Outemu Cold Plum vs. TTC Yunhai
An in-depth look at the Outemu Cold Plum and the TTC Yunhai switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Cold Plum and TTC Yunhai present two enticing options for different types of users. The Outemu Cold Plum switches are celebrated for their thocky sound profile and fully nylon construction, delivering a smooth keystroke that offers both a distinct auditory and tactile experience. This makes them particularly appealing for enthusiasts who prioritize a satisfying typing feel and enjoy the acoustic feedback that accompanies their keystrokes. On the other hand, the TTC Yunhai switches are characterized by their incredibly light actuation force and deep, rounded sound profile, making them ideal for typists who favor a gentle, effortless touch while typing. Both switches cater to unique preferences in typing experience, but they ultimately serve different needs in terms of sound and actuation. 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
42g
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.50 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
POK
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
23mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Outemu Cold Plum and the TTC Yunhai switches are both constructed from nylon, a classic choice in the keyboard switch industry. Both switches feature nylon in both the top and bottom housings, which contributes to their performance by producing a deeper and fuller sound profile. The inherent properties of nylon, being a softer plastic compared to alternatives like ABS or polycarbonate, allow these switches to absorb more sound. As a result, users can expect a quieter typing experience and a rounder sound characteristic from both switches, culminating in similar auditory and tactile feedback when typing.
When considering the individual components of the switches, both the Cold Plum and Yunhai employ nylon for both the top and bottom housings. This consistency in material choice means that typing on either switch will yield comparable results concerning sound and feel. As the nylon absorbs vibrations effectively, both switches will deliver a satisfying and muted sound upon bottoming out, as well as a smooth release sound when keys are lifted. This shared material quality suggests that users can interchangeably enjoy the Cold Plum and Yunhai switches without significant divergence in their auditory experiences or tactile sensations.
Furthermore, the characteristics of each switch—primarily influenced by the nylon housing—allow for a similar user experience as one interacts with either switch. While the specifics of the switches, such as actuation force or tactile feedback, may differ, the uniformity of nylon's acoustic properties means that both the Cold Plum and the Yunhai will resonate similarly when typing. Ultimately, this comparison highlights how the choice of housing materials plays a crucial role in the overall performance of mechanical switches, promoting a cohesive typing experience across models that utilize the same material.
Weight
The Outemu Cold Plum linear switch and the TTC Yunhai linear switch exhibit notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces, catering to distinct user preferences. The Cold Plum has a heavier actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams, making it suitable for those who prefer a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the TTC Yunhai offers a lighter touch, with an actuation force of only 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. This lighter switch allows for longer typing sessions with less fatigue, appealing to those who frequently use their keyboard for extended periods. Consequently, users seeking a responsive and easy-to-press switch for gaming or productivity will find the Yunhai more accommodating, while those desiring a firmer feel might opt for the Cold Plum. Overall, the difference in actuation and bottom out forces between the two switches signifies how one can choose according to their typing style and comfort preferences.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch and the TTC Yunhai linear switch, a noticeable difference emerges. The Cold Plum features a travel distance of 3.3 mm, making it the shorter option, while the Yunhai has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, which grants it a deeper feel. For those who prefer a more responsive keystroke, the Cold Plum's shorter travel distance may be more appealing, as it allows for quicker actuation. Conversely, the Yunhai's longer travel distance could be favored by users who enjoy a more substantial typing experience, providing a satisfying depth that some may find preferable. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences regarding responsiveness and key feel during use.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Yunhai has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Yunhai for $5.99.
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
In terms of sound, the Outemu Cold Plum switches deliver a distinctive thocky sound profile that many enthusiasts appreciate. This auditory feedback is often regarded as satisfying and adds to the overall typing experience, particularly when combined with the right keycaps and keyboard. On the other hand, the TTC Yunhai switches are characterized by a deep, rounded sound profile. Their sound is generally softer and less pronounced compared to the Cold Plum, making them suitable for users who prefer a more subtle auditory experience while typing. It's important to remember that the overall sound can vary significantly based on the keyboard construction and the type of keycaps used.
When examining feel, the Cold Plum switches offer a smooth keystroke that many typists find gratifying. This smoothness, combined with the heavier actuation force, can lead to a more deliberate typing experience, providing a sense of tactile feedback that some users enjoy. Conversely, the TTC Yunhai switches feature an incredibly light actuation force, which results in a typing experience that feels effortless and swift. This lighter touch can be advantageous for those who type quickly or prefer a less strenuous experience while typing. The contrasting actuation forces create a difference in feel that can significantly influence user preference.
In conclusion, both the Outemu Cold Plum and TTC Yunhai linear switches offer enjoyable typing experiences, though they cater to different preferences. The Cold Plum's thocky sound and smooth keystroke provide a robust typing feel, whereas the Yunhai's deep sound and light actuation force lend themselves to a gentler, more subtle experience. Choosing between the two will ultimately depend on individual preferences regarding sound and feel, but both switches are likely to deliver a satisfying experience when used in a suitable keyboard setup.
Conclusion
To conclude, both the Outemu Cold Plum and TTC Yunhai linear switches have their unique characteristics that cater to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community. If you lean towards a typing experience that offers a thocky sound profile and a more substantial feel thanks to the 70-gram bottom out force, the Cold Plum may be your go-to choice. This switch provides a satisfying opportunity for enthusiasts who relish a meditative, tactile feedback while typing or gaming, making it ideal for those who enjoy a more deliberate keystroke. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch with a 50-gram bottom out force that allows for quicker actuation and less finger fatigue, the TTC Yunhai would be more suitable. This switch is perfect for typists and gamers looking for a gentle, effortless typing experience, highlighted by its deep, rounded sound profile. Ultimately, consider your typing style, sound preference, and whether you enjoy a heavier or lighter key feel when choosing between these two switches.
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