially affect the sound and feel of each switch. It's important to consider these factors when choosing between the two switches, as subtle differences in housing design can lead to variations in typing experience, even when using the same material.
In conclusion, the Outemu Cold Plum and the Wuque Studio WS Red switches offer a similar typing experience due to their shared use of nylon housing materials. Both switches will provide a deep and full sound profile when typing, thanks to the sound-absorbing properties of nylon. While differences in switch design may still impact the overall typing experience, the consistent use of nylon in the housing materials of these switches ensures a similar level of sound and feel for users looking for a satisfying typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Red linear switch, it is evident that both switches fall into the medium-heavy category in terms of actuation and bottom out force. The Cold Plum has an actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams, while the WS Red has an unknown actuation force and a bottom out force of 67 grams. Despite the slight difference in bottom out force, both switches provide a similar typing experience in terms of force required. For those who prefer a lighter touch, the WS Red may be the better option due to its slightly lower bottom out force. On the other hand, the Cold Plum may be preferred by users who enjoy a more substantial typing experience with a slightly higher bottom out force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference for actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch is 3.3 mm, while the Wuque Studio WS Red linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. The Cold Plum offers a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the WS Red, which may appeal to gamers looking for faster response times. On the other hand, the WS Red provides a slightly longer travel distance, which may suit those who prefer a more substantial key press feel. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are becoming more popular in the market. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference for key press depth and responsiveness.
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 Red comes in at $3.50.
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 comparing the subjective qualities of the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Red linear switch in sound, the Cold Plum is known for its thocky sound profile, while the WS Red offers a familiar sound signature due to its classic material blend. Both switches provide a satisfying sound experience, with the Cold Plum delivering a unique typing sound and the WS Red offering a more classic typing sound. Ultimately, the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps.
When it comes to feel, the Cold Plum is praised for its smooth keystroke and satisfying feel, while the WS Red provides a bouncy and responsive typing experience with a heavier actuation force. The Cold Plum offers a distinct and enjoyable typing feel with its fully nylon construction, while the WS Red delivers a substantial feel with its double-stage spring design. Both switches provide a high-quality typing experience, catering to different preferences in terms of typing feel.
Overall, the Outemu Cold Plum and the Wuque Studio WS Red linear switches offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Cold Plum excels in providing a thocky sound profile and smooth keystrokes, making it a great choice for enthusiasts seeking a distinct typing experience. On the other hand, the WS Red stands out with its bouncy and responsive typing feel, coupled with a classic sound signature. Whether you prefer a unique typing sound or a substantial typing feel, both switches offer excellent options for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. Therefore, while each switch offers its own unique characteristics, users can expect high-quality results in both sound and feel when using either the Cold Plum or the WS Red linear switch.
Conclusion
To wrap up, if you are looking for a unique typing experience with a smooth keystroke and satisfying thocky sound, the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch would be the perfect choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a bouncy and responsive typing experience with a heavier actuation force, the Wuque Studio WS Red linear switch would suit your preferences better. Consider your typing style and preferences in terms of sound and feel when deciding between these two switches to ensure you get the best mechanical keyboard switch for your needs.