Cherry MX Speed Silver vs. Outemu Cold Plum
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Speed Silver and the Outemu Cold Plum switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Cherry MX Speed Silver and the Outemu Cold Plum mechanical keyboard switches, it is clear that both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Speed Silver stands out for its lightning-fast response time, linear action, and low spring resistance, making it a top choice for gamers looking for maximum speed and precision. On the other hand, the Cold Plum is renowned for its thocky sound profile, smooth keystrokes, and overall enjoyable typing experience, making it a favorite among keyboard enthusiasts seeking a distinct feel. 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
30g
Actuation force
60g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
70g
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
Nylon
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Cherry MX Speed Silver and the Outemu Cold Plum switches are both made of nylon, which is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. This is because nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound compared to harder plastics. The similarity in housing materials means that users can expect a similar typing experience in terms of sound and feel when using either switch.
However, the differences in the top and bottom nylon housings of each switch can affect the overall typing experience. The qualities of the top housing material will have more of an impact on the sound when a key is let go, while the qualities of the bottom housing material will be felt more when a key is pressed down. This means that the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch will be influenced by the bottom housing, while the sound when releasing a key will be influenced by the top housing.
In conclusion, while the Cherry MX Speed Silver and the Outemu Cold Plum switches both use nylon for their housing materials, the distribution of the material in the top and bottom housings can result in varying typing experiences. The softer nature of nylon allows for a deeper and fuller sound profile, but the specific qualities of the top and bottom housings will impact how the sound and feel of typing on each switch is perceived. Ultimately, users may find subtle differences in the typing experience between the two switches due to the distribution of the nylon housing material.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Cherry MX Speed Silver and the Outemu Cold Plum linear switches, it is evident that they offer different typing experiences. The MX Speed Silver is lighter in terms of actuation force at 30 grams, making it easier to trigger keystrokes with minimal effort. However, its bottom out force is unknown, so it is unclear how much pressure is needed to fully depress the key. On the other hand, the Cold Plum switch has a higher actuation force of 60 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience that some users may prefer. Additionally, the Cold Plum has a bottom out force of 70 grams, indicating a medium to heavy pressure required to fully press the key. Therefore, while the MX Speed Silver is lighter in terms of actuation force, the Cold Plum offers a heavier typing feel overall. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for typing force and keypress feedback.
Travel distance
The Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, slightly longer than the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch which has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. Both switches offer a shorter travel distance compared to the traditional 4.0 mm, making them ideal choices for those looking for quicker response times, particularly in gaming. While the MX Speed Silver offers slightly more depth in its travel distance, the Cold Plum is not far behind and both switches provide a similar experience in terms of travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two will come down to personal preference for the slight variation in travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Cherry MX Speed Silver has an MSRP of $5.90 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Speed Silver for $4.00.
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
When comparing the sound of the Cherry MX Speed Silver and the Outemu Cold Plum switches, the MX Speed Silver is known for its thocky and low-pitched sound profile, providing a deep and satisfying experience when typing. On the other hand, the Cold Plum switches do not have a specific sound description provided, which indicates that they may not have a distinct sound characteristic like the MX Speed Silver. This means that if you are looking for a switch with a unique and enjoyable sound profile, the MX Speed Silver may be the better choice.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Cherry MX Speed Silver is described as having a textured feel, which indicates that there may be noticeable friction when pressing the keys. This texture can provide a tactile feedback that some users appreciate while typing. The Outemu Cold Plum switches do not have a specific feel description provided, so it is unclear how they compare in terms of tactile feedback and overall typing experience.
In conclusion, if you are looking for a switch that offers a thocky and low-pitched sound profile with a textured feel, the Cherry MX Speed Silver may be the ideal choice for you. However, if you are seeking a unique typing experience with satisfying sound and smooth keystrokes, the Outemu Cold Plum switches could also be a good option, though the specific qualities regarding sound and feel are not readily available for comparison. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on your personal preferences and priorities in terms of sound and feel.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a keyboard switch that prioritizes speed and responsiveness, the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch would be the ideal choice for you. With its instant triggers and low spring resistance, it is perfect for gaming where split-second decisions can make all the difference. On the other hand, if you are seeking a unique typing experience with a thocky sound profile and smooth keystrokes, the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch would be a great option for enthusiasts looking for a satisfying typing feel. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on your specific preferences and priorities when it comes to your keyboard experience.
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