KTT Ash Gray vs. Outemu Spring Breeze
An in-depth look at the KTT Ash Gray and the Outemu Spring Breeze switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the KTT Ash Gray and the Outemu Spring Breeze offer two distinct typing experiences. The Ash Gray switch is a tactile switch that is designed to provide a subtle yet satisfying tactile response, making it ideal for those who want a light touch with a crisp actuation. On the other hand, the Spring Breeze switch is a clicky switch that is known for its audible click sound with each key press. While the Ash Gray is categorized as 'Easy-to-press', 'Mild', 'Neutral', the Spring Breeze does not have a specific category. If you're looking for a switch that offers a balance of tactile feedback without being too overwhelming, the Ash Gray may be the way to go. If you prefer the added auditory confirmation of each key press, the Spring Breeze might be more up your alley. 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
38g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.50 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
pom
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
18mm spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the KTT Ash Gray and the Outemu Spring Breeze, it is clear that the Ash Gray utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, while the Spring Breeze utilizes nylon. The polycarbonate top housing of the Ash Gray creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile due to its stiffer nature, whereas the nylon top housing of the Spring Breeze results in a deeper and fuller sound profile by absorbing more sound. While both materials offer distinct sound profiles, the Ash Gray's polycarbonate top housing is best suited for those looking for a crisper sound with RGB lighting capabilities, while the Spring Breeze's nylon top housing is ideal for those seeking a deeper and rounder sound experience.
Moving on to the bottom housing of the switches, both the Ash Gray and the Spring Breeze feature a nylon bottom housing. This choice of housing material allows for a deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon has the ability to absorb more sound than harder plastics. The use of nylon in the bottom housing of both switches results in a duller and rounder sound, enhancing the overall typing experience for users. Despite the similarities in the bottom housing material, the impact of the bottom housing's sound and feel will differ between the two switches, highlighting the importance of considering the overall housing material composition when selecting a switch for a particular typing preference.
In summarizing the comparison of housing materials between the KTT Ash Gray and the Outemu Spring Breeze, it is evident that each material offers unique sound profiles and characteristics to enhance the typing experience. The stiffer polycarbonate top housing of the Ash Gray provides a sharp and clear sound profile, ideal for those interested in a crisp sound with RGB lighting features. On the other hand, the softer nylon top housing of the Spring Breeze delivers a deeper and fuller sound profile, perfect for users seeking a rounder sound experience. Both switches feature nylon bottom housings, contributing to a duller and rounder sound overall. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound profile and typing feel.
Weight
The KTT Ash Gray tactile switch and the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch both fall in the medium-light category when it comes to actuation and bottom out forces. The Ash Gray has a slightly lighter actuation force of 38 grams compared to the Spring Breeze's 40 grams. Similarly, the Ash Gray has a lower bottom out force of 53 grams, in contrast to the Spring Breeze's 55 grams. Both switches provide a comfortable typing experience for those who prefer a lighter touch, making them suitable for extended typing or gaming sessions. However, for users who prefer a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel, they may opt for switches with heavier actuation and bottom out forces. Ultimately, both switches offer similar results in terms of actuation and bottom out forces, providing users with a satisfying typing experience based on their personal preferences.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch and the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch, it is evident that the Ash Gray has a shorter travel distance of 3.5mm compared to the 4mm travel distance of the Spring Breeze. The Ash Gray offers a quicker response time due to its shorter distance, making it a preferred choice for gamers looking for speed. On the other hand, the longer travel distance of the Spring Breeze may provide a more satisfying depth for those who prefer a more substantial feel when typing or gaming. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for travel distance and response time.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Ash Gray has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ash Gray for $2.55.
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
When it comes to sound, the Ash Gray tactile switch offers a neutral profile with a moderate actuation force requirement, making it suitable for various purposes without being too loud. On the other hand, the sound profile of the Spring Breeze clicky switch is unknown, so it is difficult to make a direct comparison in this aspect. It is important to note that the sound produced by a switch can also be influenced by external factors such as the keyboard case and keycaps being used.
In terms of feel, the Ash Gray switch provides an easy-to-press experience with minimal force required for activation, allowing for a comfortable and effortless typing experience that can help reduce finger fatigue during long typing sessions. Additionally, the tactile feedback of the Ash Gray switch strikes a balance between noticeable and gentle, providing a satisfying typing sensation. The Spring Breeze switch's feel is unspecified, making it challenging to draw a specific comparison in this regard.
Overall, while the Ash Gray tactile switch boasts a blend of tactile feedback and ease of pressing, along with a neutral sound profile, the Spring Breeze clicky switch lacks specific information regarding its sound and feel characteristics. As a result, it is difficult to provide a direct comparison between the two switches in terms of these subjective qualities. In this case, opting for the Ash Gray switch may provide a more predictable and reliable typing experience since its attributes are clearly defined.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch and the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch, it ultimately depends on your preferences and typing style. If you value a keyboard switch that provides a tactile response that is both noticeable and satisfying without being too overpowering, the Ash Gray switch with its 53-gram bottom out force may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a clicky switch with a 55-gram bottom out force and are looking for a switch that offers a distinct audible feedback, the Spring Breeze switch could be more suited to your typing needs. Consider your sound and feel preferences when determining which switch will enhance your overall typing experience. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will come down to your personal preference for tactile response and auditory feedback during typing sessions.
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