HMX Game1989 vs. Outemu Milk Peach
An in-depth look at the HMX Game1989 and the Outemu Milk Peach switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When selecting a mechanical keyboard switch, the choice between the HMX 1989 and the Outemu Milk Peach can significantly impact your typing and gaming experience. The HMX 1989 is renowned for its deep, thocky sound profile and smooth keypress, making it ideal for users who appreciate a satisfying auditory feedback and a plush feel during extended typing sessions. In contrast, while the Outemu Milk Peach lacks a specific standout trait, it offers reliable performance and a balanced keypress well-suited for both gaming and typing, appealing to those who prefer a more straightforward switch experience. Both switches fall into the linear category, providing a smooth keypress without tactile bumps, but they cater to slightly different preferences regarding acoustics and ergonomics. 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
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
T5
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The HMX 1989 and the Outemu Milk Peach switches both utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, resulting in a similar acoustic profile characterized by a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. The use of polycarbonate, known for its rigidity, contributes to a clear and resonant sound that enhances the overall typing experience. Additionally, both switches benefit from the translucent quality of polycarbonate, allowing for vibrant RGB lighting to shine through, which provides an aesthetically pleasing element for users who enjoy visual enhancements in their keyboard setups. This commonality means that users can expect a comparable auditory response and visual effect when utilizing either switch due to the identical top housing material.
On the other hand, the bottom housings of the HMX 1989 and Outemu Milk Peach are both constructed from nylon, a material noted for its capacity to absorb sound. This characteristic results in a deeper, fuller sound profile that contrasts sharply with the brightness of the polycarbonate top. Nylon, being a softer plastic, dampens the impact of sound, leading to a duller and rounder auditory experience when pressing the keys. This difference between the materials used in the top and bottom housings highlights the nuanced way sound profiles are affected in each switch; while the top housing creates a vibrant sound on release, the bottom housing contributes significantly to the sound and feel at bottom-out.
In examining the switches collectively, it becomes clear that even though the top and bottom housings employ different materials and thus produce varying sound characteristics, their combination creates a unified typing experience. The HMX 1989 and the Outemu Milk Peach switches exemplify this by integrating polycarbonate and nylon effectively. Users can expect a distinct auditory experience where the brightness of the polycarbonate top compliments the deeper tones provided by the nylon bottom. Therefore, despite initial assumptions about differences in material, the overall design philosophy of both switches suggests that the interplay between the two housings produces a smooth and well-rounded typing experience, making them comparable in performance while celebrating their unique attributes.
Weight
When comparing the HMX 1989 linear switch and the Outemu Milk Peach linear switch, both switches share the same actuation force of 45 grams, offering a medium-light typing experience that may appeal to users seeking comfort during prolonged use, such as in work or gaming scenarios. However, the HMX 1989 has a defined bottom out force of 53 grams, which contributes to a more substantial feel when pressing keys completely down. In contrast, the bottom-out force for the Outemu Milk Peach is unknown, leaving a gap in our understanding of its performance when keys are fully depressed. Nonetheless, since both switches have the same actuation force, users can expect similar performance up to the actuation point. Overall, the HMX 1989 is the heavier option due to its defined bottom out force, while the Milk Peach can be considered lighter, though the lack of specific data regarding its bottom-out force makes a direct comparison incomplete.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX 1989 linear switch and the Outemu Milk Peach linear switch, a clear distinction emerges. The HMX 1989 features a travel distance of 4.0 mm, which aligns with the traditional range that many users are accustomed to. In contrast, the Outemu Milk Peach offers a shallower travel distance of 3.3 mm. This shorter distance can cater to gamers and those seeking faster response times, making it more suitable for rapid keystrokes. For users who prefer a more substantial tactile feedback and deeper key presses, the HMX 1989 would be the better choice due to its longer travel distance. Overall, the HMX 1989 provides a more traditional typing experience, while the Milk Peach allows for quicker actuation, leading to different preferences based on individual typing styles.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Game1989 has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Game1989 for $3.29.
The Outemu Milk Peach 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
The HMX 1989 linear switch is renowned for its deep and thocky sound profile, making it a favorite among enthusiasts who prefer an auditory experience that conveys a sense of solidity with each keystroke. The sound produced by the 1989 is rich and pronounced, offering a pleasing resonance that many find satisfying during use. In contrast, the Outemu Milk Peach linear switch does not have a specified sound signature, leaving more to be explored and appreciated based on the individual's keyboard setup, including the board and keycap choices, which will also influence the overall auditory experience.
When it comes to feel, the HMX 1989 linear switch is characterized by a smooth and consistent keystroke, providing a luxurious typing experience that flows seamlessly with no tactile bumps or interruptions. This switch is built to accommodate both gaming and typing, catering to users who enjoy a fluid motion in their keystrokes. On the other hand, the feel of the Milk Peach switch is not explicitly defined, suggesting that it may vary based on user preference and personal experience. This variability can allow users to discover their preferred typing sensation through experimentation.
In summary, while the HMX 1989 linear switch stands out with its signature deep and thocky sound and a smooth feel, the Outemu Milk Peach linear switch remains more enigmatic in both sound and tactile qualities. If you opt for either switch, you can expect to enjoy a linear typing experience, but the auditory and tactile feedback of the HMX 1989 will offer a definitive character to your typing sessions. In contrast, the Milk Peach may invite more personalized exploration, so users may want to try it out on different setups to discover its potential unique qualities.
Conclusion
To conclude, when choosing between the HMX 1989 linear switch and the Outemu Milk Peach linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your specific preferences and typing or gaming style. If you appreciate a balanced tactile experience combined with a medium-light actuation force—making it ideal for those long gaming sessions or extensive typing tasks—the HMX 1989 is an excellent choice. Its thocky sound and deep profile add an additional layer of satisfaction that many users find appealing. On the other hand, if you are looking for a more traditional switch without any particular sound and feel description available, or perhaps you're keen to explore options that might suit typists who prefer a lighter touch with less resistance, then the Outemu Milk Peach could be worth considering. Although specific characteristics for the Milk Peach are less detailed, the absence of a defined bottom-out force suggests it might cater well to ease of actuation, making it suitable for users who favor speed and rapid key actuation. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you prioritize the satisfying depth of the 1989 or the possibly smoother experience offered by the Milk Peach.
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