KTT Peach vs. HMX SU
An in-depth look at the KTT Peach and the HMX SU switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing mechanical keyboard switches, the KTT Peach and the HMX SU stand out as two compelling linear options, each with its distinct characteristics. The KTT Peach is celebrated for its syrupy smooth typing experience and its deep, thocky sound profile, categorized as low-pitched and neutral. This makes it an excellent choice for gamers and typists seeking a soft landing with a satisfying auditory feedback without being overly noisy. In contrast, the HMX SU offers a unique build with a full PA12 housing and a T5 stem, resulting in a subtle yet relatively deep sound profile. While both switches provide a linear feel conducive to fast, uninterrupted typing, the Peach is known for its richer tones, while the SU leans toward a more understated audio experience. Ultimately, your decision may hinge on your preference for sound and feel—yet let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities, so you can best decide on the switch that suits your typing style.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
T5
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
13mm progressive spring
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The KTT Peach and HMX SU switches showcase different housing materials that significantly influence their sound profiles and overall aesthetic qualities. The KTT Peach features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its stiffer structure. This rigidity allows the switch to produce a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound, aligning well with users seeking brightness in their typing experience. The translucency of polycarbonate also enhances the visual appeal of RGB lighting, making it a favored choice for users who prioritize aesthetics alongside acoustics. In contrast, the HMX SU is equipped with a nylon top housing, which is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound. As a result, it generates a deeper, fuller sound profile that may resonate better with users looking for a warmer typing experience. The differences in these materials contribute to distinct auditory experiences, yet both serve to elevate the performance of the respective switches.
When examining the bottom housing, both the KTT Peach and HMX SU utilize nylon material, which exhibits similar characteristics between the two. Nylon is recognized as a classic switch housing material, and both switches leverage its softer properties to produce a rounded and fuller sound profile. This consistency in the bottom housing allows for a shared auditory experience—when typing on either switch, users will encounter the deeper tones associated with nylon. As this material absorbs sound more effectively than its polycarbonate counterpart, it contributes to a satisfying feel when bottoming out, creating a uniformity in tactile feedback between the KTT Peach and HMX SU in this respect.
Overall, the distinct differences between the top housings of the KTT Peach and HMX SU result in varied sound profiles, while the similar use of nylon in their bottom housings brings coherence to the typing experience. Users aiming for a bright and sharp sound will lean towards the KTT Peach with its polycarbonate top, whereas those who prefer a warmer, fuller sound might favor the HMX SU with its nylon top. Nevertheless, the main acoustic traits experienced during typing will reflect the properties of the nylon bottom housing, which both switches share. Thus, while there are clear divergences in the top housing materials, the nylon bottoms ensure that certain core qualities remain intact across both models.
Weight
The KTT Peach linear switch and the HMX SU linear switch exhibit notable similarities and differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. Both switches share the same actuation force of 45 grams, making them feel equally responsive when initiating a keystroke. However, the bottom out forces differ; the KTT Peach has a bottom out force of 53 grams, while the HMX SU’s bottom out force is lighter at 50 grams. This discrepancy implies that while both switches are designed to trigger with the same effort, the KTT Peach provides a slightly heavier feel upon bottoming out compared to the HMX SU, which offers a more subdued experience. Consequently, users who prefer a lighter overall feel might lean towards the HMX SU, ideal for extended typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, those who appreciate a bit more resistance at the bottom may favor the KTT Peach. Overall, while the actuation forces are equivalent, the differences in bottom out forces allow for variation in user experience, appealing to diverse preferences in the realm of mechanical switches.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the KTT Peach linear switch and the HMX SU linear switch, the KTT Peach stands out with a travel distance of 4 mm, while the HMX SU measures in at a shorter 3.6 mm. This difference means that the KTT Peach provides a more substantial feel, appealing to users who favor a deeper keypress, which can enhance tactile feedback during typing and gaming. Conversely, the HMX SU, with its shorter travel distance, caters to gamers who prioritize quicker response times and a more immediate actuation without the prolonged press. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences: choose the KTT Peach for a hearty depth or the HMX SU for a snappier experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX SU has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the SU for $3.29.
The KTT Peach comes in at $2.91 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 comparing the sound profiles of the KTT Peach linear switch and the HMX SU linear switch, the Peach switch stands out with its low-pitched, thocky sound that is both deep and satisfying. It offers a mellow, bass-heavy tone that is often favored by typists who appreciate a more resonant auditory feedback while typing. In contrast, the SU switch presents a subtle, relatively deep sound profile, which may lean towards a more reserved acoustic character. Both switches, while different in their tonal qualities, deliver a sound experience that should fit well within a home or office scenario, though the Peach might be seen as slightly more expressive due to its deeper thocky quality.
In terms of feel, the KTT Peach switch is characterized by a mild typing experience, providing a gentle and approachable tactile response that makes it suitable for a wide range of users, from beginners to seasoned typists. This smoothness contributes to a comfortable, fluid typing motion. The HMX SU, however, doesn’t have a specific description on its feel characteristics, rendering it an unknown factor. This absence of detail leaves an open question regarding how its tactile response may compare to the Peach, but typists seeking a board that feels gentle and consistent will find the Peach to be particularly appealing.
In summary, the KTT Peach linear switch offers a syrupy smooth typing experience paired with a deep, thocky sound, making it a distinctive choice for those who value auditory feedback and a mild tactile feel. The HMX SU linear switch, with its subtle and relatively deep sound profile, may still provide a satisfying experience, though its feel characteristics remain unclear. If you're weighing your options, opting for the Peach might provide a more defined sound and tactile experience, while the SU could present a more understated alternative. Both switches might yield similar results in a compatible setup but would cater to slightly different preferences in sound and feel.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the KTT Peach and the HMX SU linear switches can significantly depend on your typing preferences and the environment in which you'll be using your keyboard. If you prefer a medium-light bottom-out force and enjoy a smooth, syrupy typing experience accompanied by a deeper, thocky sound profile, then the KTT Peach is an excellent option for you. This switch is particularly well-suited for creating a more engaging and satisfying sound while typing, making it a fantastic choice for both home use and quieter workspaces where you want to leave a memorable auditory impression. However, if you find the need for a lighter actuation and a subtle sound profile, the HMX SU linear switch might be more aligned with your preferences. With its lighter 50-gram bottom-out force and full PA12 housing, the SU provides a softer typing experience that is ideal for extended typing sessions or fast-paced gaming where rapid, efficient keystrokes are essential. Ultimately, both switches have their merits, so consider the firmness of your typing style and sound preferences as you make your decision.
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