Outemu Cold Plum vs. KTT Sea Salt Lemon
An in-depth look at the Outemu Cold Plum and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Cold Plum and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon both offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The cold plum is praised for its thocky sound profile and fully nylon construction, providing a smooth keystroke and satisfying sound that appeals to typing enthusiasts seeking a distinct experience. On the other hand, the sea salt lemon showcases a buttery smooth typing experience thanks to its progressive spring and KTT's dry-lube design. With a categorization of low-pitched, neutral, and mild, the sea salt lemon offers a different feel compared to the cold plum. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
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
13mm progressive spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Cold Plum and KTT Sea Salt Lemon, we can see that the Cold Plum features a nylon top housing, while the Sea Salt Lemon boasts a polycarbonate top housing. The nylon top housing of the Cold Plum offers a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition, which absorbs more sound. In contrast, the polycarbonate top housing of the Sea Salt Lemon creates a sharper and crisper sound profile with its stiffer plastic, resulting in a more clear and resonant sound. While both materials have their own unique characteristics, the choice between the two ultimately comes down to personal preference in terms of sound profile and typing experience.
Moving on to the bottom housing, both the Cold Plum and Sea Salt Lemon feature nylon bottom housings, which offer a similar deep and full sound profile as their respective top housings. The softer plastic composition of nylon absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when typing on these switches. This consistency in housing material between the bottom housings of the two switches ensures a similar typing experience when it comes to sound profile and tactile feedback. However, the impact of the bottom housing on the bottom-out sound and feel may vary slightly between the Cold Plum and Sea Salt Lemon due to other factors such as stem design and spring weight.
Overall, the choice between the Outemu Cold Plum and KTT Sea Salt Lemon ultimately comes down to personal preference in terms of sound profile, typing experience, and aesthetics. Both switches offer unique qualities based on their housing materials, with the Cold Plum providing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its nylon construction, while the Sea Salt Lemon offers a sharper and crisper sound profile with its polycarbonate construction. Whether you prefer a rounder and duller sound or a clearer and more resonant sound, both switches deliver a satisfying typing experience with their respective housing materials.
Weight
Comparing the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch, we see a clear difference in actuation and bottom out forces. The Cold Plum switch has a heavier actuation force of 60 grams and a heavier bottom out force of 70 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. Conversely, the Sea Salt Lemon switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a lighter bottom out force of 53 grams, making it more suitable for individuals who enjoy typing for extended periods without experiencing fatigue. Both switches offer unique characteristics based on their weight, with the Cold Plum being on the heavier side and the Sea Salt Lemon falling into the lighter category. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch, it is evident that the Cold Plum has a shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Sea Salt Lemon has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. The Cold Plum's shorter travel distance may be preferred by gamers seeking faster response times, as shorter distances are often associated with quicker key presses. On the other hand, the longer travel distance of the Sea Salt Lemon may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial key press with added depth. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for travel distance and the desired typing or gaming experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Outemu Cold Plum comes in at $3.10, whereas the KTT Sea Salt Lemon comes in at $2.80.
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 switches are known for their thocky sound profile, which provides a tactile and satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon switches are described as having a low-pitched and neutral sound, offering a more mellow tone suitable for various typing preferences. Ultimately, the sound of a switch is also influenced by factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used, so personal preference plays a significant role in choosing the right switch for you.
In terms of feel, the Outemu Cold Plum switches offer a smooth keystroke that is highly enjoyable for typing enthusiasts seeking a distinct typing feel. Conversely, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon switches are described as mild, providing a gentle and approachable typing experience. Both switches aim to strike a balance between tactile feedback and smoothness, allowing for comfortable typing sessions without sacrificing responsiveness.
Overall, both the Outemu Cold Plum and KTT Sea Salt Lemon switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community. Whether you prefer a thocky sound profile with a smooth keystroke or a low-pitched sound with a buttery smooth typing experience, both switches provide options for enthusiasts seeking a pleasant and enjoyable typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will come down to personal preference and typing style, ensuring that you can achieve similar results in terms of sound and feel with either switch option.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch, consider the bottom out force that best suits your typing preference. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force, the Cold Plum may be the better option for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-light bottom out force, the Sea Salt Lemon may be more to your liking. Additionally, if you enjoy a thocky sound profile and fully nylon construction, the Cold Plum offers a unique typing experience. However, if you prefer a buttery smooth typing experience with a progressive spring and dry-lube design, the Sea Salt Lemon is worth considering. Ultimately, the decision comes down to your personal preferences in terms of bottom out force, sound, and feel.
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