Durock Medium Tactile vs. Outemu Cold Plum
An in-depth look at the Durock Medium Tactile and the Outemu Cold Plum switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the Durock Medium Tactile and the Outemu Cold Plum. The Durock Medium Tactile is praised for its balanced tactility and jelly-like sound signature, making it a favorite among users who appreciate a tactile typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Cold Plum stands out for its thocky sound profile and fully nylon construction, providing a smooth keystroke and satisfying sound that appeals to enthusiasts seeking a unique typing feel. Each switch has its own distinct characteristics that cater to different preferences and typing styles. 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
N/A
Actuation force
60g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
70g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Durock Medium Tactile and the Outemu Cold Plum, one notable difference lies in their top housing materials. The Medium Tactile boasts a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for its stiffness that results in a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. On the other hand, the Cold Plum features a nylon top housing, offering a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer plastic that absorbs more sound. The choice between these two housing materials ultimately comes down to personal preference in sound profile and typing experience.
Moving on to the bottom housing materials, both the Durock Medium Tactile and the Outemu Cold Plum utilize nylon for this component. This commonality suggests that typing on switches with either of these options will elicit a similar deep and fuller sound profile. The relatively softer nature of nylon allows for more sound absorption compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Despite the difference in top housing materials, the shared use of nylon for the bottom housing ensures consistency in the typing experience between these two switches.
In conclusion, the top and bottom housing materials of the Durock Medium Tactile and the Outemu Cold Plum provide distinct sound profiles and typing experiences. The Medium Tactile with its polycarbonate top housing offers a sharper and crisper sound, while the Cold Plum with its nylon top housing produces a deeper and fuller sound. However, the shared use of nylon for the bottom housing ensures a consistent deep and fuller sound profile for both switches. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound and typing feel.
Weight
The Durock Medium Tactile and Outemu Cold Plum switches both fall under the category of medium-heavy switches, with the Cold Plum being slightly heavier. The actuation force of the Cold Plum is 60 grams, while the actuation force of the Durock Medium Tactile is not specified. Both switches have a bottom out force of around 65-70 grams, providing a substantial typing experience. The Durock Medium Tactile's actuation force allows for a lighter touch when triggering keystrokes, which may be preferable for longer typing sessions or gaming. On the other hand, the Cold Plum switch's heavier actuation force may appeal to those who prefer a more pronounced tactile feedback when typing. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preference for typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
The Durock Medium Tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Outemu Cold Plum switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. The Medium Tactile switch provides a more traditional travel distance, which may be preferred by those looking for a deeper key press feel. On the other hand, the Cold Plum switch offers a slightly shorter travel distance, making it a popular choice for gamers who value quick response times. Both switches offer a tactile typing experience, but the Cold Plum may feel more abrupt to some users due to its shorter travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and key press feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock Medium Tactile has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Medium Tactile for $4.25.
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 Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch is often described as having a jelly-like sound signature, while the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch is known for its thocky sound profile. Both switches offer unique sound characteristics that can enhance the overall typing experience for users. The sound produced by a switch can be influenced by various factors, including the keyboard platform and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Durock Medium Tactile switch is praised for its accented, stepped, mild, and polished characteristics, creating a tactile typing experience that is prominent yet not overwhelming. On the other hand, the Outemu Cold Plum switch is valued for its smooth keystrokes and satisfying sound, providing users with a different type of typing feel. The choice between these two switches ultimately comes down to personal preference and the specific typing experience that the individual user is seeking.
Considering the information provided, it is evident that both the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch and the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. Whether you prefer the jelly-like sound of the Medium Tactile or the thocky sound of the Cold Plum, both switches cater to different preferences within the mechanical keyboard community. Experimenting with both switches on different keyboard setups can help you determine which one aligns best with your typing style and preferences. Ultimately, both switches offer a quality typing experience, so you can expect similar satisfying results regardless of your choice.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Durock Medium Tactile and the Outemu Cold Plum switches, you should choose the Durock Medium Tactile if you prefer a medium-heavy switch with a pronounced yet balanced tactility and a jelly-like sound signature. It is best suited for those who enjoy a tactile typing experience without it being overwhelming. On the other hand, the Outemu Cold Plum switch is a great choice for those seeking a unique typing experience with a thocky sound profile and smooth keystrokes. It is ideal for enthusiasts who appreciate a distinct and satisfying typing feel. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your preference for tactility, sound profile, and typing experience.
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