Gateron Beer vs. Outemu Spring Breeze
An in-depth look at the Gateron Beer and the Outemu Spring Breeze switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Gateron Beer, a tactile switch, and the Outemu Spring Breeze, a clicky switch, it is important to consider their unique features and qualities. The Gateron Beer stands out for its lightweight design and stepped tactility, providing a subtle yet satisfying typing experience. With a characteristic clacky sound signature, this switch is ideal for those who enjoy an easy-to-press key with a distinct feel. On the other hand, the Outemu Spring Breeze offers a clicky typing experience without any unique features mentioned. While both switches have their strengths, it is important to delve deeper beyond generalities to determine which switch best suits your preferences and typing style.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
38g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.50 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm lengthened gold-plated spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Beer and the Outemu Spring Breeze, one major difference is in the top housing material. The Beer features a polycarbonate top housing, which provides a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its relatively stiffer nature. On the other hand, the Spring Breeze utilizes a nylon top housing, known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile as it is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound. While the Beer's polycarbonate top housing is ideal for RGB lighting due to its translucency, the Spring Breeze's nylon top housing offers a classic typing experience with a rounder and duller sound.
In terms of the bottom housing material, both the Gateron Beer and the Outemu Spring Breeze have differences as well. The Beer's polycarbonate bottom housing contributes to a sharper and clearer sound profile, similar to its top housing. On the flip side, the Spring Breeze's nylon bottom housing offers a deeper and fuller sound experience, mirroring the qualities of its nylon top housing. These differences in bottom housing materials impact the bottom-out sound and feel of the switches, with the stiffer polycarbonate providing a more resonant sound compared to the softer nylon material.
Overall, the choice between the Gateron Beer and the Outemu Spring Breeze comes down to personal preference in sound profile and typing experience. The polycarbonate housing in the Beer creates a sharper and crisper sound, ideal for those who prefer a more distinct typing feedback. On the other hand, the nylon housing in the Spring Breeze offers a deeper and fuller sound, catering to users who enjoy a more classic typing feel. While both switches may have similar qualities in their respective top and bottom housing materials, the overall typing experience will vary based on individual preferences for sound and feel.
Weight
The Gateron Beer tactile switch and the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch both offer a light typing experience compared to other switches on the market. The Beer has a lighter actuation force of 38 grams compared to the Spring Breeze's 40 grams, making it slightly easier to trigger keystrokes. In terms of bottom out force, the Beer also requires less pressure at 50 grams compared to the Spring Breeze's 55 grams, indicating a lighter overall typing experience. Both switches provide a comfortable typing feel for those who prefer a lighter touch, making them suitable for extended typing or gaming sessions. Ultimately, while the Beer is slightly lighter in both actuation and bottom out force, users can expect similar results in terms of typing experience with either switch due to their comparable weight profiles.
Travel distance
The Gateron Beer tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, which is shorter than the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch with a travel distance of 4 mm. The Beer offers a quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance, making it a popular choice among gamers. On the other hand, the Spring Breeze provides a more substantial keypress feel with its longer travel distance, which some users may prefer for a more satisfying typing experience. Both switches have their own advantages based on personal preferences, with the Beer being ideal for speed and the Spring Breeze for a more pronounced keystroke. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on individual typing style and comfort preference.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Beer has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Beer for $4.59.
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 Gateron Beer tactile switch is known for its distinctive clacky sound, providing a sharp and snappy auditory feedback that is described as crisp, bright, and percussive. This sound signature adds to the overall typing experience, creating a satisfying and engaging sound profile. On the other hand, the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch's sound qualities are unknown, so it's difficult to compare the two in this aspect.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron Beer tactile switch is praised for its easy-to-press nature, offering gentle resistance during key presses that require minimal force to activate. This light actuation force makes typing effortless and comfortable, reducing finger fatigue during prolonged typing sessions. Additionally, the stepped tactility of the Beer switch provides a unique typing experience with a two-stage feel, adding a layer of complexity to each keystroke. Unfortunately, the specific feel of the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch is unknown, so a direct comparison in this aspect cannot be made.
In conclusion, the Gateron Beer tactile switch stands out for its clacky sound and easy-to-press, stepped feel, making it a popular choice among mechanical keyboard enthusiasts looking for a unique typing experience. While the specific qualities of the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch remain a mystery, it's important to consider personal preferences and requirements when selecting a mechanical keyboard switch. Ultimately, both switches may offer similar results depending on individual preferences and typing style.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a keyboard switch with a light bottom out force and a unique aesthetic inspired by a Tsingtao beer bottle, then the Gateron Beer tactile switch is the way to go. The Beer offers a light and easy-to-press typing experience with a subtle stepped tactility and a characteristic clacky sound signature, enhancing your typing experience with a refreshing feel. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-light bottom out force and are seeking a clicky switch that provides a sharp and snappy sound when pressed, the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch might be the better choice for you. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for typing feel, sound profile, and design aesthetics.
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