Outemu Cold Plum vs. KTT Semi Mute
An in-depth look at the Outemu Cold Plum and the KTT Semi Mute switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Outemu Cold Plum and the KTT Semi Mute mechanical keyboard switches, both offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Cold Plum is renowned for its thocky sound profile and fully nylon construction, providing a smooth keystroke and satisfying typing experience, making it ideal for enthusiasts seeking a distinct feel. On the other hand, the Semi Mute, despite its name, operates silently and is perfect for those who prioritize a noise-free environment and uninterrupted typing sessions, especially at night. While the Cold Plum offers a tactile typing experience, the Semi Mute delivers a quiet and comfortable 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
60g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
58g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.60 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
Polycarbonate
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
15mm spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Cold Plum and the KTT Semi Mute, it is evident that they differ in composition and resulting sound profiles. The Cold Plum's nylon housing offers a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer nature, while the Semi Mute's polycarbonate housing creates a sharper and crisper sound. This contrast in sound profiles is further emphasized by the aesthetic differences, with the clear polycarbonate housing of the Semi Mute allowing for RGB lighting, while the opaque nylon housing of the Cold Plum offers a classic look.
Despite their differences, both the Cold Plum and the Semi Mute share the characteristic of using high-quality materials in their construction. While the Cold Plum utilizes nylon for both the top and bottom housing, resulting in a consistent deep and fuller sound profile, the Semi Mute combines a polycarbonate top housing for a sharp sound on key release and a nylon bottom housing for a softer bottom-out sound. This combination in the Semi Mute provides a unique balance of sound qualities that may appeal to different preferences in typing experience.
In terms of impact on typing experience, the housing materials play a significant role in determining the overall sound and feel of the switches. The softer nylon bottom housing of the Cold Plum may result in a more rounded bottom-out sound, while the stiffer polycarbonate bottom housing of the Semi Mute creates a clearer and resonant sound profile. On the other hand, the top housing material influences the sound when releasing a key, with the polycarbonate offering a sharp sound in the Semi Mute, compared to the duller sound of the nylon in the Cold Plum. Ultimately, the choice between these two housing materials comes down to personal preference in sound profile and typing feel.
Weight
In comparing the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch and the KTT Semi Mute linear switch, it is evident that the Cold Plum switch has a heavier actuation force and bottom out force compared to the Semi Mute switch. The Cold Plum requires 60 grams of force to actuate and 70 grams to bottom out, making it a medium-heavy switch. On the other hand, the KTT Semi Mute switch only needs 43 grams to actuate and 58 grams to bottom out, categorizing it as a medium switch. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Semi Mute switch would be the better option, as it requires less force to type. In contrast, the Cold Plum switch would be more suitable for individuals who prefer a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch and the KTT Semi Mute linear switch, it is evident that the Cold Plum has a shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Semi Mute has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. In terms of preference, the Cold Plum may be favored by those seeking a faster response time, such as gamers, due to its shorter travel distance. On the other hand, the Semi Mute with its longer travel distance may appeal to individuals who prefer a more substantial keypress feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the specific requirements of the user.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Semi Mute has an MSRP of $3.97 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Semi Mute for $3.55.
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 comparing the sound of the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch and the KTT Semi Mute linear switch, it is evident that the Cold Plum offers a thocky sound profile with a unique typing experience, while the Semi Mute provides a muted and quiet operation. The Cold Plum switch will give a more distinct and satisfying sound, perfect for those who enjoy a bit of auditory feedback while typing. On the other hand, the Semi Mute switch is designed for those who prefer a noise-free environment and desire a softer and quieter typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference for sound, with the Cold Plum offering a more pronounced feedback and the Semi Mute providing a more subtle and muted typing experience.
In terms of feel, the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch is known for its smooth keystroke and satisfying typing feel, while the KTT Semi Mute linear switch is described as providing a comfortable and gratifying typing experience. The Cold Plum switch offers a buttery and seamless keystroke experience, perfect for those who prefer a smoother and fluid typing sensation. On the other hand, the Semi Mute switch provides a mild and gentle typing experience, suitable for users who prefer a more approachable and middle-ground typing feel. Both switches are likely to provide a pleasant typing experience, with the Cold Plum leaning towards a smoother and more uniform feel, and the Semi Mute offering a softer and gentler typing sensation.
Taking into consideration the subjective qualities of sound and feel, the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch and the KTT Semi Mute linear switch offer unique and satisfying typing experiences tailored to different preferences. The Cold Plum switch stands out for its thocky sound profile and buttery keystroke feel, ideal for those who enjoy a more pronounced feedback and smooth typing sensation. In contrast, the Semi Mute switch excels in providing a muted sound and mild typing feel, designed for users who prioritize a noise-free environment and a more gentle typing experience. Ultimately, both switches offer distinctive qualities that cater to different preferences, ensuring a satisfying typing experience for enthusiasts seeking a variety of options in mechanical keyboard switches.
Conclusion
In summary, when deciding between the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch and the KTT Semi Mute linear switch, consider the following factors. If you prioritize a unique typing experience with a thocky sound profile and medium-heavy bottom out force, the Cold Plum may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you value a noise-free environment, advanced dampening technology, and a smoother and quieter typing feel with a medium bottom out force, the Semi Mute switch is likely more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, the decision comes down to your personal preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience. Choose the switch that aligns best with your needs and typing style.
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