Outemu Peach vs. HMX Sunset Gleam
An in-depth look at the Outemu Peach and the HMX Sunset Gleam switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Outemu Peach and the HMX Sunset Gleam both offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences among linear switch enthusiasts. The Outemu Peach is celebrated for its lightweight and silenced design, making it an ideal choice for those who crave a feathery light typing experience without the distracting sounds typical of many mechanical switches. Its qualities can be described as neutral, mild, subtle, and polished, creating a typing atmosphere that feels refined and comfortable. In contrast, the HMX Sunset Gleam—often referred to as the Duck Duck switch—brings a new level of satisfaction with its superbly blended materials that produce a subtle top-out and a gratifying clack sound. This switch stands out not just for its tactile feedback but also for HMX's renowned factory lubrication, ensuring a smoother experience. Ultimately, whether you lean towards the muted elegance of the Outemu Peach or the engaging feel of the HMX Sunset Gleam, each has its distinctive advantages. 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
42g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
48g
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
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Ly
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the Outemu Peach and HMX Sunset Gleam switches, one of the most striking differences lies in the materials used for their top housings. The Outemu Peach features a nylon top housing, which is known for its ability to produce a deeper, fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon helps absorb sound, creating a more muted and rounded auditory experience. In contrast, the HMX Sunset Gleam incorporates a polycarbonate top housing that results in a sharper, higher-pitched sound. The rigidity of polycarbonate enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound, offering a more pronounced auditory profile. This distinction in material choice not only influences the sound outcome but also reflects the intended use of these switches—whether for a softer typing experience or a more vibrant one with RGB lighting.
On the other hand, both the Outemu Peach and HMX Sunset Gleam utilize nylon for their bottom housings, establishing a commonality between the two. This shared use of nylon contributes to a similar acoustic performance from the bottom of the switches, producing a deeper and fuller sound profile. Regardless of the differences in their top housings, users will enjoy the characteristic muffled and rounded auditory experience from the bottom housing across both switch types. While the top housing leads to different sound outcomes, the nylon bottom housing ensures a consistent deeper sound when keys bottom out, allowing for a similar feel during typing.
Ultimately, the combined impact of the different materials in the Outemu Peach and HMX Sunset Gleam switches illustrates how sound profiles can be influenced by switch design. The distinct use of nylon and polycarbonate in the top housings creates unique sound characteristics while retaining the familiar acoustic traits contributed by nylon in the bottom housings. This interplay of materials allows both switches to cater to diverse preferences; users looking for a muted typing sound may prefer the Peach, while those who enjoy a brighter acoustic experience might gravitate toward the Sunset Gleam. Regardless, the shared nylon bottom housing ensures that both switch setups will provide a comparable bottom-out feeling during use.
Weight
When comparing the Outemu Peach linear switch and the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switch, both switches exhibit relatively light actuation and bottom out forces, yet they have subtle distinctions. The Outemu Peach requires an actuation force of 40 grams, while the Sunset Gleam necessitates slightly more at 42 grams, making the Peach the lighter option in this regard. In terms of bottom out force, the Peach also has a heavier bottom out force at 50 grams compared to the Sunset Gleam's 48 grams. This indicates that while both switches are considered light, the Outemu Peach offers a slightly more significant push feel when fully pressed down. Users seeking effortless keystrokes for long typing sessions or gaming may favor the Outemu Peach for its lighter actuation, whereas those who prefer a touch more resistance may find the Sunset Gleam more appealing due to its slightly higher actuation force and lower bottom out force.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Outemu Peach linear switch and the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switch, it becomes evident that they cater to different preferences. The Outemu Peach features a travel distance of 3.3 mm, making it the shorter of the two switches, while the HMX Sunset Gleam offers a travel distance of 3.5 mm, which is slightly longer. For gamers seeking rapid response times, the Peach's shorter travel distance may provide an advantage, allowing for quicker key presses. Conversely, the Sunset Gleam's greater travel distance may appeal to those who enjoy a more pronounced tactile feedback, as it offers a fuller depth of travel. Ultimately, the choice between the two depends on whether one prioritizes speed and responsiveness or the depth and comfort of key presses.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Sunset Gleam has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sunset Gleam for $2.99.
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
When it comes to sound, the Outemu Peach switch features a neutral and muted profile. It strikes a balance that makes it versatile enough for a variety of environments, ensuring that whether you are working or gaming, the sound remains manageable. The muted nature of this switch minimizes the typical noise associated with mechanical keyboards, thereby enhancing its suitability for shared spaces or quieter settings. In contrast, the specific sound characteristics of the HMX Sunset Gleam are not provided, making it difficult to draw direct comparisons in terms of auditory experience. However, the Sunset Gleam is noted for a satisfying clack with a subtle top-out, suggesting it may offer a different sound profile that some users may find pleasurable.
In terms of feel, the Outemu Peach switch is characterized by its mild and subtle tactile experience, offering a gentle resistance that is approachable for most users. The transition through the key travel feels polished, attributing to its lightweight design and factory lube, which reduces friction and enhances smoothness during typing. The emphasis on a refined finish means that users can expect a sleek typing experience with the Peach switch. In contrast, no specific descriptions are available for the feel of the Sunset Gleam, leaving an open question regarding its tactile feedback and overall typing experience.
In summary, while the Outemu Peach switch provides a well-rounded auditory and tactile experience characterized by its muted sound and mild feel, the HMX Sunset Gleam switch remains somewhat of an unknown in these areas due to a lack of detailed information. For those seeking a linear switch that is lightweight and silenced, the Peach serves as a strong option, whereas the Sunset Gleam may offer a satisfactory clack and enhanced factory lube, appealing to users looking for a different textural experience. In any case, both switches promise delightful typing experiences but differ notably in their auditory and tactile qualities.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Outemu Peach and the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switches, consider your specific typing preferences and environment. If you prioritize a super lightweight typing experience that’s also quiet, the Outemu Peach is an excellent choice. With its muted sound profile and mild feel, it provides a smooth and polished typing experience that is ideal for shared or quieter spaces, making it suitable for office environments or late-night gaming sessions without disturbing others. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch that combines a light actuation force with a bit of character in its sound — thanks to its subtle top-out and satisfying clack — then the HMX Sunset Gleam could be the better option for you. It’s particularly well-suited for those who appreciate a bit more feedback while still maintaining a linear feel. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you lean more toward a soft, muted experience with the Peach or a slightly more engaging, yet still quiet setup with the Sunset Gleam.
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