HMX Cheese vs. Outemu Spring Breeze
An in-depth look at the HMX Cheese and the Outemu Spring Breeze switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Cheese and the Outemu Spring Breeze stand out as popular choices among enthusiasts. The HMX Cheese is a linear switch known for its unparalleled smoothness and pristine typing experience. With a satisfying clacky, poppy, and crispy sound signature, these ultra-light switches are in a class of their own, being lighter than 90% of all switches. On the other hand, the Outemu Spring Breeze is a clicky switch that offers a different typing experience. While there is no specific standout feature mentioned, clicky switches are known for their tactile feedback and audible click sound. Both switches have their own unique qualities that cater to different preferences. 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
43g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
46g
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
Ly
Stem material
pom
Top housing material
Nylon
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-staged spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
Both the HMX Cheese and the Outemu Spring Breeze switches feature nylon top and bottom housings, which contribute to a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. The use of nylon as a housing material allows for the absorption of more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. This similarity in housing materials suggests that both switches will offer a similar typing experience in terms of sound and feel.
While both switches share the same nylon housing material for both the top and bottom housings, it is important to note that the qualities of each housing are split between the two ends of the switch. The bottom housing has a more significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key. This division of qualities between the top and bottom housings may result in subtle differences in typing experience between the HMX Cheese and the Outemu Spring Breeze switches.
Overall, the use of nylon as a housing material in both the HMX Cheese and the Outemu Spring Breeze switches contributes to a consistent typing experience characterized by a deeper and fuller sound profile. Despite potential differences in the distribution of housing qualities between the top and bottom housings, users can expect similar results in terms of sound and feel when typing on these switches. The classic nature of nylon as a switch housing material ensures a reliable and enjoyable typing experience for users of both switches.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the HMX Cheese linear switch and the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch, we find that the Cheese is lighter with an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 46 grams, while the Spring Breeze is slightly heavier with an actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams. The Cheese offers a more gentle typing experience with its light forces, making it ideal for those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Spring Breeze provides a bit more resistance, giving it a medium-light feel that may appeal to users seeking a more substantial typing experience. Both switches offer distinct advantages depending on individual preferences, with the Cheese being lighter and the Spring Breeze offering a bit more resistance for a satisfying typing feel.
Travel distance
The HMX Cheese linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5mm, while the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch has a travel distance of 4mm. In this case, the Spring Breeze has a longer travel distance compared to the Cheese. The Cheese switch falls into the category of shorter travel distances, which are favored by gamers for faster response times. On the other hand, the longer travel distance of the Spring Breeze may provide a more satisfying and robust typing experience for those who prefer more depth in their keystrokes. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style, as one offers a shorter travel distance while the other offers a longer one.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Cheese has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Cheese for $3.79.
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 Cheese linear switch is praised for its smoothness and pristine typing experience, providing a satisfying clacky, poppy, and crispy sound signature. On the other hand, the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch does not have any specific information available regarding its sound profile. When it comes to feel, there is also no information provided for either switch.
Considering the lack of information on the Spring Breeze switch, it is difficult to directly compare it to the HMX Cheese switch in terms of sound and feel. However, based on the information available for the Cheese switch, it is evident that it offers a unique and satisfying typing experience with its smoothness and light actuation. Ultimately, the best way to determine which switch is right for you is to test them out personally, as individual preferences can vary greatly.
Conclusion
To sum up, when making a decision between the HMX Cheese linear switch and the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch, consider the factors of bottom out force, sound, and feel. If you prefer a light bottom out force of 46 grams and enjoy a smooth and crisp typing experience with a satisfying poppy sound, then the HMX Cheese switch may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force of 55 grams and want a clicky switch with a distinctive sound signature, the Outemu Spring Breeze switch may be the better option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences in terms of typing feel and sound preferences.
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