Outemu Peach vs. SP-Star Duck
An in-depth look at the Outemu Peach and the SP-Star Duck switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice between linear and tactile switches is a crucial one. Two popular options in this realm are the Outemu Peach and the SP-Star Duck switches. The Outemu Peach, a linear switch, excels in delivering a feathery light typing experience, thanks to its lightweight construction. Additionally, these switches have the unique feature of being silenced, making them an ideal choice for those who prefer a quiet typing experience. On the other hand, the SP-Star Duck, a tactile switch, offers a more subtle tactile feedback while typing. With a clean and crispy sound profile, these switches provide a gentle tactility that is favored by many. Both switches fall under the category of neutral and mild, offering a polished typing experience. 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
40g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
58g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold plated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Outemu Outemu Peach and the SP-Star Duck, while both being common materials used in switch housings, present distinct differences in terms of sound profile. The Outemu Peach features a nylon top housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile. The relatively softer nature of nylon allows it to absorb more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, the Duck utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Polycarbonate, being a stiffer plastic, provides a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, polycarbonate's translucency makes it particularly beneficial for RGB lighting purposes.
Moving on to the bottom housings, the Outemu Peach employs a nylon material, similar to its top housing. This nylon bottom housing contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, similar to the effects seen in the top housing. Conversely, the SP-Star Duck utilizes a polycarbonate bottom housing, mirroring the characteristics of its top housing. As a result, the polycarbonate bottom housing helps create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound when the switch is pressed.
In summary, the differences between the Outemu Peach and the SP-Star Duck lie in their housing materials. The nylon top and bottom housings of the Outemu Peach elicit a deeper and fuller sound profile, while the polycarbonate top and bottom housings of the Duck create a sharper and more resonant sound. However, if both top and bottom housings are the same for a particular switch, the qualities of the housing material will be evenly distributed throughout the switch, impacting both the bottom-out sound and feel, as well as the sound produced when letting go of a key.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Peach linear switch and the SP-Star Duck tactile switch, noticeable differences can be observed. The Outemu Peach has a relatively light actuation force of 40 grams, meaning it only requires a gentle touch to trigger a keystroke. In contrast, the actuation force of the Duck switch is unknown, making it difficult to compare directly.
Moving on to the bottom out force, the Outemu Peach requires a force of 50 grams to fully press the key down, providing a slightly firmer typing experience. On the other hand, the Duck switch has a bottom out force of 58 grams, offering a more substantial and tactile feel when typing.
Considering weight as a factor, those who prefer a lighter typing experience would likely gravitate towards the Outemu Peach switch as it requires less force for both actuation and bottoming out. This lighter feel can be beneficial for extended typing sessions or gaming marathons, providing comfort and reducing fatigue.
In contrast, individuals seeking a more substantial and satisfying keystroke may opt for the SP-Star Duck switch. With a higher bottom out force, users will experience a more pronounced tactile feedback and a stronger push feel, which some find more enjoyable and engaging during typing sessions.
To achieve similar results, one could select the Duck switch and adjust their typing technique to apply a lighter touch, mimicking the actuation force of the Outemu Peach. However, it is important to note that the actual actuation force of the Duck switch is unknown, so this comparison is based solely on the bottom out force.
In summary, the Outemu Peach switch offers a lighter actuation and bottom out force, providing a comfortable typing experience for longer durations. On the other hand, the SP-Star Duck switch presents a stronger and more tactile push, delivering a more satisfying typing experience for those who appreciate a heavier touch.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Outemu Peach linear switch and the SP-Star Duck tactile switch, it is clear that the Duck has a longer travel distance of 4 mm, while the Peach has a shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. The Duck's 4 mm distance is more traditional and provides a deeper and more substantial feel when pressing down on the keys. On the other hand, the Peach's shorter distance is preferred by gamers who value faster response times. These individuals appreciate the shorter travel distance as it allows for quicker key presses. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference. If you prioritize a more responsive typing experience, the Outemu Peach with its 3.3 mm travel distance would be the ideal option. However, if you prefer a deeper and more satisfying keystroke, the SP-Star Duck with its 4 mm travel distance would be the better choice.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The SP-Star Duck has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Duck for $5.40.
The Outemu Peach comes in at $3.40 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, both the Outemu Peach and the SP-Star Duck switches have a neutral sound profile. This means that they produce a moderate level of sound, making them suitable for most purposes. However, the Outemu Peach switch is also described as muted, which means it produces a softer and quieter sound compared to a regular switch. This makes the Outemu Peach ideal for those who prefer a more silent typing experience. It's important to note that the overall sound produced by a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, both the Outemu Peach and the SP-Star Duck switches offer a mild and gentle typing experience. This means that the actuation force required to press the keys is moderate, resulting in a comfortable typing experience for both beginners and advanced users. Both switches are also described as polished, meaning they have a smooth and refined finish. This results in a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. The SP-Star Duck switch is further described as buttery, indicating a smooth and fluid keystroke experience that provides a seamless and effortless typing sensation.
In conclusion, both the Outemu Peach and the SP-Star Duck switches offer their unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Outemu Peach is best suited for linear typing enthusiasts who prefer a feathery light typing experience with a muted sound. On the other hand, the SP-Star Duck switch is perfect for those seeking a subtle tactile typing experience with a clean and crispy sound profile. Despite their differences, both switches provide a comfortable and smooth typing experience thanks to their polished finishing. Whether you choose the Outemu Peach or the SP-Star Duck, you can expect similar results in terms of overall performance and satisfaction.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you're a fan of lightweight switches and enjoy a feathery light typing experience with minimal noise, the Outemu Peach switch is the perfect choice for you. These switches have a bottom out force of 50 grams, making them very light and easy to press. Additionally, they are silenced, resulting in a muted sound profile that minimizes the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. The Outemu Peach switches are ideal for linear switch enthusiasts looking for a quieter typing experience.
On the other hand, if you prefer a more subtle tactile typing experience with a clean and crispy sound profile, the SP-Star Duck switch is the way to go. With a bottom out force of 58 grams, these switches offer a medium actuation force requirement and a gentle tactility when typing. The Duck switches produce a neutral sound, making them suitable for a variety of environments, whether you're a beginner or advanced user, and whether you intend to use them at home or work.
In terms of feel, the Outemu Peach switches provide a mild and subtle typing experience, with a polished finish that ensures smooth and refined key travel. The Duck switches offer a similar mild typing experience, but with a buttery smooth and fluid keystroke sensation. Both switches have a polished finish, resulting in sleek typing experiences with reduced friction.
Ultimately, your choice between the Outemu Peach and SP-Star Duck switches will depend on your preferences for typing experience, sound profile, and bottom out force. Consider whether you prefer a lighter or medium actuation force, a more silence or clean sound profile, and a mild or buttery typing feel. By considering these factors, you can make an informed decision and choose the switch that suits your needs and preferences the best.
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