Cherry MX Red vs. KTT Peach
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Red and the KTT Peach switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Cherry MX Red and the KTT Peach mechanical keyboard switches, both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The MX Red is well-known for its slightly heftier feel and deeper sound profile, providing a robust typing experience that combines responsiveness with a satisfying auditory depth. On the other hand, the Peach switches offer a syrupy smooth typing experience and a deep, thocky sound profile, making it a popular choice for those who prefer a quieter typing experience. While the MX Red is categorized as 'Thocky', 'Low-pitched', and 'Textured', the Peach is categorized as 'Low-pitched', 'Neutral', and 'Mild'. 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
N/A
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
Yes
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 Cherry MX Red and KTT Peach switches both feature nylon bottom housings, which contribute to a deeper and fuller sound profile during typing. This is because nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. However, the top housings of the two switches differ significantly. The MX Red utilizes a nylon top housing, while the Peach features a polycarbonate top housing. The polycarbonate top housing of the Peach creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffer nature, making it ideal for RGB lighting thanks to its translucency.
While both the MX Red and KTT Peach switches share a nylon bottom housing, their top housings have distinct characteristics that impact the overall sound profile. The nylon top housing of the MX Red produces a deeper and fuller sound, similar to its bottom housing, providing a consistent typing experience. In contrast, the polycarbonate top housing of the Peach switch delivers a sharper and more resonant sound, creating a unique auditory experience. The choice between these two switches ultimately comes down to individual preferences in terms of sound and feel.
The combination of different top and bottom housing materials in the Cherry MX Red and KTT Peach switches results in a balanced typing experience. While both switches offer a deep and full sound due to their shared nylon bottom housing, the top housing materials contribute to distinct sound profiles. The MX Red's nylon top housing provides a consistent, mellow sound, whereas the Peach's polycarbonate top housing offers a sharper and clearer sound. Depending on personal preferences for sound and typing feel, users can choose between these switches to tailor their keyboard to their liking.
Weight
The Cherry MX Red and KTT Peach linear switches both have an actuation force of 45 grams, making them equally light switches in terms of triggering keystrokes. However, when it comes to bottoming out, the MX Red has an unknown bottom out force, while the Peach has a bottom out force of 53 grams, which falls into the medium-light category. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Cherry MX Red, as it lacks a specified bottom out force, potentially making it even lighter than the Peach. On the other hand, individuals who enjoy a bit more resistance and feedback in their typing may find the KTT Peach to be more suitable due to its slightly heavier bottom out force. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preferences and typing style.
Travel distance
Both the Cherry MX Red linear switch and the KTT Peach linear switch have a travel distance of 4mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that when you press down on a key using either switch, you will experience the same distance traveled from the top to the bottom. This uniform travel distance ensures a consistent typing experience across both switches. Whether you choose the Cherry MX Red or the KTT Peach, you can expect similar results in terms of travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Cherry MX Red has an MSRP of $5.90 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Red for $4.00.
The KTT Peach comes in at $2.91 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 Cherry MX Red offers a deep thocky sound profile with a low-pitched tone that provides a satisfying auditory experience when typing. On the other hand, the KTT Peach switch also produces a low-pitched sound but with a more neutral tone, making it suitable for a wide range of users and environments. Both switches offer a pleasant typing sound, but the MX Red may have a slightly richer and deeper sound compared to the more neutral sound of the Peach.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Cherry MX Red is noted for its slightly textured feel, adding a subtle friction when pressed. This texture may provide more tactile feedback to the user and contribute to a more pronounced typing experience. In contrast, the KTT Peach switch offers a milder feel, providing a gentler typing experience that falls within a safe, middle-ground zone. While the MX Red may offer a more tactile feel due to its textured nature, the Peach switch provides a smoother and more approachable typing sensation for most users.
In conclusion, the Cherry MX Red and KTT Peach linear switches both offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The MX Red provides a slightly heftier and textured typing experience with a deep thocky sound, while the Peach switch offers a smooth and mild feel with a syrupy smooth thocky sound profile. Depending on personal preference, users can choose between the slightly more tactile and rich sound of the MX Red or the smoother and more neutral sound of the Peach switch to enhance their typing experience. However, it is important to consider that subjective preferences and the overall keyboard setup can also influence the final typing feel and sound quality achieved with each switch. Ultimately, both switches can provide a satisfying typing experience depending on individual preferences.
Conclusion
In conclusion, if you are looking for a linear switch with a slightly heftier feel and deeper sound profile, the Cherry MX Red switch would be a great choice for you. It offers a robust typing experience with a satisfying auditory depth. On the other hand, if you prefer a syrupy smooth typing experience with a deep, thocky sound profile, the KTT Peach linear switch would be more suitable for you. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches would depend on your personal preference for typing feel and sound profile. Consider the characteristics of each switch carefully before making your selection.
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