Cherry MX Brown vs. KTT Peach
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Brown and the KTT Peach switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options that often come to mind are the Cherry MX Brown and the KTT Peach. The MX Brown is best known for its subtlety, providing a relatively light typing experience with gentle tactility and subdued audio feedback. On the other hand, the Peach switches offer a syrupy smooth typing experience with a deep, thocky sound profile. While the Brown switch is categorized as textured, bassy, and low-pitched, the Peach switch falls into the low-pitched, neutral, and mild category. These differences in characteristics make both switches appealing in their own ways. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
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
Stainless steel
Spring
13mm progressive spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Cherry MX Brown and the KTT Peach switches exhibit some distinct differences. The MX Brown utilizes a nylon top housing, which gives it a softer and more absorbent nature. This results in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing, creating a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Peach switch features a polycarbonate top housing. Polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic, leading to a sharper and higher-pitched sound profile. The use of polycarbonate is especially beneficial if you plan to utilize RGB lighting due to its translucency. While the top housings differ, both switches share the common characteristic of using nylon for their bottom housing. This contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing, as nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound.
When it comes to the impact on the sound and feel of the switch, the bottom and top housings play different roles. With the MX Brown, the qualities of the bottom nylon housing have more influence on the bottom-out sound and feel. When you press down on this switch, you will experience a deeper and fuller sound due to the absorbent nature of nylon. Similarly, the Peach switch's nylon bottom housing contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile upon pressing the keys. However, when you release a key, the impact on the sound is largely determined by the top housing material. The MX Brown's nylon top housing generates a fuller and rounder sound upon key release, while the Peach's polycarbonate top housing creates a more clear and resonant sound profile.
In summary, the Cherry MX Brown and the KTT Peach switches differ in their top housing materials. The MX Brown utilizes a nylon top housing, offering a softer and more absorbent nature that results in a duller and rounder sound profile during typing. On the other hand, the Peach switch features a polycarbonate top housing, which leads to a sharper and higher-pitched sound profile, especially suitable for RGB lighting. However, both switches share the use of nylon for their bottom housing, resulting in a similar deeper and fuller sound profile while typing. When it comes to the impact on the sound and feel of the switch, the bottom and top housings play distinct roles. The characteristics of the bottom housing primarily influence the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing has a more significant impact on the sound when releasing a key.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch and the KTT Peach linear switch, it is evident that they have similar characteristics. Both switches require an actuation force of 45 grams, indicating a medium-light touch needed to trigger a keystroke. Similarly, the bottom out force for both switches is relatively light, with the MX Brown having a 55-gram bottom out force and the Peach having a slightly lighter 53-gram bottom out force.
Considering weight as a crucial factor, these switches provide options for individuals with different preferences. Those who prefer a lighter feel for extended typing sessions or prolonged gaming might find both switches suitable. However, for those seeking a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel, these switches may not provide the desired level of resistance. In such cases, they might opt for alternatives with heavier forces.
In summary, while the Cherry MX Brown and KTT Peach switches share similar actuation and bottom out forces, it is worth mentioning that they provide a medium-light typing experience. Consequently, users can expect similar results in terms of feel and performance when using either of these switches.
Travel distance
Both the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch and the KTT Peach linear switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key with either switch, you will feel the same distance traveled from the top to the bottom. Therefore, in terms of travel distance, both switches will provide similar results. Neither switch is shorter or longer than the other since they both have equal travel distances.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Cherry MX Brown comes in at $4.00, whereas the KTT Peach comes in at $2.91.
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 Cherry MX Brown switches offer a subtle and gentle audio feedback. They have a lower frequency range, resembling the depth and richness associated with bass tones. On the other hand, the KTT Peach switches have a low-pitched sound profile that is more bass-heavy and mellow. Both switches offer a pleasant and non-irritating typing experience in terms of sound, with the MX Brown being slightly softer and the Peach switches having a deeper, thocky sound.
In terms of feel, the Cherry MX Brown switches have a textured or slightly scratchy feel when pressed. Some users prefer this subtle texture, while others prefer a smoother, friction-free typing experience. On the other hand, the KTT Peach switches offer a mild and gentle typing experience. They fall in the middle-ground zone, providing an approachable feel that most users will find comfortable.
Considering the available information, the Cherry MX Brown switches excel in providing a subtle, light typing experience with gentle tactility and subdued audio feedback. On the other hand, the KTT Peach switches offer a syrupy smooth typing experience with a deep, thocky sound profile. Both switches have their own unique qualities that cater to different preferences. If you are looking for a switch with a light tactile feel and subdued audio feedback, the MX Brown switches would be a great choice. If you prefer a linear switch with a smoother feel and a deeper, bass-heavy sound, the KTT Peach switches would be a suitable option. Ultimately, the decision between the two would depend on personal preferences and the specific typing experience one desires.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you're looking for a subtler typing experience with gentle tactility and subdued audio feedback, the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch would be a great choice for you. With a medium-light bottom out force of 55 grams, these switches offer a relatively light typing experience. In terms of sound, the MX Brown switches have a low-pitched and bassy sound profile, resembling the depth and richness associated with bass tones.
On the other hand, if you prefer a syrupy smooth typing experience with a deep, thocky sound profile, the KTT Peach linear switch is the way to go. These switches have a slightly lighter bottom out force of 53 grams, providing a similar medium-light typing experience. The Peach switches are also described as having a low-pitched sound, similar to the MX Brown switches, but they are also considered neutral, making them suitable for various purposes, whether you're a beginner or advanced user, or if you plan to use them at home or work.
In terms of feel, the MX Brown switches have a textured or scratchy feel, which some users may prefer for its noticeable friction. On the other hand, the Peach switches offer a more mild and gentle typing experience, standing in a safe middle-ground zone.
Ultimately, your choice between the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch and the KTT Peach linear switch will depend on your personal preferences. Consider whether you value subtlety and gentle tactility with subdued audio feedback or a syrupy smooth typing experience with a deep, thocky sound profile. Also, take into account the slightly different bottom out forces and the feel of the switches. With these considerations in mind, you'll be able to choose the perfect switch for your mechanical keyboard setup.
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