Outemu Cold Plum vs. Dareu Sky V3
An in-depth look at the Outemu Cold Plum and the Dareu Sky V3 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Cold Plum and the Dareu Sky V3 stand out as exceptional options in the linear switch category. The Cold Plum is renowned for its thocky sound profile and nylon construction, providing a smooth keystroke and satisfying typing experience for enthusiasts who prioritize sound and feel. On the other hand, the Sky V3 is praised for its neutral sound signature and medium-light weight, offering a versatile typing experience that caters to a wide range of preferences. While the Cold Plum excels in delivering a distinct and enjoyable typing feel, the Sky V3 shines in its ability to provide comfort and precision for both enthusiasts and professionals. 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
N/A
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
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Cold Plum and the Dareu Sky V3, one can see a clear distinction between the two. The Cold Plum utilizes a nylon top and bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softness of the material that absorbs more sound. On the other hand, the Sky V3 features a polycarbonate top and a nylon bottom housing, creating a sharper and crisper sound profile with the stiffer polycarbonate material contributing to a more clear and resonant sound. The different housing materials of the two switches lead to distinct typing experiences, with the Cold Plum offering a duller and rounder sound compared to the Sky V3's clearer and higher-pitched sound.
While both switches share the use of nylon in their bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile, the Cold Plum and Sky V3 diverge in their top housing material. The Cold Plum's nylon top housing contributes to a softer and more absorbent sound, while the Sky V3's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper and more resonant sound. This difference in top housing material is crucial in determining the overall sound profile of the switches, with the Cold Plum favoring a deeper tone and the Sky V3 producing a brighter sound. Despite both switches featuring nylon in their bottom housing, the contrasting top housing materials lead to distinct typing experiences for users to enjoy.
In understanding the impact of housing materials on switch performance, it becomes clear how the Cold Plum and Sky V3 offer unique typing experiences. The split between nylon and polycarbonate in the top housing of the switches leads to noticeable differences in sound profile, with the Cold Plum aiming for a deeper and fuller sound while the Sky V3 prioritizes a sharper and crisper tone. The bottom housing materials may be the same for both switches, but the top housing material plays a significant role in shaping the overall typing experience. Whether one prefers a duller and rounder sound or a clearer and more resonant sound, the choice between the Cold Plum and the Sky V3 ultimately comes down to personal preference and desired typing experience.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch and the Dareu Sky V3 linear switch differ significantly. The Cold Plum switch has a higher actuation force of 60 grams compared to the Sky V3's lighter 40 grams, making the Cold Plum switch require more force to trigger a keystroke. Additionally, the Cold Plum switch has a bottom out force of 70 grams, while the bottom out force of the Sky V3 is unknown. The Cold Plum switch provides a more substantial typing experience due to its heavier forces, making it ideal for those who prefer a stronger push feel. In contrast, the Sky V3 switch is lighter and may be more suitable for users who prefer a lighter typing experience for longer periods of time. 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 Dareu Sky V3 linear switch, it is clear that the Cold Plum has a shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm compared to the Sky V3's 4 mm. The Cold Plum's shorter travel distance may appeal to gamers looking for faster response times, while the Sky V3's longer travel distance may provide a more deliberate and satisfying keystroke for those who prefer more depth in their typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between a shorter or longer travel distance will depend on personal preference and typing style. Both switches offer unique advantages depending on what the user is looking for in their typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Dareu Sky V3 has an MSRP of $7.78 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sky V3 for $4.76.
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 is praised for its thocky sound profile, providing a satisfying and distinct auditory experience for typists. On the other hand, the Dareu Sky V3 linear switch is known for its neutral sound signature, offering a more subdued and subtle sound compared to other switches. This difference in sound profile means that the Cold Plum may be preferred by those looking for a more unique and pronounced typing sound, while the Sky V3 might appeal to individuals seeking a quieter and more understated typing experience. Ultimately, the sound produced by either switch will also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard housing and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch is described as providing a smooth keystroke, offering a satisfying typing feel that is enjoyable for enthusiasts. Conversely, the Dareu Sky V3 linear switch is characterized as offering a mild typing experience, with a gentle and approachable feel that falls within a safe middle ground. This suggests that the Cold Plum may be favored by those looking for a more premium and refined typing experience, while the Sky V3 could be a suitable choice for individuals who prefer a lighter and more easily accessible typing feel.
Overall, the Outemu Cold Plum and Dareu Sky V3 linear switches offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Cold Plum provides a thocky sound profile and smooth keystrokes, appealing to enthusiasts seeking a unique and enjoyable typing experience. On the other hand, the Sky V3 offers a neutral sound signature and a mild typing feel, catering to a wider range of preferences and providing a comfortable and precise typing experience. Depending on individual preferences for sound and feel, either switch can provide a satisfying typing experience, with each offering its own unique characteristics.
Conclusion
In closing, when selecting between the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch and the Dareu Sky V3 linear switch, consider your preferences for typing experience. If you prioritize a unique thocky sound profile and medium-heavy bottom out force, the Cold Plum may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a neutral sound signature and a medium-light weight, the Sky V3 could be more suitable. Ultimately, both switches offer their own advantages and cater to different typing preferences, so it's important to consider what aspects are most important to you in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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