Cherry MX Purple RGB vs. Outemu Peach (V3)
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Purple RGB and the Outemu Peach (V3) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Cherry MX Purple RGB and the Outemu Peach stand out for their distinct characteristics and user experiences. The Cherry MX Purple RGB switches are celebrated for their tactile feel, offering a refined experience with a noticeable yet moderate bump designed in collaboration with keyboard enthusiast Glarses. This makes them an excellent choice for typists who enjoy feedback while typing without overwhelming force. On the other hand, the Outemu Peach switches are linear and lightweight, providing a smooth and quiet typing experience that appeals to those who prefer a softer touch. Their design emphasizes subtlety and polish, making them suitable for users seeking a more muted sound profile during extended typing sessions. While both switches have unique advantages—tactile feedback versus smooth keystrokes—they ultimately cater to different preferences. 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
40g
Bottom-out force
N/A
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
Nylon
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Cherry MX Purple RGB switches and the Outemu Peach switches, it is clear that both utilize nylon as their primary material for both the top and bottom housings. This shared choice of nylon significantly influences the acoustic properties of each switch, leading to a deeper and fuller sound profile. The inherent qualities of nylon as a softer plastic allow it to absorb sound more effectively than harder materials, resulting in a duller and rounder auditory experience with each keystroke. This acoustic characteristic remains consistent across both switch types, ensuring that users can expect similar auditory feedback when typing.
Because the Cherry MX Purple RGB and the Outemu Peach both feature nylon in their top and bottom housings, the way each switch feels and sounds during use is akin. With both switches offering a dual nylon construction, the typing experience is likely to be comparable, ensuring that users benefit from the same dampened sound profile that nylon provides. The material's ability to absorb impact and reduce noise means that whether using Cherry MX or Outemu, typists will appreciate the subdued acoustic environment that contributes to a more immersive and focused work or gaming experience.
While the housings may perform similarly due to the same material composition, the overall experience may still exhibit nuances due to other factors such as spring design, activation force, and keycap shapes. Furthermore, the bottom housing’s contribution to the bottom-out sound and feel may still slightly vary between the two brands, providing subtle differences in touch responsiveness. Understanding these intricacies allows users to choose between the Cherry MX Purple RGB and the Outemu Peach based not only on sound engagement but also personal preferences in key feel and performance, all while enjoying the benefits that nylon housing brings to both options.
Weight
The Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switch and the Outemu Peach linear switch exhibit notable differences in their actuation force specifications. The MX Purple RGB requires an actuation force of 45 grams, while the Outemu Peach has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams. This means that the Peach switch is easier to press, making it ideal for users who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. However, the bottom out force for the MX Purple RGB switch is unspecified, which does not allow for a direct comparison in that regard. In contrast, the Outemu Peach's bottom out force is measured at 50 grams, indicating a firmer feel when fully depressed. Consequently, while the MX Purple RGB may offer an overall heavier experience (due to its higher actuation force and unknown bottom out force), the Peach provides a lighter actuation with a noticeably heavier bottom out. Thus, users seeking a more substantial feel during typing might prefer the Cherry MX Purple RGB, whereas those looking for a lighter actuation and an overall flexible typing experience might opt for the Outemu Peach.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switch and the Outemu Peach linear switch, a clear distinction emerges. The Cherry MX Purple RGB features a travel distance of 4 mm, which aligns with traditional switch specifications and offers a hearty depth that many users appreciate for a more tactile typing experience. In contrast, the Outemu Peach switch has a shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm, catering to gamers and those seeking faster response times for quick key presses. The MX Purple's longer travel distance provides a more substantial feel during each keystroke, while the Peach's shorter distance may feel more abrupt to some users. Ultimately, if you prefer a more responsive experience, the Outemu Peach is the better option, whereas the Cherry MX Purple is ideal for those who enjoy a deeper, more tactile feedback.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Cherry MX Purple RGB has an MSRP of $6.19 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Purple RGB for $5.79.
The Outemu Peach (V3) 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
When it comes to sound, the Cherry MX Purple RGB switch has a distinct auditory profile that might not be explicitly described here, but typically, Cherry MX switches maintain a balance of clarity and resonance that can be perceived in their tactile feedback. In contrast, the Outemu Peach switch is characterized by a neutral and muted sound, making it significantly quieter and more suitable for environments where noise levels need to be kept to a minimum. The muted nature of the Peach means it minimizes the typical clack associated with mechanical keyboards, providing a more understated acoustic experience that can be ideal for shared workspaces.
In terms of feel, the Cherry MX Purple RGB offers a refined tactile response with a medium-strength bump that is developed for enthusiasts, promoting a satisfying typing experience that can help typists feel an active engagement with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Outemu Peach switch is designed for lighter typing, presenting a mild, subtle feel with a polished finish. This creates a gentle resistance that's approachable for users at various skill levels. The smoothness and reduced friction deliver a comfortable typing experience that’s easy on the fingers, making it appealing for extended use.
Considering all the provided information, the choice between Cherry MX Purple RGB and Outemu Peach switches ultimately hinges on personal preference regarding sound and feel. If you enjoy a pronounced tactile experience with moderate sound, the Cherry MX Purple RGB would be beneficial. However, if you prefer a quieter, lightweight typing experience with a smooth finish, the Outemu Peach will suit your needs effectively. Each switch presents unique qualities that cater to different typing styles and environments, ensuring that you'll find satisfactory options regardless of which you choose.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switch and the Outemu Peach linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing needs. If you find yourself seeking a more tactile and responsive experience, the Cherry MX Purple RGB is the way to go. Its refined tactile bump enhances the feedback during your typing sessions, making it suitable for both gamers and typists who enjoy a distinct sensation with each keystroke. However, this switch may not be the best option if you require a quieter environment, as its sound profile may be more noticeable, especially in shared spaces. On the other hand, if you prefer a very lightweight and smooth typing experience, the Outemu Peach is a perfect fit. Its muted and neutral sound characteristic allows for a focused and distraction-free atmosphere, making it ideal for office settings or quiet rooms. Additionally, the subtle tactile feedback ensures a comfortable and polished touch without overwhelming your senses. Therefore, when selecting a switch, consider your overall environment, desired feedback, and personal typing style to ensure you get the best experience for your needs.
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