HMX Game1989 vs. Outemu Spring Breeze
An in-depth look at the HMX Game1989 and the Outemu Spring Breeze switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting mechanical keyboard switches, the choice often comes down to the tactile feedback and sound profile that suits your preferences. The HMX 1989, a linear switch, is celebrated for its smooth key presses and deep, thocky sound that enhances the typing experience by providing a satisfying feel without any tactile bump. This makes it an ideal choice for gamers and typists who prefer swift, uninterrupted keystrokes, allowing for fast-paced action and seamless typing. On the other hand, the Outemu Spring Breeze is a clicky switch, which offers an audible click sound and tactile feedback with each keystroke. This characteristic not only provides an enjoyable auditory experience but also ensures that typists can easily register when a key has been actuated, making it great for those who appreciate clear confirmation with every press. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that aligns with your specific needs and preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.50 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
T5
Stem material
pom
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the HMX 1989 and the Outemu Spring Breeze, one of the most notable distinctions lies in the choice of materials for the top housing. The HMX 1989 utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for its stiffer nature and ability to produce a higher-pitched, crisper sound profile. This acoustic characteristic makes it well-suited for enhancing RGB lighting effects, as the translucency of polycarbonate allows for vivid illumination. In contrast, the Outemu Spring Breeze opts for a nylon top housing, which yields a deeper, fuller sound. The softer quality of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a warmer auditory experience that contrasts sharply with the HMX 1989's sharper tones. Thus, while both switches provide their unique auditory outputs, they create distinct atmospheres dependent on their individual top housing materials.
Delving further into the bottom housing, both the HMX 1989 and the Outemu Spring Breeze feature nylon materials. This consistency highlights nylon's established reputation as a versatile and effective switch housing material across different brands and models. Given that nylon is inherently softer, it influences the bottom-out sound and feel during keypresses by delivering a rounder, less piercing acoustic experience. The comparison reinforces how both switches prioritize sound quality and user experience, with the nylon bottom housing in both models responsible for a consistent, deeper sound profile. Therefore, while the top housings of the two switches diverge significantly in character, the bottom housings remain aligned in producing a fuller auditory sensation.
Ultimately, the contribution of each housing material influences the overall function and feel of both switches. The HMX 1989 presents a unique soundscape through its polycarbonate top housing, catering to users who enjoy a sharper auditory feedback during releases, while the nylon bottom housing ensures a pleasant rounded sound. Conversely, the Outemu Spring Breeze showcases a harmonious blend of textures and auditory qualities with its nylon top housing, emphasizing a fuller sound on keypresses. For users seeking an acoustic experience that merges the best of both worlds, understanding these distinctions allows for more informed choices; however, if similar results are desired, focusing on the bottom housing's nylon composition across both switches will provide a cohesive aspect of sound that resonates consistently.
Weight
When comparing the HMX 1989 linear switch and the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch, we can see some differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The HMX 1989 features an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, while the Outemu Spring Breeze has a slightly lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams. This means that the Spring Breeze requires less force to initiate a keystroke, making it potentially more comfortable for extended typing sessions, especially for those who prefer a lighter touch. However, the bottom out forces show that while the Spring Breeze bottoms out at a higher force, both switches fall into the medium-light category overall. Consequently, both switches may deliver a similar typing experience depending on the user's preference for actuation sensibility or heft—though the Outemu Switch is slightly lighter in actuation force. Therefore, those looking for a lighter feel may gravitate towards the Spring Breeze, while individuals who enjoy a more robust typing experience might find the HMX 1989 to be more suitable.
Travel distance
Both the HMX 1989 linear switch and the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this regard. This means that when pressing down on either switch, users will experience the same amount of key travel from the top to the bottom, resulting in a similar tactile feedback sensation. Since both switches have the same travel distance, users can expect comparable keypress experiences, whether they prefer the smooth action of the HMX 1989 or the clicky response of the Outemu Spring Breeze.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Game1989 has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Game1989 for $3.29.
The Outemu Spring Breeze 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 HMX 1989 linear switch is renowned for its deep, thocky sound profile, which contributes to a satisfying auditory experience during typing or gaming. This quality gives the 1989 a rich and resonant character, making it a favorite for those who appreciate a more pronounced auditory feedback. In contrast, the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch delivers a distinctly percussive sound often associated with clicky switches, providing a sharp and crisp auditory cue with each keystroke. The click sound adds an engaging sonic element to the typing experience, making it appealing for users who enjoy audible feedback that reinforces their actions. However, it's essential to note that the actual sound produced can vary based on factors such as the keyboard frame material and keycap design.
When it comes to feel, the HMX 1989 linear switch is characterized by a smooth, uninterrupted keystroke, allowing for fluid typing without any tactile bumps or interruptions. This makes it ideal for gamers and typists who prioritize speed and consistency in their movements. On the other hand, the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch provides a tactile feedback with a noticeable 'click' at the actuation point, which can enhance typing accuracy and offer a more interactive experience. This difference in feel highlights the preference for either a linear action without resistance or a tactile click that gives a distinct confirmation of each keypress.
In summary, the HMX 1989 linear switch focuses on delivering a deep and thocky sound paired with a smooth keystroke that appeals to users seeking a more subdued auditory experience. Conversely, the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch emphasizes a sharp sound and tactile feedback, making it more suited for those who desire an engaging and interactive typing experience. Depending on your preferences, both switches can provide satisfying results, whether you lean towards a linear or clicky feel.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the choice between the HMX 1989 linear switch and the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and intended usage. If you value a smooth and consistent keystroke with a notable depth and a satisfying "thock" sound, the HMX 1989 would be an excellent choice, especially for gaming or typing sessions where quiet and swift actuation is desirable. Its medium-light bottom-out force makes it easy to press, allowing for rapid key presses without causing fatigue over extended periods. On the other hand, if you enjoy tactile feedback and an audible click while typing, the Outemu Spring Breeze could be more appealing to you. Its slightly firmer actuation can provide a satisfying sensation that enhances your typing experience, ideal for those who like to hear and feel their keystrokes, despite it being broadly similar in force to the 1989. Understanding your priorities—be it quiet performance, tactile feedback, or sound—will help you make an informed decision tailored to your mechanical keyboard experience.
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