Outemu Cold Plum vs. HMX Xinhai
An in-depth look at the Outemu Cold Plum and the HMX Xinhai switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between two popular linear mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Cold Plum and the HMX Xinhai each have their own unique qualities to offer. The Cold Plum is renowned for its thocky sound profile and smooth keystrokes, providing a satisfying typing experience for enthusiasts looking for something a bit different. On the other hand, the Xinhai features a PA12 top housing for softer acoustics and a POM stem for a crisp, higher-pitched resonance, catering to those who prefer a blend of sophistication and precision. 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
37g
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Cold Plum and the HMX Xinhai, it is evident that they differ in their top housing composition. The Cold Plum's nylon top housing provides a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition, absorbing more sound and resulting in a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, the Xinhai's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile as a result of its stiffer plastic composition, leading to a clearer and more resonant sound. Aesthetically, the Xinhai's clear polycarbonate top housing is advantageous for RGB lighting, whereas the Cold Plum's opaque nylon top housing may not showcase lighting effects as effectively.
On the other hand, the bottom housing materials of both switches are the same, utilizing nylon for its softer plastic composition that absorbs sound and contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. This consistency in bottom housing material between the Cold Plum and the Xinhai results in a similar typing experience in terms of sound profile and feel. The use of nylon in the bottom housing of both switches highlights its effectiveness in creating a rounder and duller sound, enhancing the overall typing experience for users.
Ultimately, the choice between the Outemu Cold Plum and the HMX Xinhai will come down to personal preference in terms of sound profile and aesthetic preferences. The Cold Plum's nylon top housing offers a deeper and fuller sound, while the Xinhai's polycarbonate top housing contributes to a sharper and crisper sound. Both switches share the same nylon bottom housing, providing a consistent typing experience in terms of sound profile. Whether one prefers a duller, rounder sound or a clearer, higher-pitched sound will determine which switch is better suited to individual preferences.
Weight
The Outemu Cold Plum linear switch has a higher actuation force of 60 grams compared to the HMX Xinhai linear switch, which has an actuation force of 37 grams. This makes the Cold Plum switch feel heavier and requires more force to trigger a keystroke. In terms of bottom out force, the Cold Plum switch also has a higher force of 70 grams compared to the Xinhai switch's bottom out force of 45 grams. This means that the Cold Plum switch will provide a more substantial typing experience with a more pronounced push feel compared to the lighter touch of the Xinhai switch. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Xinhai switch would be the better option, allowing for longer typing sessions without as much fatigue. Both switches offer different levels of force, catering to individuals who have their own preferences for actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Outemu Cold Plum linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the HMX Xinhai linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. Both switches fall into the category of shorter travel distances, making them popular choices for those seeking faster response times, particularly among gamers. The slight difference in travel distance between the two switches may not be noticeable to all users, but for those who prefer a slightly deeper key press, the Xinhai may be the better option. Ultimately, the choice between the two will come down to personal preference in terms of tactile feedback and typing 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 HMX Xinhai comes in at $3.50.
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 known for its thocky sound profile, providing a deep and satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the HMX Xinhai linear switch offers a clacky sound profile, characterized by a sharp and snappy sound when pressed. Both switches bring their own unique auditory experience to the table, allowing users to choose based on their preference for a deeper thocky sound or a crisper clacky sound.
In terms of feel, the Cold Plum switch is recognized for its smooth keystroke, offering a satisfying typing experience to users. In comparison, the Xinhai switch provides a bouncy feel, giving users a spring-like or elastic feedback sensation when typing. Additionally, the Xinhai switch also offers a creamy typing experience, allowing for smooth and buttery keystrokes that effortlessly glide across the keys. Overall, both switches offer a pleasant typing feel, with the Cold Plum focusing on smoothness and the Xinhai providing a more lively and rebounding sensation.
In conclusion, both the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch and the HMX Xinhai linear switch offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. While the Cold Plum switch emphasizes a thocky sound profile and smooth keystrokes, the Xinhai switch provides a clacky sound profile along with a bouncy and creamy typing experience. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and overall typing experience. Nonetheless, both switches are sure to provide a satisfying and enjoyable typing experience for users.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering whether to choose the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch or the HMX Xinhai linear switch, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and what you prioritize in a keyboard switch. If you enjoy a medium-heavy bottom out force and a thocky sound profile with smooth keystrokes, then the Cold Plum may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force, a softer acoustics profile, and a bouncy or creamy feel, then the Xinhai switch could be more to your liking. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different typing preferences, so it's important to consider what aspects are most important to you when making your decision.
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