Outemu Milk Peach vs. HMX SU
An in-depth look at the Outemu Milk Peach and the HMX SU switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switches, enthusiasts often find themselves weighing the attributes of various options to suit their typing preferences. The Outemu Milk Peach, a linear switch, is recognized for its smooth keystrokes, making it an appealing choice for gamers who seek rapid inputs without any tactile bumps. On the other hand, the HMX SU, also a linear switch, distinguishes itself with its robust construction, featuring a full PA12 housing and a T5 stem that produces a subtle yet relatively deep sound profile, appealing to users who appreciate a more tactile auditory feedback while typing. Both switches cater to specific needs: the Milk Peach offers a frictionless experience ideal for fast-paced gaming, while the HMX SU provides durability and a satisfying sound for a more enjoyable typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that is right for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
T5
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
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
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Outemu Milk Peach and the HMX SU switches utilize distinctly different materials for their top housings, which ultimately influences their sound profiles and overall user experience. The Milk Peach features a polycarbonate top housing, celebrated for its ability to produce a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This is primarily due to the stiffer nature of polycarbonate, which allows sound waves to resonate more clearly. In contrast, the HMX SU employs a nylon top housing. Nylon is traditionally known for its softer texture, which tends to absorb sound rather than amplify it, leading to a deeper and fuller sound profile. The difference in materials here means that typing on the Milk Peach emphasizes a more pronounced auditory response, especially when RGB lighting is a factor due to the translucency of polycarbonate, while the HMX SU offers a rounder and more muted sound.
Both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housings, which aligns their characteristics in this respect. In both the Outemu Milk Peach and the HMX SU, the nylon material creates a deeper sound profile, contributing to the overall typing experience by absorbing sound and resulting in a rounded acoustic feedback. This alignment in bottom housing material indicates that, regardless of the differences in their top housings, both switches share a similar audio foundation. Consequently, when pressed down, users will experience a consistent depth of sound in both switches attributable to the nylon composition, which enhances the overall typing experience with a softness that can be appreciated in both cases.
In summary, while the top housing materials set the switches apart in terms of clarity and sound profile—polycarbonate for the Milk Peach offering brightness and nylon for the HMX SU providing richness—the shared nylon bottom housing unites the two switches with a consistent auditory experience on key activation. This synergy reflects how distinct material choices can lead to varied sonic outcomes; the Milk Peach’s superior clarity at release contrasts with the HMX SU’s richer response during key presses. Ultimately, users can expect that the integrated qualities of both housings will produce a balanced interplay of sound characteristics, lending each switch its unique personality within the framework of their commonalities.
Weight
The Outemu Milk Peach linear switch and the HMX SU linear switch both have the same actuation force of 45 grams, meaning they require an equal amount of force to trigger a keystroke. This similarity suggests that users will experience comparable responsiveness when typing or gaming with either switch. However, the crucial difference lies in their bottom out forces; while the SU has a measured bottom out force of 50 grams, the Milk Peach's bottom out force is unspecified. This indicates that the HMX SU is the heavier of the two switches, delivering a stronger tactile feedback when fully pressed down. In contrast, the unknown bottom out force for the Milk Peach makes it difficult to determine its full resistance when bottoming out. For those who prefer a lighter switch for long typing sessions or gaming, the actuation force of both switches aligns, but the heavier feel of the SU may not cater to that preference as effectively, depending on its bottom out experience.
Travel distance
The Outemu Milk Peach linear switch and the HMX SU linear switch exhibit different travel distances, with the Milk Peach measuring 3.3 mm and the HMX SU measuring 3.6 mm. This makes the Milk Peach the shorter option, appealing to users who prefer a more responsive feel and faster key presses, particularly favored by gamers. In contrast, the slightly longer travel distance of the HMX SU at 3.6 mm offers a deeper experience that some users might find more satisfying, despite potentially being less responsive for rapid keystrokes. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches hinges on user preference—those seeking brisk actuation may lean towards the Milk Peach, while those desiring a fuller travel experience may opt for the HMX SU.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX SU has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the SU for $3.29.
The Outemu Milk Peach comes in at $3.10 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 Outemu Milk Peach switch does not have a prominent characteristic that sets it apart, which may leave users intrigued but ultimately seeking more detail on its auditory profile. In contrast, the HMX SU switch stands out with its full PA12 housing, which contributes to a subtle yet relatively deep sound profile when pressed. The distinct sound of the SU can provide a satisfying auditory feedback that some users may prefer in a mechanical keyboard.
Regarding feel, the Milk Peach switch lacks specific descriptions that would highlight its tactile sensations, making it difficult to gauge how satisfying it would be during extended typing or gaming sessions. On the other hand, the HMX SU switch, equipped with a T5 stem, is likely to offer a smooth and pleasant linear experience, as linear switches are generally known for their uninterrupted keystrokes without tactile bumps or clicks. Users accustomed to linear switches will likely find that the SU delivers the consistent feel they are looking for.
Considering the available information, while the Milk Peach switch may pique curiosity due to its lack of details, the HMX SU provides a more clearly defined sound and feel that can cater to those who appreciate a nuanced typing experience. The subjective qualities of both switches might lead users to explore how their individual setups, including the choice of board and keycaps, can affect performance. For those seeking a distinctly satisfying sound and feel, the HMX SU is likely the better choice, whereas the Milk Peach remains more of an unknown entity in the linear switch arena.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Outemu Milk Peach linear switch and the HMX SU linear switch, it's crucial to consider your personal preferences for tactile feedback, sound, and overall typing experience. If you’re someone who enjoys a lighter switch with a more comfortable and cushioned feel, the Milk Peach may be the right choice for you, especially if you value a unique typing sensation. However, the lack of detailed specs and sound descriptions might leave you wanting more, particularly if you have specific acoustic preferences. On the other hand, if you're looking for a switch that provides a palpable sound profile alongside a satisfying typing experience, the HMX SU is a compelling option. Its 50g bottom-out force and deeper sound profile may suit you if you prefer a bit more resistance while typing or gaming, granting a more defined actuation feel. Ultimately, your choice should resonate with your typing style and whether you prioritize softer feedback or a richer sound experience.