Outemu Crystal vs. Outemu Spring Breeze
An in-depth look at the Outemu Crystal and the Outemu Spring Breeze switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between two mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Crystal and the Outemu Spring Breeze offer distinct typing experiences. The Crystal is a linear switch with a unique, elastic feel and a medium-light weight, providing a smooth typing experience. With a neutral sound profile, typing on the Crystal switches is quiet and satisfying. On the other hand, the Spring Breeze is a clicky switch with a tactile feedback that produces a satisfying click sound. While the Crystal switch is best for those who prefer a smooth typing experience, the Spring Breeze is ideal for individuals who enjoy a bit of auditory feedback while typing. 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
45g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.50 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
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
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Crystal and the Outemu Spring Breeze, we can see that they both offer distinct sound profiles based on the materials used. The Crystal's polycarbonate top and bottom housings create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound, thanks to the stiffness of polycarbonate. This results in a clear and resonant sound profile, especially ideal for RGB lighting setups. On the other hand, the Spring Breeze's nylon top and bottom housings offer a deeper and fuller sound profile due to nylon's softer nature, absorbing more sound and creating a rounder tone. Both switches provide unique auditory experiences based on the materials chosen for their housings.
In terms of aesthetics, the polycarbonate top and bottom housings of the Outemu Crystal provide transparency, allowing for a visually appealing look that complements RGB lighting setups. This translucency enhances the overall appearance of the switch and adds a modern touch. In contrast, the opaque nylon top and bottom housings of the Outemu Spring Breeze offer a more classic and traditional look, which may appeal to users looking for a simpler design without the need for RGB lighting effects. Ultimately, the choice of housing material can greatly influence the overall look and feel of a switch.
Overall, while the Outemu Crystal and the Outemu Spring Breeze differ in terms of housing materials, both switches offer unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences. The polycarbonate housing of the Crystal emphasizes a sharper, crisper sound, while the nylon housing of the Spring Breeze provides a deeper and fuller tone. Whether you prefer a clear and resonant sound or a duller and rounder tone, both switches deliver distinct auditory experiences that can enhance your typing or gaming sessions. Ultimately, the choice between the Outemu Crystal and the Outemu Spring Breeze will depend on your personal preferences for sound and aesthetics in a keyboard switch.
Weight
The Outemu Crystal linear switch and the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch both have a bottom out force of 55 grams, providing a similar typing experience in that aspect. However, the Crystal has a slightly higher actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Spring Breeze's 40 grams, making it slightly heavier to press initially. This difference in actuation force may result in a slightly different typing feel between the two switches. Some users may prefer the lighter actuation force of the Spring Breeze for longer typing sessions, while others may enjoy the slightly heavier actuation force of the Crystal for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for actuation force and bottom out force.
Travel distance
Both the Outemu Crystal linear switch and the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. When comparing the two, they both provide a satisfying amount of travel distance for users to feel the keypress. The 4 mm travel distance on both switches ensures that users will get a consistent typing experience across both switch types. This similarity means that whether you choose the Outemu Crystal linear switch or the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch, you can expect a similar level of key travel distance, resulting in comparable typing experiences.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Outemu Crystal comes in at $3.40, 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
The Outemu Crystal linear switch is known for its medium-light weight and elastic feel, providing a unique linear typing experience. When it comes to sound, the Crystal switch offers a neutral sound profile with a chirpy and high-pitched characteristic, setting it apart from other switches. On the other hand, the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch does not have any specific sound descriptors provided, so its sound profile may vary. In terms of feel, the Crystal switch is described as polished, offering a smooth and refined finish that results in reduced friction and smooth key travel. Although information on the feel of the Spring Breeze switch is not available, one can expect a different typing experience compared to the Crystal switch.
In conclusion, the Outemu Crystal linear switch provides a unique linear typing experience with a neutral sound profile that features chirpy and high-pitched characteristics. It offers a polished feel with reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the specific qualities of the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch in terms of sound and feel are unknown, so one can expect a different typing experience compared to the Crystal switch. When choosing between the two switches, consider your preference for sound and feel to determine which switch will best suit your needs.
Conclusion
Ultimately, when choosing between the Outemu Crystal linear switch and the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch, it all comes down to your personal preferences. If you prefer a smooth and linear typing experience with a neutral sound profile, the Crystal switches may be the better option for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a clicky and tactile typing experience, the Spring Breeze switches may be more suitable. Both switches have a bottom out force of 55 grams, making them medium-light, so they offer a similar level of typing resistance. Consider your typing style and the sound and feel you prefer when making your decision. Ultimately, the best switch for you is the one that enhances your typing experience and meets your individual preferences.
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