Cherry MX Brown vs. Outemu Peach
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Brown and the Outemu Peach switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the Cherry MX Brown and the Outemu Outemu Peach. The Cherry MX Brown is often praised for its subtlety, providing a light typing experience with gentle tactility and subdued audio feedback. On the other hand, the Outemu Peach stands out for its uniqueness as a lightweight and silenced linear switch, delivering a feathery light typing experience. While these general descriptions give a good starting point for deciding between the two, it's important to dive deeper into their characteristics to determine which switch best suits your preferences and needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
55g
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 Brown and the Outemu Peach both utilize nylon as their top and bottom housing material. Nylon is recognized as a classic switch housing material that contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. This is because nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Therefore, in terms of their housing material, the MX Brown and the Outemu Peach share similar characteristics and can be expected to deliver comparable sound profiles when used.
As for the impact of the housing material on the switch, both the MX Brown and the Outemu Peach follow a similar pattern. When pressing down on either switch, the qualities of the bottom housing come into play, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel. The bottom housing material, being responsible for this aspect, affects the overall typing experience and sound produced when a key is pressed. Conversely, the top housing material is more influential in determining the sound that occurs when a key is released. Therefore, while the Cherry MX Brown and the Outemu Peach may differ in their specific design and construction, their housing materials contribute similarly to the overall typing experience.
Both the MX Brown and the Outemou Peach incorporate nylon as their housing material, which promotes a deeper and fuller sound profile whilst typing. Nylon's softness allows for the absorption of more sound compared to harder plastics, ultimately resulting in a subdued and well-rounded sound. With this in mind, it can be inferred that the housing materials of these switches will yield comparable acoustic results. Differences may arise in how the top and bottom housing materials are distributed, as the qualities of each housing material will be divided between the top and bottom of the switch. This means that the bottom housing will predominantly impact the sound and feel when pressing down a key, while the top housing will play a more significant role in the sound generated upon key release.
Weight
When comparing the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch and the Outemu Peach linear switch, one can observe differences in both their actuation force and bottom out force. The Cherry MX Brown has an actuation force of 45 grams, while the Outemu Peach requires a slightly lighter force of 40 grams to trigger a keystroke. Similarly, the bottom out force of the MX Brown is 55 grams, whereas the Outemu Peach requires 50 grams for a full press. These variances indicate that the Cherry MX Brown is slightly heavier in both actuation and bottom out forces compared to the Outemu Peach. Thus, for those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Outemu Peach would be the suitable choice, as it allows for comfortable typing for extended periods. Conversely, the Cherry MX Brown appeals to individuals seeking a more substantial push feel, providing a stronger tactile response.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch and the Outemu Outemu Peach linear switch, it is clear that the MX Brown has a longer travel distance of 4.0mm, while the Outemu Peach has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.3mm. The MX Brown's 4.0mm travel distance is more traditional, offering a deeper press when typing or gaming. On the other hand, the Outemu Peach's 3.3mm travel distance is shallower and may be preferred by gamers looking for faster response times. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference - if you prefer a more responsive feel, the Outemu Peach with its shorter travel distance would be the better option. However, if you prefer a more substantial key travel, the Cherry MX Brown with its longer travel distance would be the more suitable choice.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Cherry MX Brown 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 Brown switches offer a subtle and gentle audio feedback. These switches have a lower frequency range, which gives them a deeper and richer sound profile resembling bass tones. On the other hand, the Outemu Peach switches have a neutral sound profile, with a softer and quieter sound compared to regular switches. These switches are known for being muted, 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 used. Overall, both switches provide a pleasant typing experience with different sound characteristics.
In terms of feel, the Cherry MX Brown switches are known for their textured or scratchy feel. These switches have noticeable friction when pressed, which can be preferred by some users who enjoy a subtle texture. On the other hand, the Outemu Peach switches offer a more mild and subtle typing experience. They have a gentle resistance that is not feather-light but still maintains a light typing feel. Additionally, the Peach switches are described as polished, indicating a smooth and refined finish that results in a sleek typing experience. This smoothness is achieved through the use of materials or factory lubing, reducing friction and providing smooth key travel. Overall, both switches offer different levels of tactile feedback and texture, allowing users to choose based on their personal preferences.
Considering all the available information, the Cherry MX Brown and Outemu Peach switches offer distinct subjective qualities. The MX Brown switches provide a relatively light typing experience with gentle tactility and a subtle audio feedback resembling bass tones. They have a textured feel, offering noticeable friction when pressed. On the other hand, the Outemu Peach switches are very lightweight and have a feathery light typing experience. They are silenced, making them perfect for users who prefer a quieter typing experience. The Peach switches provide a more subtle and mild typing feel, with a polished and smooth finish. Both switches offer unique characteristics, allowing users to choose based on their desired typing experience. If you are looking for a similar result in terms of subtlety and a quiet typing experience, the Outemu Peach switches would be a suitable alternative to the Cherry MX Browns.
Conclusion
To wrap up, if you prefer a subtler typing experience with gentle tactility and subdued audio feedback, the Cherry MX Brown switches would be a great choice for you. With a bottom out force of 55 grams, these medium-light switches provide a relatively light typing experience. On the other hand, if you are a lover of linear switches and prefer a feathery light typing experience, the Outemu Peach switches are the perfect option. These switches have a bottom out force of 50 grams and are also silenced, making them ideal for those who want a lightweight and quiet typing experience.
In terms of sound, the MX Brown switches have a bassy and low-pitched sound profile, offering a deeper and richer tone during key presses. On the other hand, the Outemu Peach switches have a more neutral and muted sound, producing a softer and quieter sound compared to regular switches, making them suitable for shared spaces.
In terms of feel, the MX Brown switches have a textured feel with noticeable friction when pressed. Some users prefer this subtle texture, while others prefer a smoother typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Peach switches offer a mild and subtle typing experience, with a gentle resistance that maintains a light feel. They also have a polished finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel.
Ultimately, the choice between the Cherry MX Brown and Outemu Peach switches depends on your preferences for tactility, sound, and feel. Consider whether you prefer a subtle and gentle typing experience with subdued audio feedback (MX Brown) or a feather-light and silenced typing experience (Outemu Peach). Take into account the sound profiles and feel characteristics described above to make an informed decision that suits your typing style and environment.
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