Cherry MX Black vs. Outemu Peach
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Black and the Outemu Peach switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two options stand out: the Cherry MX Black and the Outemu Peach. The Cherry MX Black is renowned for its perfected linear design, thanks to Cherry's Hyperglide tooling. These switches provide a satisfyingly smooth texture and a deep sound profile during typing, making them favored among enthusiasts. On the other hand, the Outemu Peach offers a unique experience with its lightweight and silenced design. Ideal for those who prefer a feather-light typing experience, these switches are categorized as having a neutral feel with subtle and polished attributes. However, let's take a closer look beyond these generalities to help you make an informed decision on which switch suits you best.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
60g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
80g
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
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Cherry MX Black and the Outemu Outemu Peach switches both utilize nylon as their housing material, resulting in similar characteristics. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing on switches, as it absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics. This absorption leads to a duller and rounder sound, enhancing the overall typing experience.
However, the Cherry MX Black and Outemu Peach switches may exhibit slight differences in their sound profiles due to potential variations in the thickness or density of their nylon housing materials. While both switches share the same housing material, the specific design and construction of each switch can impact the resulting sound when pressing a key or releasing it. The bottom housing, for example, influences the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is fully pressed down, while the top housing has a greater influence on the sound produced when releasing a key.
Despite these potential differences, the overall effect of the nylon housing material on the two switches will be quite similar. The utilization of nylon creates a softer plastic that effectively absorbs sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. Therefore, whether using the Cherry MX Black or the Outemu Peach, users can expect a satisfying typing experience with a distinct sound character that is attributed to the nylon housing material.
Weight
When comparing the Cherry MX Black linear switch and the Outemu Outemu Peach linear switch, there is a noticeable difference in both the actuation force and bottom out force. The MX Black has an actuation force of 60 grams, which is heavier than the Outemu Peach's actuation force of 40 grams. Similarly, the MX Black has a bottom out force of 80 grams, whereas the Outemu Peach has a bottom out force of 50 grams. This means that the MX Black requires a stronger push feel for both the actuation and bottom out, providing a more substantial typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Peach's lighter actuation and bottom out forces result in a smoother and more effortless typing experience, allowing for longer periods of comfortable typing. Therefore, for those who prefer a lighter keyboard for prolonged use, the Outemu Peach would be the recommended choice, whereas those who enjoy a more substantial and heavy feel should opt for the Cherry MX Black.
Travel distance
The Cherry MX Black linear switch has a travel distance of 4.0 mm, which is considered the most traditional travel distance. On the other hand, the Outemu Peach linear switch has a shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. Gamers, in particular, tend to prefer shorter travel distances for faster response times. This means that if you prioritize responsiveness, the Outemu Peach switch would be the better choice. However, for those who prefer a more substantial feel when pressing down a key, the Cherry MX Black switch with its longer travel distance would be a better fit. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches depends on personal preferences and the desired typing or gaming experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Cherry MX Black comes in at $4.00, whereas the Outemu Peach comes in at $3.40.
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 Cherry MX Black switch is known for its low-pitched sound profile. This means that the sound produced by these switches is bass-heavy and mellow, providing a deep and satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Peach switch is described as having a neutral sound profile, offering a moderate noise level. Additionally, these switches are muted, meaning they produce a softer and quieter sound compared to regular switches. This makes them suitable for use in shared spaces or environments where noise reduction is desired. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps chosen.
In terms of feel, the Cherry MX Black switch offers a textured experience with noticeable friction when pressed. Some users prefer this subtle texture, while others prefer a smoother and friction-free typing experience. Additionally, these switches are considered stiff, meaning they require more force to actuate and bottom-out compared to other switches. This can provide a more tactile and responsive typing experience for those who prefer a higher level of resistance. On the other hand, the Outemu Peach switch provides a mild and subtle typing experience. These switches have a gentle resistance that is approachable to most users and maintains a light typing feel. They are also described as polished, offering a smooth and refined finish that results in reduced friction and smooth key travel.
Overall, the Cherry MX Black and Outemu Peach switches offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The MX Black switch provides a deep and low-pitched sound profile, along with a textured and stiff typing feel. On the other hand, the Outemu Peach switch offers a neutral and muted sound profile, along with a mild, subtle, and polished typing feel. Both switches have their own unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. However, if you are looking for a lighter typing experience, the Outemu Peach switch would be a suitable choice. If you prefer a heavier and more pronounced typing experience, the Cherry MX Black switch would be a better option. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference and the specific requirements of the user.
Conclusion
In closing, if you prefer a heavier and more textured typing experience with a low-pitched sound profile, the Cherry MX Black linear switch is a great choice. These switches offer a classic smoothness and a deep sound profile, making them popular among enthusiasts. On the other hand, if you prefer a feathery light typing experience with a neutral sound profile, the Outemu Peach linear switch is the way to go. These switches are not only lightweight but also silenced, providing a quieter typing experience. Additionally, the Outemu Peach offers a range of qualities, including a mild feel, subtle resistance, and a polished finish, making them suitable for different preferences and shared spaces. Ultimately, the choice between the Cherry MX Black and the Outemu Peach depends on your personal preferences for force, sound, and feel.
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