HMX EVA vs. Outemu Milk Peach
An in-depth look at the HMX EVA and the Outemu Milk Peach switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, enthusiasts often seek the perfect blend of feel, sound, and aesthetic appeal, making the HMX EVA and the Outemu Milk Peach compelling options for linear switch lovers. The HMX EVA stands out with its striking design inspired by the iconic colors of Evangelion Unit-01, delivering a resonant sound signature and a silky smooth typing experience that many users find satisfying. On the other hand, while the Outemu Milk Peach may not have a specific design inspiration, it is celebrated for its consistent performance and reliable feel, positioning it as a solid choice for gamers and typists alike who appreciate smooth keystrokes. Both switches provide an enjoyable typing experience, but the EVA leans into a unique aesthetic and sound profile, whereas the Milk Peach focuses on reliability and performance. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that's right for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
42g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
48g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
T2
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
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
When comparing the housing materials of the HMX EVA and the Outemu Milk Peach switches, it's clear that their compositions differ significantly. The EVA features a top housing made of nylon, which is renowned for its softer texture compared to stiffer plastics. This characteristic allows it to absorb sound more effectively, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. In contrast, the Milk Peach uses a polycarbonate top housing that contributes to a sharper and crisper auditory experience. Polycarbonate’s rigidity enhances sound clarity and resonance, making it a preferred choice for those who value distinct keypress sounds. Therefore, while the EVA leans toward a more subdued acoustic profile, the Milk Peach stands out with its vivid and lively sound.
On the flip side, both switches integrate nylon for their bottom housing, which creates consistency in the tactile experience and bottom-out sound. Since both the EVA and Milk Peach utilize nylon for this part of the switch, they offer a deeper, rounder sound that characterizes key presses' tactile feedback. Even though their top housings are distinct—with the EVA's nylon providing a mellower sound and the Milk Peach's polycarbonate enhancing clarity—the shared nylon bottom housing tempers any drastic differences between the two. This similarity ensures that users can enjoy a comparable typing experience in terms of sound profile when bottoming out, regardless of the top housing variation.
Overall, the unique combination of materials in both switches leads to different auditory signatures, yet the shared nylon bottom housing provides a functional common ground. The EVA's choice of nylon for both top and bottom housings results in a consistently deep sound, while the Milk Peach's polycarbonate top housing balances with nylon below to create a hybrid acoustic quality. This contrast means that while you can expect different sound characteristics when typing, both switches can produce satisfying results based on the user’s preference for sound profile—a deeper richness in the EVA and a brighter clarity in the Milk Peach, all influenced by the type of housing utilized.
Weight
When comparing the HMX EVA linear switch and the Outemu Milk Peach linear switch, the actuation force of the EVA is 42 grams, making it lighter than the Milk Peach, which has an actuation force of 45 grams. This difference suggests that the EVA may be more suitable for extended typing sessions or gaming, as it requires less effort to register keystrokes. However, the Milk Peach's actuation force still offers a relatively light feel for users who appreciate a bit more resistance without being overwhelmingly heavy. One notable point is that while the EVA has a defined bottom out force of 48 grams, the bottom out force for the Milk Peach is unspecified. This uncertainty means that while the EVA provides a consistent feedback experience, the Milk Peach could either match or differ in its bottoming out experience, making it difficult to fully gauge its overall feel. Overall, users seeking a lighter switch with a clear actuation and bottom out force may lean toward the HMX EVA, while those who prefer a slightly heavier actuation might consider the Outemu Milk Peach, albeit with some ambiguity regarding its bottom out characteristics.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX EVA linear switch and the Outemu Milk Peach linear switch, the EVA offers a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Milk Peach measures at 3.3 mm. This makes the Milk Peach the shorter option, with a distance that is 0.3 mm less than that of the EVA. For gamers seeking quicker response times, the Milk Peach may be more appealing due to its shorter travel distance, which allows for faster actuation. On the other hand, the HMX EVA's longer travel distance provides a more substantial feel, catering to users who prefer a deeper, more tactile experience. Thus, while both switches cater to different preferences based on their travel distances, the EVA is better suited for those who enjoy a more pronounced keypress, whereas the Milk Peach is ideal for those favoring rapid response.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX EVA has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the EVA for $2.99.
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 EVA linear switch showcases a resonant sound signature that sets it apart, although precise details about the particular sound characteristics are not specified. The auditory experience of the EVA is likely enhanced by the craftsmanship and design, but it is important to acknowledge that the overall sound produced also depends on factors like the keyboard's construction and the type of keycaps used. In contrast, the Outemu Milk Peach switch lacks specific descriptions regarding its sound quality, which leaves its auditory profile somewhat ambiguous. However, both switches will produce a linear sound experience, meaning the EVA’s sound profile may be more unique due to its resonant qualities.
When it comes to feel, the HMX EVA is widely regarded for its silky smooth typing experience, which can contribute to a satisfying and enjoyable use over extended periods. This smoothness is likely a significant draw for those who prioritize a seamless typing experience. On the other hand, there is no existing information regarding the tactile sensations of the Outemu Milk Peach switch, creating uncertainty about how it compares in this regard. Nevertheless, since both switches are classified as linear, one can expect that the general feel will lean towards a frictionless depression without the bumps characteristic of tactile or clicky switches.
In summary, while the HMX EVA linear switch stands out with its resonant sound signature and silky smooth feel, the Outemu Milk Peach linear switch remains an enigma without definitive attributes to compare. Users who lean towards the EVA will likely enjoy a more distinctive auditory experience, coupled with a luxurious typing feel. However, if a more generalized linear experience is what one is after, both switches can deliver smooth keystrokes, offering a satisfying typing experience, albeit with different sound profiles. The EVA, with its unique features, may appeal more to enthusiasts looking for a signature experience, while the Milk Peach remains a wildcard that could still meet basic expectations for linear switches.
Conclusion
To wrap up, the choice between the HMX EVA linear switch and the Outemu Milk Peach linear switch largely depends on your personal preferences and intended use. If you prefer a switch with a lighter feel, the HMX EVA might be the better option for you, as its 48-gram bottom-out force allows for easy actuation, making it great for gamers or typists who enjoy a responsive touch. The EVA is also known for its unique design inspired by the iconic colors of Evangelion Unit-01, which not only adds a visual appeal but also provides a resonant sound signature and a silky smooth typing experience. On the other hand, if you lean towards a switch with a more neutral feel and sound and are looking for a linear experience that potentially offers a softer touch, you might find the Outemu Milk Peach to suit your needs. While specific details about the sound and feel of the Milk Peach aren't available, if you are enamored by the concept of a smooth and subtle linear switch, it could be an ideal candidate for your setup. Ultimately, both switches cater to different aspects of user experience, so consider what features are most important to you as you make your decision.