Outemu Milk Peach vs. Aflion Thunder Shadow
An in-depth look at the Outemu Milk Peach and the Aflion Thunder Shadow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Milk Peach and the Aflion Thunder Shadow stand out as popular choices with unique characteristics. The Milk Peach is a linear switch, known for its smooth keystrokes and quiet operation. On the other hand, the Thunder Shadow by Aflion is a tactile switch that offers a pronounced tactile bump while maintaining a medium weight feel. While the Milk Peach provides a consistent and linear typing experience, the Thunder Shadow offers a more tactile feedback for those who prefer a bit more resistance. Both switches have their own benefits and appeal to different preferences, making them suitable for a variety of users. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
20mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
The main difference between the Outemu Milk Peach and the Aflion Thunder Shadow in terms of housing materials lies in their bottom housing. While they both feature polycarbonate top housings, the Milk Peach uses a nylon bottom housing that produces a deeper and fuller sound profile. In contrast, the Thunder Shadow also utilizes a polycarbonate bottom housing, which leads to a sharper and crisper sound when typing. This difference in bottom housing material results in a noticeable variation in sound and feel when using the switches.
On the other hand, both the Milk Peach and the Thunder Shadow share the same polycarbonate top housing material. This similarity in housing material means that they both offer a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile when typing. Additionally, the use of polycarbonate in the top housing allows for better clarity and resonance in sound. Therefore, if you are looking for a switch with a clear and resonant sound profile, both the Milk Peach and the Thunder Shadow would be ideal choices due to their shared polycarbonate top housing material.
Overall, the choice between the Outemu Milk Peach and the Aflion Thunder Shadow may come down to personal preference in terms of sound and feel. While the Milk Peach offers a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its nylon bottom housing, the Thunder Shadow provides a sharper and crisper sound with its polycarbonate bottom housing. However, both switches will deliver a similar sharp and clear sound experience when it comes to their polycarbonate top housings. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on the individual's preferences for sound and typing experience.
Weight
The Outemu Milk Peach linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Aflion Thunder Shadow tactile switch, which has an unknown actuation force. However, the Aflion Thunder Shadow has a heavier bottom out force of 63.5 grams, while the bottom out force of the Milk Peach is unknown. The difference in actuation force means that the Milk Peach will require less force to register a key press, making it ideal for those who prefer a lighter touch. On the other hand, the Thunder Shadow's heavier bottom out force may appeal to users who prefer a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Outemu Milk Peach linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Aflion Thunder Shadow tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. In this case, the Thunder Shadow has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Milk Peach. The Milk Peach's 3.3 mm travel distance falls on the shorter end of the spectrum, making it a popular choice for gamers looking for quicker response times. On the other hand, the Thunder Shadow's 3.5 mm travel distance offers a bit more depth, which may be preferred by those who enjoy a more substantial keypress feel. Both switches provide a different tactile experience due to their slightly varying travel distances, but the choice ultimately comes down to personal preference.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Aflion Thunder Shadow has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Thunder Shadow for $3.91.
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
The Outemu Milk Peach linear switch is known for its smooth operation and lack of tactile feedback, resulting in a quiet typing experience. In contrast, the Aflion Thunder Shadow tactile switch offers a pronounced tactile bump and a medium weight feel, providing users with a satisfying typing experience that strikes a balance between responsiveness and comfort. When it comes to sound, the Milk Peach is silent due to its linear design, while the Thunder Shadow boasts a neutral sound profile that complements its tactile feedback. The feel of the Milk Peach is smooth and consistent, perfect for those who prefer a linear switch, while the Thunder Shadow provides an invigorating typing sensation with its tactile bump and firm actuation force. Overall, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences in typing experiences, with the Milk Peach excelling in smoothness and silence, and the Thunder Shadow standing out for its tactile feedback and medium weight feel. Depending on your preference for linear or tactile switches, you can expect similar results in terms of sound and feel from these switches.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a smooth and consistent typing experience without the need for a heavy bottom-out force, the Outemu Milk Peach linear switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile switch with a medium-heavy bottom-out force and a pronounced tactile bump for a more immersive typing sensation, the Aflion Thunder Shadow tactile switch would be the ideal option. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches depends on your personal preferences and typing style, so consider what factors are most important to you in order to make the best choice for your mechanical keyboard setup.
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