Outemu Milk Peach vs. HMX Sunset Gleam

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Milk Peach and the HMX Sunset Gleam offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Outemu Milk Peach, while not heavily defined by standout features, presents a solid option for users who appreciate a straightforward linear switch that delivers a smooth typing experience without unnecessary distractions. In contrast, the HMX Sunset Gleam, also recognized as the Duck Duck switch, boasts a refined combination of materials that contribute to a subtle top-out and a satisfying clack, complemented by excellent factory lubrication — a hallmark of HMX's craftsmanship. While the Milk Peach is ideal for those seeking simplicity and reliability, the Sunset Gleam appeals to users looking for a touch of auditory feedback blended with smooth performance. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your typing experience.

By the numbers

Outemu Milk Peach Linear

HMX Sunset Gleam Linear

$3.10 per 10

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The Outemu Milk Peach and the HMX Sunset Gleam switches share a notable similarity in their top housing material, both incorporating polycarbonate. This commonality is significant as polycarbonate is known for producing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate allows sound to resonate clearly, enhancing the audible feedback each switch delivers. Additionally, its translucent characteristic makes it an excellent choice for setups utilizing RGB lighting; both switches would thus ensure that any illumination passes through vividly, complementing the overall aesthetic of a custom keyboard.

However, the bottom housing materials present a contrasting element in their overall acoustic profiles. Both the Outemu Milk Peach and the HMX Sunset Gleam utilize nylon for their bottom housings, which inherently offers a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition. This means that while the polycarbonate top impacts the on-release sound quality—resulting in a crisp and vibrant tone—the nylon bottom contributes to a more rounded and dulcet experience when keying down. Consequently, both switches provide a balanced auditory experience, leveraging the strengths of their respective materials to ensure distinct tonal qualities during different phases of keystrokes.

In summary, the combination of polycarbonate top housings and nylon bottom housings in both the Outemu Milk Peach and HMX Sunset Gleam switches creates synergy in sound characteristics. While the clear and resonant tones from the polycarbonate tops enhance the overall acoustic clarity, the deeper notes from the nylon bottoms provide a full-bodied depth. As such, while the switches may share a similar construction material with differences in bottom housing, they ultimately result in a cohesive sound profile—one that is both crisp upon release and rounded during key presses. This interplay allows users to enjoy a rich typing experience that marries the best qualities of both materials.

Weight

When comparing the Outemu Milk Peach linear switch and the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switch, notable differences arise in their actuation forces. The Milk Peach features a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams, while the Sunset Gleam has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams. This means that typists or gamers who prefer a lighter touch might find the Sunset Gleam more appealing for long periods of use, as it requires less force to trigger a keystroke. In terms of bottom out force, the Milk Peach does not have this measurement available, whereas the Sunset Gleam's bottom out force is listed at 48 grams, indicating a firmer feeling when the switch is fully pressed down. Thus, for those who favor a more substantial typing experience and enjoy the feedback of a heavier switch, the Sunset Gleam would likely be the better choice. Overall, while both switches offer different characteristics, the Sunset Gleam emerges as the lighter option with a known bottom out force that enhances its actuation feel.

Travel distance

The Outemu Milk Peach linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switch features a slightly longer travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that if you opt for the Milk Peach, you will experience a more responsive feel due to its shorter travel distance, making it advantageous for fast-paced gaming where quick response times are essential. On the other hand, the Sunset Gleam, with its longer travel distance, may provide a more substantial tactile feedback, appealing to users who prefer a deeper keypress. Therefore, the Milk Peach is the shorter option, favored for its agility, while the Sunset Gleam is the longer option, appreciated for its depth. Ultimately, your choice should reflect your preference for either responsiveness or a fuller typing experience.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The sound profile of the Outemu Milk Peach linear switch is currently unknown, while the HMX Sunset Gleam is characterized by a subtle top-out sound accompanied by a satisfying clack. This makes the Sunset Gleam a more appealing option for those who enjoy auditory feedback while typing, as it combines a muted sound with a crispness that can enhance the overall typing experience. Nonetheless, it’s important to remember that the actual sound can vary depending on the keyboard build, including the choice of the board and keycap materials, so individual results may differ.

In terms of feel, information regarding the Milk Peach is also not available, whereas the HMX Sunset Gleam is known for its excellent factory lube, contributing to a smooth and satisfying typing experience. The lube application not only enhances the glide of the switch, but also assists in reducing scratchiness, which can often be a concern with linear switches. If the Milk Peach offers a similarly smooth experience but specifics are not available, it's possible that users may find comparable satisfaction in both switches, assuming they also have good production quality.

In conclusion, while the Outemu Milk Peach lacks defined characteristics to make a direct comparison, the HMX Sunset Gleam stands out with its pleasant sound and enhanced feeling thanks to its quality materials and factory lube. If you prefer sound and smoothness, the Sunset Gleam may provide a more rewarding experience, while the Milk Peach could still be a viable option if it shares similar qualities. Overall, choosing between the two may ultimately depend on personal preferences and the specific sound and feel someone is looking for in their mechanical keyboard experience.

Conclusion

To conclude, when deciding between the Outemu Milk Peach linear switch and the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switch, your choice will largely depend on your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer an ultra-light switch that allows for effortless key presses, even though the exact bottom-out force is not specified, the Milk Peach may be tailored to your needs, creating a fluid typing experience ideal for rapid keystrokes and gaming. On the other hand, if you gravitate towards a switch that offers a more structured feel with a bottom-out force of 48 grams, the Sunset Gleam excels with its perfect balance of materials that provide a subtle top-out and a satisfying clack, along with the excellent factory lube that can enhance your performance. Ultimately, both switches provide distinct experiences: the Milk Peach allows for a smooth, swift action for fast-paced tasks, while the Sunset Gleam offers a refined touch and auditory feedback that can make typing feel satisfying and more intentional. Consider your priority—whether it's speed and ease of use or a tactile and auditory typing experience—before making your selection.

Mentioned in this article

Outemu Milk Peach Linear

$3.10 per 10

Learn more

HMX Sunset Gleam Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn more