Gateron Ink Yellow vs. Outemu Spring Breeze
An in-depth look at the Gateron Ink Yellow and the Outemu Spring Breeze switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Gateron Ink Yellow and the Outemu Spring Breeze mechanical keyboard switches, one can immediately see the stark differences in their key features. The Ink Yellow is a linear switch, offering a shorter travel distance and a typing experience that falls between that of a laptop and a standard mechanical keyboard. With a smooth and pleasing clackiness, this switch is best suited for those who prefer a neutral, clacky, mild, and polished feel. On the other hand, the Spring Breeze is a clicky switch with little information available about its standout features. While the Ink Yellow may appeal to those seeking a balance between laptop and mechanical keyboard typing experiences, the Spring Breeze's characteristics remain a mystery. 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
60g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
1.50 mm
Pre-travel
1.50 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Proprietary INK blend
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Gateron Ink Yellow and the Outemu Spring Breeze both feature unique housing materials that contribute to their distinct sound profiles. While the Ink Yellow uses a proprietary INK blend for both its top and bottom housing, the Spring Breeze utilizes nylon for both components. The INK blend in the Ink Yellow produces a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound that is described as clacky, while nylon in the Spring Breeze creates a deeper and fuller sound that is duller and rounder in comparison. This difference in sound profiles can greatly impact the typing experience for users depending on their preferences.
In terms of the top housing, the INK blend in the Gateron Ink Yellow provides a thin and higher-pitched sound that is not overly sharp. On the other hand, the nylon top housing in the Outemu Spring Breeze elicits a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound. This results in a more rounded sound profile that can be more satisfying for some users. However, both housing materials offer their own unique qualities that can enhance the overall typing experience depending on personal preference.
When it comes to the bottom housing, both switches remain consistent with their chosen materials. The INK blend in the Gateron Ink Yellow continues to provide a pointed and high-pitched sound, while the nylon bottom housing in the Outemu Spring Breeze contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. These differences in sound can be attributed to the properties of the housing materials, with the softer nylon absorbing more sound and creating a rounder sound compared to the sharper sound produced by the INK blend. Ultimately, the housing materials play a significant role in shaping the sound and feel of each switch, offering users a variety of options to suit their preferences.
Weight
In comparing the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch and the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch, it is evident that there is a significant difference in actuation and bottom out forces. The Gateron Ink Yellow has a heavier actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 67 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Spring Breeze has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, offering a smoother and lighter typing feel. Those who prefer a lighter touch may lean towards the Outemu switch, while individuals seeking a more pronounced keystroke may favor the Gateron option. Overall, the weight difference between the two switches can cater to different preferences, with the Gateron being heavier and the Outemu being lighter, providing users with options based on their desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, which is shorter than the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch with a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Ink Yellow will require less distance to actuate compared to the Spring Breeze. Gamers looking for a faster response time may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Ink Yellow, while those who prefer a more profound key press may opt for the longer distance of the Spring Breeze. Both switches offer different tactile experiences due to their distinct travel distances, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference when choosing between the two.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Ink Yellow has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ink Yellow for $7.35.
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
When it comes to sound, the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch offers a neutral and clacky experience, making it suitable for a variety of users and purposes. The sharp and snappy sound it produces adds a satisfying tactile element to typing. On the other hand, the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch's sound characteristics are unknown, so it is difficult to make a direct comparison in this aspect. However, it is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard itself and the keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch provides a mild and polished typing experience. The gentle feel of these switches, coupled with their smooth and refined finish, creates a comfortable and approachable typing experience for most users. As for the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch, information on its feel is not available, making it challenging to draw a direct comparison. However, if one is seeking a typing experience that falls between a laptop and a standard mechanical keyboard, the Ink Yellow switch may be a better option due to its known characteristics.
In conclusion, the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch offers a pleasant and versatile typing experience with its neutral and clacky sound profile, as well as its mild and polished feel. While information on the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch is limited, opting for the Ink Yellow switch may provide a more predictable and satisfying result for those looking for a reliable linear switch option. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences and requirements for sound and feel in a mechanical keyboard switch.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch and the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch, you should consider your preference for bottom out force, typing experience, sound, and feel. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and a smooth and clacky typing experience similar to that of a laptop keyboard, the Gateron Ink Yellow would be a suitable choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-light bottom out force and a clicky typing experience without as much information to consider, the Outemu Spring Breeze could be the better option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing preferences and needs.
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