KTT Ash Gray vs. Outemu Peach
An in-depth look at the KTT Ash Gray and the Outemu Peach switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the KTT Ash Gray and the Outemu Outemu Peach. The Ash Gray switch is a tactile switch that offers a substantial yet unobtrusive tactile response. It provides a light touch with a crisp actuation and a delightful blend of tactile feedback that is neither overwhelming nor unnoticed. On the other hand, the Outemu Peach switch is a linear switch that stands out for its lightweight nature and silence. These switches are perfect for those who prefer a feathery light typing experience. While the Ash Gray switch falls under the categories of 'Easy-to-press', 'Mild', and 'Neutral', the Outemu Peach switch is categorized as 'Neutral', 'Mild', 'Muted', 'Subtle', and 'Polished'. Both switches have their unique characteristics and advantages, making them worthy options to consider. However, let's dive deeper beyond these generalities so you can make the best decision based on your personal preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
38g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
18mm spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the KTT Ash Gray and the Outemu Peach, one major difference lies in their top housing materials. The Ash Gray incorporates a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate's stiffness, allowing for a clear and resonant sound when typing. On the other hand, the Outemu Peach utilizes a nylon top housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's softer property absorbs more sound, leading to a duller and rounder sound. Therefore, while the Ash Gray produces a more crisp and clear sound, the Outemu Peach offers a deeper and fuller tone.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the Ash Gray and Outemu Peach employ nylon as their housing material. Nylon is known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound when typing, as it absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics. Consequently, both switches with nylon bottom housing will provide a similar sound profile, with a duller and rounder tone. The bottom housing of these switches contributes more to the bottom-out sound and feel, offering a consistent experience regardless of the specific switch.
While the top and bottom housings differ between the KTT Ash Gray and the Outemu Peach, the overall sound profile is influenced by both components. The polycarbonate top housing of the Ash Gray emphasizes a crisper and higher-pitched sound when releasing keys, while the nylon top housing of the Outemu Peach produces a deeper and fuller tone. However, as both switches share a nylon bottom housing, the resulting sound when pressing down on the keys will be similar, providing a consistent typing experience. Regardless of the specific housing materials, each switch offers its own unique sound characteristics, allowing users to choose based on their sound preferences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch and the Outemu Outemu Peach linear switch, there are a few noticeable differences. The actuation force of the Ash Gray is slightly lighter, requiring 38 grams of force to trigger a keystroke, while the Peach switch requires 40 grams. Both switches have a relatively low actuation force, indicating a light and responsive typing experience.
In terms of bottom out force, the Ash Gray requires 53 grams of force for a full press, while the Peach switch requires 50 grams. This means that the Ash Gray provides a slightly heavier and more substantial typing experience when fully pressed.
Considering weight, some users may prefer the lighter actuation force and bottom out force of the Peach switch, as it allows for longer typing sessions without causing fatigue. This lighter weight is especially beneficial for those who use their keyboard for work or engage in extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, users who enjoy a stronger push feel may opt for the Ash Gray, as its slightly heavier actuation and bottom out forces provide a more substantial typing experience.
Overall, the Ash Gray is slightly heavier in terms of both actuation and bottom out forces, while the Peach switch offers lighter forces. Both switches cater to those who prefer a lighter typing experience with low force requirements.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch and the Outemu Peach linear switch, it is clear that the Ash Gray has a longer distance at 3.5 mm, while the Peach has a slightly shorter distance at 3.3 mm. Both switches fall within the range of what is considered a standard travel distance, with 4.0 mm being the most traditional and 3.0 mm being the most shallow. However, it is worth noting that shorter travel distances have gained popularity, particularly among gamers who value faster response times. Choosing the shorter travel distance option, such as the Outemu Peach, can provide a more responsive typing or gaming experience. On the other hand, some may find shorter travel distances to feel too abrupt, and may prefer the deeper feel of the Ash Gray switch with its longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference for either a shorter, more responsive feel or a longer, more substantial typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Ash Gray has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ash Gray for $2.55.
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
In terms of sound, both the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch and the Outemu Peach linear switch are described as having a neutral sound profile. This means that they produce a moderate sound, suitable for most intents and purposes. However, the Outemu Peach switch offers the additional benefit of being muted. This means that it produces a softer and quieter sound compared to a regular or clacky switch, making it more suitable for noise-sensitive environments.
In terms of feel, both switches are described as having a mild typing experience. They offer a gentle resistance during key presses and provide a low-impact typing feel. This makes typing effortless and comfortable, reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. The Ash Gray switch is also described as easy-to-press, requiring minimal force to activate. The Outemu Peach switch, on the other hand, is described as subtle and polished. It has a gentle resistance that is not feather-light but still maintains a light typing feel. Additionally, the switch has a smooth and refined finish, resulting in a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.
Based on the available information, the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch and the Outemu Peach linear switch have some similarities in terms of sound and feel. They both have a neutral sound profile, making them suitable for most environments. They also both offer a mild typing experience, providing a gentle resistance and low-impact typing feel. However, the Outemu Peach switch has the added benefit of being muted, producing a softer and quieter sound. It is also described as subtle and polished, providing a smooth and refined typing experience. Therefore, if you are looking for a similar typing experience with a lighter sound and a polished feel, the Outemu Peach switch would be a good alternative to the KTT Ash Gray switch.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a tactile switch with a medium-light bottom out force and a delightful blend of tactile feedback, the KTT Ash Gray is the perfect choice for you. Its easy-to-press and mild feel make typing effortless and comfortable, reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. Additionally, the Ash Gray has a neutral sound profile, suitable for both beginners and advanced users in any setting.
On the other hand, if you prefer a feather-light typing experience with a linear switch that is also silenced, the Outemu Peach is the ideal option. With a bottom out force of 50 grams, the Peach offers a subtle and polished feel, resulting in smooth and refined key travel. This switch has a muted sound profile, making it suitable for shared spaces where minimizing noise is important.
Overall, while both switches have a neutral sound profile and a mild feel, the decision between the KTT Ash Gray and the Outemu Peach ultimately comes down to personal preference. If you prioritize a tactile typing experience with a crisp actuation, go for the Ash Gray. However, if you prefer a lightweight and silenced linear switch with smooth key travel, the Outemu Peach is the way to go.
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