Durock Medium Tactile vs. Outemu Peach
An in-depth look at the Durock Medium Tactile and the Outemu Peach switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, there are several options available to cater to different preferences. Two noteworthy switches that stand out are the Durock Medium Tactile and the Outemu Peach. The Medium Tactile by Durock is renowned for its unique tactile experience, boasting a pronounced yet balanced tactility that provides a satisfying typing feedback. Additionally, it emits a jelly-like sound, further enhancing the tactile experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Peach switch offers a contrasting experience as a linear switch. It stands out for its feather-light typing experience, making it an excellent choice for those who prefer a lightweight feel. Moreover, these switches come with silencing features, ensuring a quieter typing experience. However, let's delve deeper into the intricacies of these switches to help you make an informed decision based on your personal preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
65g
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 housing materials of the Durock Medium Tactile and the Outemu Outemu Peach switches have some noticeable similarities. Both switches feature nylon bottom housings, which contribute to a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon is known for its ability to absorb sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. This characteristic is present in both switches, making them suitable for those who prefer a more muted typing experience.
However, when it comes to the top housings, the differences between the two switches become apparent. The Medium Tactile utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic, leading to a clearer and more resonant sound. Additionally, the translucent nature of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting, enhancing the aesthetics of the keyboard.
In contrast, the Outemu Peach features a nylon top housing. While not as rigid as polycarbonate, nylon still offers durability and reliability. Typing on switches with a nylon top housing produces a deeper and fuller sound, which can be appealing to those looking for a more traditional keyboard sound. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a less vibrant sound profile compared to polycarbonate.
Overall, the choice between the Durock Medium Tactile and the Outemu Outemu Peach will depend on personal preference. Those who prioritize a clearer and more resonant sound, along with the option for RGB lighting, may lean towards the Medium Tactile with its polycarbonate top housing. On the other hand, individuals seeking a deeper and fuller sound profile, without the need for RGB lighting, may find the Outemu Peach with its nylon top housing more suitable. Despite their differences, both switches offer a satisfying typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch and the Outemu Peach linear switch, there is a noticeable difference in weight. The actuation force of the Medium Tactile switch is given as unavailable grams, whereas the Outemu Peach requires 40 grams of force to trigger a keystroke. This makes the Outemu Peach a lighter option in terms of actuation force. On the other hand, the bottom out force of the Medium Tactile switch is 65 grams, which is classified as medium-heavy. In contrast, the Outemu Peach has a bottom out force of 50 grams, which is relatively lighter.
Considering the weight factor, individuals who prefer a lighter switch may find the Outemu Peach more suitable for extended typing sessions or long gaming sessions due to its lower actuation force. This can reduce the strain on their fingers and allow for more comfortable usage. However, those seeking a stronger push feel and a more substantial typing experience may prefer the Medium Tactile switch, as its higher bottom out force provides a more pronounced tactile feedback.
In summary, the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch is heavier in terms of bottom out force, while the Outemu Peach linear switch is lighter both in actuation force and bottom out force. Choosing between the two depends on personal preferences and individual typing style.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch is 4 mm, while the travel distance of the Outemu Peach linear switch is 3.3 mm. In terms of travel distance, the Durock Medium Tactile switch has a slightly longer distance compared to the Outemu Peach switch. The Durock Medium Tactile switch provides a more traditional travel distance of 4 mm, while the Outemu Peach switch offers a slightly shallower travel distance of 3.3 mm. Despite the difference in travel distance, both switches offer a satisfactory range for typing and gaming purposes. If you prefer a faster response time and a shorter travel distance, the Outemu Peach switch would be the suitable choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a more substantial and deeper keystroke, the Durock Medium Tactile switch would be the better option. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and typing/gaming style.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock Medium 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 Medium 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
In terms of sound, the Durock Medium Tactile switch is best known for its pronounced yet balanced tactility and jelly-like sound signature. This means that when you press the keys, you will feel a noticeable bump and enjoy a unique sound that is more soft and smooth compared to other tactile switches. On the other hand, the Outemu Peach switch is described as having a muted sound profile. This means that it produces a softer and quieter sound, minimizing the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. However, it is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps chosen.
When it comes to feel, the Durock Medium Tactile switch is known for its distinct qualities. It is described as an accented switch, meaning that it provides a prominent amount of tactility that is not overwhelming nor subtle. In addition, it is also considered a stepped switch, which means it has a mild tactile feel with some pre-travel and/or post-travel. This combination of accented and stepped characteristics offers a typing experience that is not overly tactile but still provides enough feedback for satisfying key presses. Furthermore, the switch is described as polished, which indicates a smooth and refined finish that results in a sleek and frictionless typing experience.
Similarly, the Outemu Peach switch is also described as having a mild and subtle feel. This means that it offers a gentle typing experience with light resistance, appealing to those who prefer a less pronounced tactile feedback. Additionally, the switch is also described as polished, indicating a smooth and refined finish that allows for reduced friction and smooth key travel.
Based on the available information, both switches have a mild and polished feel, providing a comfortable typing experience to most users. While the Durock Medium Tactile switch offers a more pronounced yet balanced tactility, the Outemu Peach switch aims for a lighter and more subtle tactile feel. However, in terms of sound, the Durock Medium Tactile switch has a jelly-like sound signature while the Outemu Peach switch has a muted sound profile. Therefore, if you are looking for a tactile switch with a balanced tactility and a soft sound, the Durock Medium Tactile would be a suitable choice. If you prefer a lighter and more subtle tactile feel with a quieter sound, the Outemu Peach switch would be a good option.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a medium-heavy tactile switch with a pronounced yet balanced tactility and jelly-like sound signature, the Durock Medium Tactile switch is the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a feathery light typing experience with a bottom out force of 50 grams and want a silent switch option, the Outemu Peach linear switch is the perfect choice for you. In terms of sound, the Medium Tactile has its own unique sound signature, while the Outemu Peach provides a muted and quieter typing experience suitable for shared spaces. When it comes to feel, the Medium Tactile offers an accented, stepped, mild, and polished typing experience, while the Outemu Peach delivers a mild, subtle, and polished feel. Ultimately, the decision depends on your personal preferences and typing style. Whether you prioritize tactility or prefer a light and silent switch, both the Durock Medium Tactile and Outemu Peach have their own benefits and drawbacks.
Mentioned in this article
