Durock Light Tactile vs. Outemu Peach
An in-depth look at the Durock Light Tactile and the Outemu Peach switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options that often come up for comparison are the Durock Light Tactile, a tactile switch, and the Outemu Peach, a linear switch. The Light Tactile switch from Durock stands out for its gentle tactility, offering a refreshing alternative to the sharper tactile switches commonly found in the market. Typing on these switches provides a heavenly tactile experience accompanied by a soft, jelly-like sound. On the other hand, the Outemu Peach switches are unique in their lightweight construction and silenced design. These switches are perfect for those who prefer a feather-light typing experience, making them ideal for linear switch enthusiasts. Both switches fall within the 'Neutral' and 'Mild' categories, but the Light Tactile switch is further described as 'Polished', while the Outemu Peach switch boasts additional descriptors such as 'Muted' and 'Subtle'. However, to make the best choice for your needs, let's dive deeper into the specifics of these switches.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
52g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
67g
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
POM
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
Gold-plated spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Durock Light Tactile and the Outemu Outemu Peach switches have distinct differences in their housing materials. The Light Tactile features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The use of polycarbonate results in a clear and resonant sound, making it especially useful for switches with RGB lighting. In contrast, the Outemu Peach utilizes a nylon top housing, offering a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nylon material absorbs more sound, leading to a duller and rounder sound. While both materials have their merits, the Light Tactile's polycarbonate top housing produces a more vibrant and defined sound compared to the Outemu Peach's nylon housing.
Moving on to the bottom housing, both switches employ nylon as the material. Nylon is known as a classic switch housing material that contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon allows it to absorb more sound, resulting in a more muted and rounded sound. Thus, both the Light Tactile and the Outemu Peach benefit from this similar housing material, as it enhances the sound experience by providing a fuller and more impactful typing sensation.
While the housing materials in the Durock Light Tactile and the Outemu Outemu Peach switches differ for their top and bottom housings, they share some similarities in terms of sound profiles. Both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound. However, the Light Tactile stands out with its polycarbonate top housing, offering a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. On the other hand, the Outemu Peach's nylon top housing produces a more rounded and dull sound. So, while there are similarities, the choice between these switches ultimately depends on the desired sound profile, with the Light Tactile favoring a clear and resonant tone, while the Outemu Peach provides a deeper and fuller sound.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Light Tactile tactile switch and the Outemu Peach linear switch, it is evident that there are notable differences between the two. The actuation force of the Durock Light Tactile switch is 52 grams, while the Outemu Peach switch requires a lighter actuation force of 40 grams. This means that the Durock Light Tactile switch will require slightly more force to register a keystroke compared to the Outemu Peach switch.
Moving on to the bottom out force, the Durock Light Tactile switch has a higher bottom out force of 67 grams, which indicates a medium-heavy feel when fully pressed. On the other hand, the Outemu Peach switch has a lower bottom out force of 50 grams, which suggests a lighter and less forceful typing experience.
Considering the weight aspect, some individuals prefer lighter switches, such as the Outemu Peach, as it allows them to type for longer durations without experiencing fatigue. This lightness is particularly beneficial for those who use their keyboards extensively at work or for prolonged gaming sessions. In contrast, individuals seeking a more substantial typing experience may prefer switches with heavier forces, like the Durock Light Tactile. These individuals derive satisfaction from the stronger push feel that accompanies a higher actuation and bottom out force.
In summary, the Durock Light Tactile switch and the Outemu Peach switch offer different actuation and bottom out forces. The Durock Light Tactile is relatively heavier, requiring more force for actuation and bottoming out, whereas the Outemu Peach is lighter in comparison. Determining the suitable option depends on individual preferences, with some finding longevity and lighter typing advantageous, while others prioritize a more forceful and substantial typing experience.
Travel distance
The travel distance of a switch is the distance it travels from the top to the bottom when pressed. In this case, the Durock Light Tactile switch has a travel distance of 4.0mm, while the Outemu Peach switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.3mm. The 4.0mm travel distance of the Durock Light Tactile is considered more traditional, while the 3.3mm travel distance of the Outemu Peach is shallower. The trend nowadays is towards shorter travel distances, especially among gamers who value faster response times. If you prefer a more responsive feel, the Outemu Peach with its shorter travel distance would be a good choice. However, some individuals find shorter travel distances to be too abrupt, so if you prefer a switch with more depth, the Durock Light Tactile with its longer travel distance would be a better fit. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and the desired typing or gaming experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock Light Tactile has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Light Tactile for $4.25.
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
The Durock Light Tactile switch is best known for its gentle tactility, providing a pleasant contrast to sharper tactile switches commonly found in the market. When typing on the Light Tactile switch, users can expect an angelic tactility that is accompanied by a jelly-like sound signature. On the other hand, the Outemu Peach switch stands out for its lightweight nature and silence. This makes it a fantastic choice for linear switch enthusiasts who prefer a feathery light typing experience.
When comparing the sound qualities of the two switches, both the Light Tactile and the Outemu Peach are classified as having a neutral sound profile. This means that the sound produced by these switches falls within a moderate range, making them suitable for a variety of purposes, whether you are a beginner, advanced user, or using them at home or work. It is important to note that the actual sound experienced with these switches can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps chosen.
In terms of feel, both the Light Tactile and the Outemu Peach switches offer a mild typing experience. This means that they provide a gentler typing sensation compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. Both switches are designed to offer a safe middle-ground experience, where the sound and feel will be approachable for most users. Additionally, both switches are described as having a polished finish, resulting in a smooth and refined typing experience. This can be attributed to the materials used in construction or the factory lubing process, which reduces friction and ensures smooth key travel.
In conclusion, the Durock Light Tactile and the Outemu Peach switches have their distinctive qualities that cater to different preferences. While the Light Tactile switch focuses on providing a gentle tactility and jelly-like sound, the Outemu Peach switch offers a lightweight and silent typing experience. Both switches have a neutral sound profile and provide a mild typing feel, with a polished finish for smooth key travel. Depending on individual preferences, users can expect similar results in terms of sound and feel from these switches.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a tactile switch that offers a gentle and jelly-like typing experience, the Durock Light Tactile switch is the perfect choice for you. With a bottom out force of 67 grams, it provides a medium-heavy actuation force that suits both beginners and advanced users. The Light Tactile switch stands out in the market for its unique and gentle tactility, making it an excellent option for those seeking a softer tactile feel. Additionally, it has a neutral sound profile, making it suitable for various environments.
On the other hand, if you prefer linear switches with a feathery light typing experience, the Outemu Peach switch is the ideal option. With a bottom out force of 50 grams, it offers a significantly lighter actuation force compared to the Light Tactile switch. The Outemu Peach switches are not only lightweight but also silenced, making them perfect for linear switch enthusiasts who prefer a quieter typing experience. Like the Light Tactile, the Outemu Peach switch also has a neutral sound profile, ensuring its suitability for both beginners and advanced users in any setting.
Ultimately, choosing between the Durock Light Tactile and Outemu Peach switches depends on your personal preferences for tactility and typing experience. If you value a gentle and jelly-like tactility, along with a medium-heavy actuation force, the Light Tactile switch is the way to go. On the other hand, if you lean towards a feathery light typing experience provided by a linear switch with a lighter actuation force, the Outemu Peach switch is the perfect choice. Both switches offer polished finishes, ensuring smooth key travel and reduced friction. Consider your requirements and preferences before making your decision, and you'll find the perfect switch to enhance your mechanical keyboard experience.
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