Kailh Box White vs. Outemu Spring Breeze
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box White and the Outemu Spring Breeze switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Kailh Box White and Outemu Spring Breeze both fall under the category of clicky switches, providing that satisfying audible feedback with each keystroke. The Box White prides itself on offering maximum audio feedback, with a "stepping on autumn leaves" crunch and accented tactility that sets it apart. On the other hand, the Spring Breeze may not have a specific standout feature like the Box White, but it still delivers that signature clicky typing experience. Choosing between these two switches will ultimately come down to personal preference and what specific qualities you value in a mechanical keyboard. 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
Yes
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
In comparing the housing materials of the Kailh Box White and the Outemu Spring Breeze, it is evident that both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housings. The use of nylon in the bottom housing creates a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its soft nature, which absorbs more sound than harder plastics. This results in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches that feature nylon bottom housings. While both switches share this housing material for the bottom, the difference in their top housings impacts the overall sound profile and feel of the switches.
The Kailh Box White features a polycarbonate top housing, while the Outemu Spring Breeze utilizes a nylon top housing. The polycarbonate top housing of the Box White creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile compared to the deeper and fuller sound profile of the nylon top housing in the Spring Breeze. The stiffness of polycarbonate leads to a more clear and resonant sound, making it ideal for switches with clear housings for RGB lighting purposes. On the other hand, the softer nature of nylon in the Spring Breeze's top housing absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when typing.
Overall, the use of different materials for the top and bottom housings in the Kailh Box White and the Outemu Spring Breeze contributes to unique sound profiles and typing experiences. While both switches feature nylon for their bottom housings, the Box White's polycarbonate top housing provides a sharper and crisper sound, while the Spring Breeze's nylon top housing produces a deeper and fuller sound. The combination of these different materials in the housing of the switches results in distinct characteristics that cater to individual preferences in typing feel and sound.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box White clicky switch and the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch, it is clear that the Box White has a heavier actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Spring Breeze's lighter actuation force of 40 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Box White requires 60 grams while the Spring Breeze requires 55 grams, making the Box White slightly heavier in this aspect as well. Both switches fall under the medium category in terms of actuation force, but the Box White leans towards the heavier side while the Spring Breeze is more on the lighter side. The weight of the switches can impact the typing experience, with lighter switches being preferred for longer typing sessions and heavier switches offering a more substantial feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box White clicky switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Spring Breeze has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Box White. For those who prefer a shorter travel distance for faster response times, the Box White may be the better option. However, if you enjoy a deeper key press and a more tactile feel, the slightly longer travel distance of the Spring Breeze may be preferable. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences and typing style.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Kailh Box White comes in at $2.76, 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 sound, the Kailh Box White clicky switch is known for its resonant, high-pitched, and crunchy characteristics, offering a sharp and clean auditory experience reminiscent of stepping on autumn leaves. On the other hand, the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch lacks specific sound descriptors, suggesting that it may not have the same level of distinctiveness as the Box White. Ultimately, the sound produced by each switch will also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard body and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Kailh Box White is noted for its polished quality, providing a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and seamless key travel. However, information regarding the tactile feel of the Outemu Spring Breeze switch is not available, making it challenging to directly compare the two in this aspect. Without concrete details on the feel of the Spring Breeze, it's uncertain how it measures up against the polished sensation of the Box White.
In conclusion, the Kailh Box White clicky switch offers a unique combination of resonant sound and polished feel, making it a popular choice for those seeking maximum audio feedback and smooth key travel. While the specific sound and feel qualities of the Outemu Spring Breeze switch remain unknown, it's important for newcomers to consider their preferences in sound and tactile feedback when selecting between the two switches. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on personal preference and the overall typing experience desired.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Kailh Box White clicky switch and the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch, consider the factors of bottom out force, sound, and feel. If you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force at 60 grams and enjoy a resonant, high-pitched, and crunchy sound profile with a polished feel for a satisfying typing experience, then the Kailh Box White switch is the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force at 55 grams and are not concerned about sound or feel descriptors, the Outemu Spring Breeze switch may be more suitable for you. Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference and what typing experience you are looking to achieve. Happy typing!
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