Keygeek Keygeek Raw vs. Outemu Spring Breeze
An in-depth look at the Keygeek Keygeek Raw and the Outemu Spring Breeze switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Keygeek Raw, a linear switch, and the Outemu Spring Breeze, a clicky switch, present distinct features that cater to different preferences. The Keygeek Raw stands out for its unique material blend, combining Nylon, UMPE, and Silicon to create a creamy yet lightweight switch that offers a slightly textured feel. This switch is perfect for enthusiasts who enjoy hand-lubing their switches and prefer a more subtle experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Spring Breeze, while lacking a notable feature description, falls under the clicky category which provides a more tactile and audible typing experience. Each switch has its own advantages and appeals 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
N/A
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
57.5g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Pre-travel
1.50 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
pom
Top housing material
Nylon & UPE blend
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
UMPE & Si blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Keygeek Raw's housing materials, the UMPE & Si blend for the bottom and the Nylon & UPE blend for the top, offer a unique combination that provides a different typing experience compared to the Outemu Spring Breeze's nylon housing for both the top and bottom. The Keygeek Raw's UMPE & Si blend for the bottom housing may result in a distinct feel and sound profile when bottoming out on the switch, while the Nylon & UPE blend top housing could contribute to the sound when key is released. In contrast, the Spring Breeze's nylon housing for both top and bottom creates a deeper and fuller sound profile during typing due to its soft plastic nature that absorbs more sound, resulting in a rounder and duller sound.
Despite the differences in the housing materials of the Keygeek Raw and the Outemu Spring Breeze, both switches offer a unique typing experience that can be attributed to their respective housing compositions. The Keygeek Raw's exclusive blends for the top and bottom housings provide a specialized feel and sound profile, while the Spring Breeze's classic nylon housing offers a uniform typing experience throughout the switch. However, the Keygeek Raw may offer a more nuanced typing experience with distinct qualities split between the top and bottom housings, while the Spring Breeze provides a consistent deep and full sound profile due to the use of nylon in both housing parts.
In conclusion, the Keygeek Raw and the Outemu Spring Breeze showcase how different housing materials can impact the overall typing experience of a switch. The Keygeek Raw's exclusive blends for the top and bottom housings offer a unique feel and sound profile that may vary depending on whether you are bottoming out or releasing a key. On the other hand, the Spring Breeze's nylon housing for both parts creates a consistent deep and full sound profile that is characteristic of the softer plastic material. Ultimately, both switches offer distinct advantages based on their housing materials, providing a range of options for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts seeking a specific typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the Keygeek Keygeek Raw linear switch and the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch, it is evident that the actuation and bottom out forces play a significant role in determining the typing experience. The Keygeek Raw has a notable actuation force of None grams, making it light and effortless to trigger a keystroke, while the bottom out force of 57.5 grams provides a moderate resistance for a satisfying typing feel. In contrast, the Spring Breeze switch requires a slightly higher actuation force of 40 grams, offering a more deliberate keystroke activation, and a bottom out force of 55 grams, which is slightly lighter compared to the Keygeek Raw. Overall, the Keygeek Raw is lighter in terms of actuation force, making it ideal for extended typing sessions, while the Spring Breeze offers a more substantial typing experience with a slightly heavier actuation force. Both switches provide similar results with medium to medium-light bottom out forces, catering to different preferences for typing or gaming needs. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces in a keyboard.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Keygeek Keygeek Raw linear switch and the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch, it is evident that the Keygeek Raw has a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Spring Breeze has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. The Keygeek Raw's shorter travel distance may appeal to those who prioritize quick response times, such as gamers, as it allows for faster key presses. On the other hand, the longer travel distance of the Spring Breeze may provide a more satisfying depth to the key press for those who prefer a more substantial feel. Ultimately, the choice between a shorter or longer travel distance comes down to personal preference and the specific needs of the user. Whether you opt for the shorter or longer travel distance, both switches will provide a unique typing experience tailored to your individual preferences.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Keygeek Keygeek Raw has an MSRP of $5.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Keygeek Raw for $3.51.
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 Keygeek Raw linear switch offers a neutral profile, making it suitable for a wide range of users and environments. On the other hand, the sound profile of the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch is not specified, so it's difficult to make a direct comparison. Keep in mind that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps being used.
In terms of feel, the Keygeek Raw switch provides a slightly textured experience right out of the box, offering a unique tactile sensation that some users may prefer. The switch also falls under the category of mild switches, providing a gentle typing experience that is approachable for most users. The Outemu Spring Breeze switch, unfortunately, does not have its feel described, making it hard to determine how it compares in terms of tactile feedback and typing experience.
Overall, if you prefer a switch with a neutral sound profile and a slightly textured feel, the Keygeek Raw linear switch may be the right choice for you. However, without detailed information on the sound and feel of the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch, it's challenging to make a direct comparison between the two. Ultimately, it's essential to consider your personal preferences and typing style when choosing between these two switches to ensure you get a satisfying typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the Keygeek Raw linear switch and the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch, consider your preference for bottom out force and material blend. If you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force and a unique material blend for a creamy yet lightweight feel, the Keygeek Raw may be the switch for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force and are looking for a clicky switch without specific material features, the Outemu Spring Breeze could be a better fit. Additionally, consider the sound and feel descriptions provided for each switch to determine which aligns best with your typing preferences. Ultimately, the decision should be based on your personal preferences and typing style.
Mentioned in this article
