Outemu Cold Plum vs. KTT Purple Click
An in-depth look at the Outemu Cold Plum and the KTT Purple Click switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options that often come up in discussions are the Outemu Cold Plum, a linear switch, and the KTT Purple Click, a clicky switch. The Cold Plum switches from Outemu are highly praised for their thocky sound profile and smooth keystrokes, thanks to their fully nylon construction. This makes them a great choice for enthusiasts looking for a unique and enjoyable typing experience. On the other hand, the Purple Click switches from KTT are known for their satisfying high-pitched click and light keystrokes that offer a perfect balance of tactility without being overwhelming. Both switches offer their own set of advantages, but of course, the best choice ultimately depends on your personal preferences 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
40g
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
18mm spring
Housing materials
Both the Outemu Cold Plum and the KTT Purple Click switches feature a nylon bottom housing, which enhances the typing experience by providing a deep and fuller sound profile. Nylon is known for its softer plastic composition, which absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. This common housing material choice in the bottom housing of both switches contributes to a similar typing experience with a focus on creating a more muted and satisfying sound when bottoming out keys.
In contrast, the top housing materials of the Cold Plum and Purple Click switches differ significantly. The Cold Plum utilizes a nylon top housing, which continues the theme of providing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer nature of nylon. On the other hand, the Purple Click features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffness of polycarbonate contributes to a more clear and resonant sound, making it ideal for switches with RGB lighting as the translucency of the material allows for the illumination to shine through effectively.
The contrasting top housing materials of the Outemu Cold Plum and KTT Purple Click switches result in distinct sound profiles when typing. While the nylon top housing of the Cold Plum produces a deeper and fuller sound, the polycarbonate top housing of the Purple Click delivers a sharper and crisper sound. The bottom housing plays a role in the sound when bottoming out keys, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key. These differences highlight how material choices in switch housings can impact the overall typing experience, with each material offering unique benefits in terms of sound and feel.
Weight
The Outemu Cold Plum linear switch has a heavier actuation and bottom out force compared to the KTT Purple Click clicky switch. The Cold Plum requires 60 grams to actuate and 70 grams to bottom out, making it a medium-heavy switch. In contrast, the Purple Click only needs 40 grams to actuate and 55 grams to bottom out, resulting in a medium-light feel. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Purple Click for longer typing sessions or gaming. On the other hand, individuals seeking a more substantial push feel may opt for the Cold Plum switch for a more tactile typing experience. Both switches offer different levels of resistance, catering to different preferences for typing and gaming needs.
Travel distance
Comparing the travel distance of the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch and the KTT Purple Click clicky switch, we see that the Cold Plum has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Purple Click has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Cold Plum has a shorter travel distance, making it a preferred choice for gamers looking for quicker response times. On the other hand, the Purple Click offers a longer travel distance, providing a more satisfying depth for those who prefer a more pronounced tactile feel when typing. Both switches offer unique characteristics based on their travel distances, with the shorter Cold Plum being ideal for fast-paced tasks and the longer Purple Click offering a more deliberate typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on individual preferences for travel distance and typing feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Purple Click has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Purple Click for $2.55.
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 it comes to sound, the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch offers a thocky sound profile due to its fully nylon construction, providing a smooth keystroke and satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the KTT Purple Click clicky switch is known for its high-pitched and satisfying click, creating a crunchy and resonant sound that adds to the overall typing experience. Both switches offer unique auditory sensations, with the Cold Plum focusing on a deeper thocky sound while the Purple Click emphasizes a crisp and sharp clicking noise.
In terms of feel, the Cold Plum switch offers a smooth and satisfying typing feel, which is complemented by the thocky sound profile. On the flip side, the KTT Purple Click switch provides an invigorating typing experience with pronounced feedback and a snappy feel, striking a balance between tactile feedback and actuation force. The Purple Click also offers a stepped feel, giving users a distinct sensation with noticeable pre-travel and post-travel stages during the keystroke.
Overall, the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch and the KTT Purple Click clicky switch offer distinct qualities in both sound and feel. The Cold Plum provides a unique thocky sound and smooth keystroke, while the Purple Click offers a high-pitched click and invigorating typing feel. Depending on your preference for sound and tactile feedback, both switches can provide a satisfying typing experience, with the Cold Plum focusing on a smoother, deeper sound while the Purple Click emphasizes a crisp and sharp clicking noise. Ultimately, trying out both switches on different keyboards and keycaps will help you determine which one suits your typing style and preferences better.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch and the KTT Purple Click clicky switch, consider your preferences for typing experience. If you value a thocky sound profile and a medium-heavy bottom out force, the Cold Plum may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a high-pitched click, light keystrokes, and a medium-light bottom out force, the Purple Click could be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on what type of sound and feel you find most enjoyable while typing.
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