Outemu Peach (V3) vs. HMX Xinhai (Heavy)
An in-depth look at the Outemu Peach (V3) and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the ideal mechanical keyboard switch, the Outemu Peach and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) present intriguing options for linear switch enthusiasts. The Outemu Peach is renowned for its lightweight and silenced design, making it an excellent choice for those who prefer a feather-light typing experience without the distraction of audible feedback. Its characteristics of being neutral, mild, muted, subtle, and polished cater to users seeking a smooth and refined touch. In contrast, the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) offers a more substantial feel, crafted with a unique PA12 top housing that provides softer acoustics and a POM stem that delivers a crisp, higher-pitched resonance. This switch embodies a blend of sophistication and precise performance, appealing to those who appreciate a heavier typing sensation. Both switches cater to different preferences, with the Peach promoting a nimble, quiet experience and the Xinhai (Heavy) offering a more pronounced tactile feedback. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits you best.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
40g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
50g
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
Nylon
Top housing material
Nylon
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
Both the Outemu Peach and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) are constructed with nylon for their top and bottom housings, representing a consistent choice in switch design that significantly influences the acoustic and tactile feedback of the switches. Nylon, as a material, is favored in switch manufacturing due to its inherent properties that create a deeper, fuller sound profile when typing. The soft nature of nylon helps in sound absorption, which results in a duller and rounded auditory experience compared to harder plastics. Given that both the Peach and the Xinhai (Heavy) utilize nylon for their housings, it is evident that users can expect a similar sound quality and tactile feel from both switches.
When examining the impact of the housing materials on the typing experience, it's essential to consider how the design elements of each switch contribute to the overall sensation. Since both models feature nylon for their top and bottom housings, variations in sound and feel may still be present depending on other factors such as switch design, stem characteristics, or even manufacturing tolerances. However, the shared material implies that both switches will undoubtedly produce an appealing sound profile with a soft and muted presence, enhancing the user experience for typing and gaming alike. The consistent use of nylon ensures that users will enjoy an analogous auditory experience, fostering an environment conducive to comfortable extended typing sessions.
While the similarities in housing materials strongly influence the acoustic characteristics of the Outemu Peach and HMX Xinhai (Heavy), the individual designs of the switches will ultimately dictate the overall experience. The softness of nylon facilitates a buffering effect that can mute the impact sounds when bottoming out a key, while allowing for a smooth return on release. Therefore, while users can anticipate a similar sound and tactile experience from both switches due to their nylon construction, subtle differences may arise due to the specific engineering choices made by the respective manufacturers. In summary, while the materials align closely, it is the design nuances that will ultimately define the unique aspects of each switch.
Weight
The Outemu Peach linear switch and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch offer distinct typing experiences due to their differing actuation and bottom out forces. The Outemu Peach has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it an ideal choice for users who prefer a softer touch and can type for extended periods without fatigue. In contrast, the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) switch features a heavier actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 62.5 grams, providing a more substantial feel upon key presses that some users find satisfying for both typing and gaming. While the Xinhai's heavier forces cater to those seeking a stronger push and tactile feedback, the Peach's lighter forces are conducive to longer typing sessions. Therefore, the Outemu Peach is the lighter option, while the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) is the heavier choice, offering users a clear distinction based on their preferences for typing sensation and fatigue management.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Outemu Peach linear switch and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch, it is clear that the Peach has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, making it the shorter option, while the Xinhai (Heavy) extends slightly longer at 3.4 mm. This difference means that, for users who favor speedy response times, the Outemu Peach may offer a more responsive feel, as shorter travel distances are often preferred by gamers looking for quick actuation. On the other hand, the HMX Xinhai (Heavy), with its longer travel distance, might be more appealing to those who appreciate a deeper keystroke, providing a more substantial typing experience. Thus, while both switches cater to different preferences, the Peach stands out for its enhanced speed, whereas the Xinhai attracts those who enjoy a heartier depth in their key presses.
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 Peach (V3) 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 examining the sound profiles of both the Outemu Peach and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switches, the Peach stands out with its neutral and muted characteristics. The neutral sound profile, coupled with a muted output, makes the Peach ideal for environments where noise levels need to be kept in check, such as shared workspaces or homes. In contrast, while the sound profile of the Xinhai (Heavy) is not explicitly detailed, its unique PA12 top housing suggests a softer acoustics profile that may also lean toward a muted sound experience, creating a potential for a quieter operation similar to that of the Peach. However, without specific descriptors for the Xinhai, its exact sound signature remains uncertain.
In terms of feel, the Peach switch offers a mild, subtle, and polished typing experience. The mild characteristics allow for an approachable feel that can cater to users of varying skill levels, while its subtle resistance ensures a gentle yet effective performance. The polished finish contributes to a smooth key travel, resulting in a refined typing experience. On the other hand, no information regarding the feel of the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) is available, leaving a gap in understanding how it compares directly to the Peach in terms of tactile feedback and overall typing sensation.
In summary, while both the Outemu Peach and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) switches share a focus on muted and potentially softer sound profiles, the Peach is well-defined with its mild, subtle, and polished feel. The Xinhai's characteristics, particularly regarding its tactile feel, are unknown, making a direct comparison more challenging. However, users seeking a lightly experienced linear switch that minimizes noise may find satisfaction in both options, albeit with the Peach providing a clearer picture of what to expect.
Conclusion
To sum up, choosing between the Outemu Peach linear switch and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing environment. If you prefer a lighter typing experience, where each keystroke feels effortless and less strenuous, the Outemu Peach would be your ideal choice. Its 50-gram actuation force makes it particularly suitable for extended typing sessions, particularly in quieter settings, given its muted sound profile. These switches excel in environments where noise reduction is a priority, making them perfect for those who share their workspace or want a peaceful gaming experience. On the other hand, if you appreciate a bit more resistance and a nuanced acoustic profile, the Xinhai (Heavy) is tailored for you. With a bottom out force of 62.5 grams, it provides a more substantial feel, appealing to those who enjoy a firmer keystroke and a more satisfying auditory feedback. It's particularly effective for precision tasks and offers a crisp, higher-pitched resonance that can add a touch of sophistication to your typing experience. Ultimately, your choice between these switches should align with whether you favor a light and muted touch or a heavier, precise keystroke.
Mentioned in this article
