HMX 1989 vs. Outemu Peach
An in-depth look at the HMX 1989 and the Outemu Peach switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, one may consider the HMX 1989 and the Outemu Peach, both of which belong to the linear switch family but offer distinct experiences. The HMX 1989 is celebrated for its deep, thocky sound profile, making it ideal for gamers and typists who appreciate a more pronounced auditory feedback alongside their tactile experience. Conversely, the Outemu Peach switches are incredibly lightweight and engineered to be silenced, catering to those who prefer a smooth, feather-light typing experience without disruptive noise. While the HMX 1989 delivers a satisfying depth for users seeking substantial feedback, the Outemu Peach offers a muted yet polished touch for a more serene environment. Ultimately, both switches appeal to linear lovers but serve different preferences in sound and 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
45g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
50g
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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the HMX 1989 and the Outemu Peach switches, a distinct contrast emerges in the top housing composition. The HMX 1989 utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, offering a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile that results from the stiffness of the material. Polycarbonate's translucency is also advantageous for enhancing RGB lighting effects, allowing light to pass through effectively and create an aesthetically pleasing effect. In contrast, the Outemu Peach switch features a nylon top housing that produces a deeper and fuller sound profile due to nylon's softer properties. This material absorbs more sound, contributing to a rounder auditory experience, which could be preferred by users seeking a more muted sound while typing.
Examining the bottom housing reveals a striking similarity between the HMX 1989 and the Outemu Peach, as both switches are constructed with nylon for this component. This commonality means that both switches will generate a similar depth and fullness in sound as the bottom housing significantly affects the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing the keys. The nylon material’s sound-absorbing qualities in the bottom housings facilitate a more subdued auditory experience, regardless of the differences in the top housings. As such, users substituting one switch for the other can expect comparable performance in terms of bottom-out sound.
Ultimately, the distinct differences in the top housing materials will influence the overall sound profile of the switches while maintaining a degree of consistency in the bottom-out experience. The HMX 1989's polycarbonate top housing will allow for clearer and more resonant sounds upon release, while the Outemu Peach's nylon top will result in deeper, fuller sounds. Together, the combination of housing materials creates a unique sound character for each switch while ensuring that users can still enjoy the defining qualities of nylon in the bottom housing across both models. Thus, although the materials differ at the top, the nylon bottoms provide a commonality that helps link the auditory experiences of the two switches.
Weight
When comparing the HMX 1989 linear switch to the Outemu Peach linear switch, notable differences can be observed in both their actuation and bottom out forces. The HMX 1989 has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, making it medium-light in feel. In contrast, the Outemu Peach is lighter, with an actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. This means that users who favor a lighter switch for extended typing or gaming sessions might find the Outemu Peach more appealing, as it requires less force to actuate and bottom out. Conversely, those who prefer a slightly heavier switch for a more substantial feel may gravitate towards the HMX 1989. Overall, while both switches offer a different typing experience, the Peach is certainly the lighter option, while the 1989 provides a slightly heavier resistance, appealing to different user preferences.
Travel distance
The HMX 1989 linear switch features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Outemu Peach linear switch has a shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. This difference means that the 1989 switch offers a deeper press, which some users may find more satisfying due to the greater tactile feedback and more pronounced bottom-out experience. In contrast, the Peach switch, with its shorter 3.3 mm travel distance, is likely to appeal to gamers and those seeking quicker response times, as the shorter press can facilitate rapid key actuation. Ultimately, if you prefer a more resonant typing experience, the HMX 1989 would be the better choice, whereas if you lean towards the rapid-fire response favored in gaming, you might opt for the Outemu Peach switch.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX 1989 has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the 1989 for $3.29.
The Outemu Peach comes in at $3.40 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 HMX 1989 linear switch is noted for its deep, thocky acoustics, which can create a satisfying auditory experience particularly appealing in gaming or typing scenarios. In contrast, the Outemu Peach switch has a sound profile characterized as neutral and muted. The neutral quality allows it to be versatile across different usage environments, while the muted aspect ensures a quieter typing experience, making it suitable for office settings or shared spaces where noise might be a concern. Overall, while the 1989 offers a more pronounced and resonant sound, the Peach focuses on quieter, more subtle sound characteristics.
In terms of feel, the 1989’s specific characteristics are less detailed, implying a potentially robust typing experience that could vary widely depending on the keyboard it is used with. On the other hand, the Outemu Peach switch is praised for its mild and subtle feel, providing a gentle typing experience with a light resistance that avoids any harshness. The polished nature of the Peach switch contributes to a smooth and refined key travel, which, paired with the subtle sound production, makes it user-friendly and approachable for both beginners and seasoned typists. In contrast, the 1989 might appeal to those who prefer a more tactile experience in their typing.
In conclusion, while the HMX 1989 linear switch is praised for its deep and thocky sound, appealing to users who enjoy more pronounced auditory feedback, the Outemu Peach focuses on a muted and lightweight typing experience, making it ideal for quieter environments. The Peach's mild and polished feel allows for a smooth typing experience that is accessible to a wide audience. Ultimately, both switches cater to different preferences, and users looking for a unique sound or tactile feedback will find distinct qualities in each.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the HMX 1989 linear switch and the Outemu Peach linear switch, your decision should hinge on your specific typing preferences and environment. If you favor a moderately weighted switch that offers a deeper, more resonant typing experience, the HMX 1989 with its 53 grams of bottom-out force is likely to satisfy you. This switch is particularly appealing for those who enjoy a thockier sound and feel, which can enhance the overall sensory experience when typing or gaming. On the other hand, if you prioritize a lighter touch with even more subtlety and muted acoustics, the Outemu Peach at 50 grams is a fantastic choice. It provides a feather-like typing experience, perfect for long sessions in shared or office spaces where noise reduction is key. Its polished feel and neutral sound profile makes it accessible for both beginners and more experienced users alike. Ultimately, consider your personal typing style, the settings in which you'll be using the keyboard, and whether you lean toward a more pronounced response or a gentle, quiet feel. Your unique needs will guide you in selecting the switch that best enhances your mechanical keyboard experience.
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