Kailh Box Jade vs. Outemu Spring Breeze
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Jade and the Outemu Spring Breeze switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Kailh Box Jade and the Outemu Spring Breeze mechanical keyboard switches, it's important to note their key differences and similarities. The Box Jade is ideal for those seeking a medium-heavy typing experience with a clicky sound profile and tactile feedback. Its crisp clicks and crunchy tactile bumps make typing a satisfying experience. On the other hand, the Spring Breeze lacks a standout feature in terms of reputation but still provides a clicky typing experience. If you're looking for a switch that offers a unique blend of high-pitched, accented, invigorating, and crunchy characteristics, the Box Jade may be the right choice for you. 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
50g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
1.50 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Box
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
Kailh Box spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Kailh Box Jade and the Outemu Spring Breeze switches offer contrasting qualities in terms of sound profile. The Box Jade's polycarbonate top housing provides a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound due to its stiffness, while the Spring Breeze's nylon top housing creates a deeper and fuller sound by absorbing more sound with its softer plastic composition. This results in a more resonant and clear sound with the Box Jade, compared to the duller and rounder sound produced by the Spring Breeze.
In terms of the bottom housings, both the Box Jade and the Spring Breeze switches utilize nylon material. This choice of material contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile in both switches, as the softer plastic absorbs more sound than harder plastics. Despite the different top housing materials, the similarities in the bottom housing material mean that users can expect similar results in terms of the sound and feel when typing on these switches. The differences between the top and bottom housing materials highlight how each component plays a distinct role in shaping the overall sound profile of a keyboard switch.
Ultimately, the choice between the Kailh Box Jade and the Outemu Spring Breeze switches may come down to personal preference for sound and feel. While the Box Jade's polycarbonate top housing offers a crisper and more resonant sound, the Spring Breeze's nylon top housing provides a deeper and fuller sound. Both switches feature nylon bottom housings, which contribute to a similar overall typing experience in terms of sound profile. Whether you prefer a sharper and higher-pitched sound or a deeper and fuller sound will likely influence your decision between these two switches.
Weight
Comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch and the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch, we find that the Box Jade has a slightly heavier actuation force at 50 grams compared to the Spring Breeze's 40 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Box Jade also requires more force at 60 grams compared to the Spring Breeze's 55 grams. Both switches fall into the medium category, with the Box Jade being on the heavier side and the Spring Breeze being on the lighter side. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience for longer periods of time, the Spring Breeze may be the preferred choice. However, for those who appreciate a more substantial typing feel, the Box Jade could be the better option. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch is 3.6 mm, while the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Spring Breeze being on the longer side. Gamers may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Box Jade for faster response times, while those looking for a more substantial keypress may opt for the longer travel distance of the Spring Breeze. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for key feel and response time.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Kailh Box Jade comes in at $5.50, whereas the Outemu Spring Breeze comes in at $3.10.
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 the sound profile, the Kailh Box Jade switch is known for its high-pitched and crunchy sound, creating a sharp and crisp typing experience reminiscent of stepping on crunchy autumn leaves. On the other hand, there is no specific information available on the sound profile of the Outemu Spring Breeze switch. Depending on personal preference, the Box Jade will provide a distinctive clicky sound that may be preferred for those seeking a more pronounced auditory experience.
In terms of the typing feel, the Kailh Box Jade switch is described as having an accented and invigorating tactile feel. This means that users can expect a medium tactile experience with a significant amount of feedback, moderate to firm actuation force, and a snappy and reactive feel during typing. Unfortunately, there is no information available on the specific tactile feel of the Outemu Spring Breeze switch. Therefore, if a similar typing experience to the Box Jade is desired, it may be worth considering the tactile qualities described for the Box Jade switch.
Overall, the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch offers a unique medium-heavy typing experience with a high-pitched and crunchy sound profile, as well as an accented and invigorating tactile feel. While specific information on the Outemu Spring Breeze switch is not available, if you are looking for a similar typing experience, the Box Jade switch may provide comparable results in terms of sound and feel. As always, individual preferences and typing styles will ultimately determine which switch is the best fit for you.
Conclusion
In closing, when it comes to choosing between the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch and the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch, you should consider your preference for bottom out force, sound profile, and tactile feel. The Box Jades are perfect for you if you prefer a medium-heavy typing experience with crisp clicks and crunchy tactile bumps. On the other hand, if you are looking for a lighter bottom out force and do not mind the lack of specific sound or feel descriptions, the Spring Breeze might be the better choice for you. Ultimately, it boils down to personal preference and what kind of typing experience you are looking for.
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