Outemu Milk Peach vs. HMX Xinhai (Heavy)
An in-depth look at the Outemu Milk Peach and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, enthusiasts often seek the perfect blend of feel and performance, and two notable options are the Outemu Milk Peach and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy). The Milk Peach, celebrated for its smooth linear action, provides a satisfying typing experience with minimal resistance, making it an ideal choice for gamers and typists who prefer a fluid keystroke without tactile bumps or audible clicks. In contrast, the Xinhai (Heavy) distinguishes itself with its robust design, featuring a PA12 top housing that delivers softer acoustics, paired with a POM stem that enhances the switch's crispness and resonance. This heavier option appeals to those who appreciate a more substantial feel under their fingers, ideal for heavy typists seeking precision and a refined auditory experience. Both switches offer distinct advantages depending on your typing style and preferences; however, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
62.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
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 switch features a polycarbonate top housing, which contributes significantly to its sound profile by providing a sharper and crisper auditory experience. Polycarbonate is known for its rigidity, which enhances resonance and clarity when a key is pressed, making it ideal for users who prefer a more pronounced and high-pitched keystroke. This quality is particularly advantageous when RGB lighting is involved, as the translucency of the polycarbonate allows light to pass through more effectively, enhancing the overall aesthetic appeal of a keyboard. In contrast, the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) utilizes a nylon top housing, which, although a classic switch material, results in a notably different sound profile. The softness of nylon leads to a rounder and duller sound, as it absorbs more sound vibrations than its harder counterpart.
On the other hand, both switches share a nylon bottom housing, which aligns their performance characteristics in this aspect. Nylon's inherent properties ensure that both the Milk Peach and the Xinhai (Heavy) will deliver a deeper and fuller sound profile while typing, regardless of the differences present in their top housings. This uniformity in the bottom housing means that both switches provide a solid foundation for the tactile feedback felt during key presses. As users bottom out on either switch, the impact will be cushioned and enriched by the nylon material, enabling a comfortable typing experience across both models.
Ultimately, the divergent materials in the top housing of the Milk Peach and the Xinhai (Heavy) illustrate the fundamental contrast in their overall sound dynamics. While the polycarbonate top of the Milk Peach accentuates brightness and sharpness in sound, the nylon top of the Xinhai (Heavy) yields a more subdued auditory output. However, the similar bottom housings ensure a consistent fundamental typing feel and response across both switches. This balancing act between the two different top materials and the same bottom material results in unique yet complementary sound profiles that cater to different user preferences, allowing for a rich exploration of tactile and acoustic experiences in mechanical keyboards.
Weight
The Outemu Milk Peach linear switch and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch differ notably in their actuation forces, with the Milk Peach requiring a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the stronger 55 grams of the Xinhai. This means that users may find the Milk Peach more comfortable for extended typing sessions or gaming due to its lower resistance, making it ideal for those who prefer a lighter switch. However, the bottom out force for the Milk Peach is not available, while the Xinhai has a specified bottom out force of 62.5 grams, which contributes to a more substantial typing experience for users favoring a heavier feel. Without knowledge of the Milk Peach's bottom out force, we cannot make a direct comparison in that aspect. However, it is clear that while the Milk Peach is the lighter choice, the Xinhai (Heavy) caters to users who enjoy a firmer keystroke.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Outemu Milk Peach linear switch and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch, we find a slight difference that may appeal to users with distinct preferences. The Milk Peach has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, making it the shorter option, while the Xinhai (Heavy) features a travel distance of 3.4 mm, positioning it as the longer switch. This subtle variation means that those who favor rapid response times might lean towards the Milk Peach due to its shorter travel, ideal for gamers seeking quicker actuation. Conversely, users who prefer a more pronounced depth in their keystrokes may find the Xinhai (Heavy) more satisfying, as its longer travel distance can offer a more substantial tactile feel. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches hinges on whether one prioritizes responsiveness over depth in their typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Xinhai (Heavy) has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Xinhai (Heavy) for $3.19.
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 presents a sound profile that is relatively muted and less pronounced compared to sharper switches. Its acoustics may be characterized as soft and understated, which caters well to users who prefer a quieter typing experience. In contrast, the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch delivers a distinctively crisp and higher-pitched resonance. This is largely due to its POM stem and unique PA12 top housing, which gives it a softer acoustics profile while still allowing for that refined clarity in sound. Both switches can produce distinctly different audio experiences, influenced not only by their respective designs but also by the choice of keyboard and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Milk Peach switch is often noted for its smoothness, providing a linear experience that glides with minimal resistance, which can be appealing for typists who favor a light touch. Meanwhile, the Xinhai (Heavy) is designed with a more substantial feel due to its heavier actuation force, making each keystroke noticeably more deliberate and tactile. This variation creates a different typing experience where the Xinhai may require more effort but rewards users with a sense of controlled engagement with each press.
In conclusion, the Outemu Milk Peach and HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switches offer contrasting experiences in both sound and feel. The Milk Peach promotes a quieter and smoother typing experience, ideal for those who prefer subtlety, while the Xinhai (Heavy) delivers crisp acoustic feedback with a more tactile resistance that many users may find satisfying. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preference regarding sound and typing feel, as both can cater to different demands in the mechanical keyboard landscape.
Conclusion
To conclude, selecting between the Outemu Milk Peach linear switch and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing or gaming habits. If you are someone who enjoys an exceptionally smooth keypress with a softer sound profile and prefers a lighter touch, the Milk Peach might be the ideal choice for you. This switch is perfect for long typing sessions where minimal resistance can help reduce finger fatigue and enhance your overall experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a firmer feel and are looking for a switch that offers more tactile feedback with a crisp, higher-pitched resonance, the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) should be your go-to. With its medium bottom out force, it strikes a balance for individuals who want both performance and sophistication in their typing experience, especially suited for gamers who require precise keystrokes. Ultimately, consider what feels right for you and how each switch aligns with your specific needs, as both options present unique benefits that can enhance your mechanical keyboard experience.
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