Keygeek Keylin vs. Outemu Spring Breeze
An in-depth look at the Keygeek Keylin and the Outemu Spring Breeze switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, each option offers its own unique feel and sound, catering to different typing preferences. The Keygeek Keylin, a linear switch, is celebrated for its smooth actuation and rich acoustics, making it an excellent choice for those who enjoy a silent yet satisfying typing experience. This switch is ideal for gamers and typists alike who value speed and fluidity without any tactile bump or audible click. On the other hand, the Outemu Spring Breeze, a clicky switch, provides an engaging tactile feedback with its distinct click sound, which can enhance the typing experience for users who appreciate auditory signals indicating a successful keystroke. This makes the Spring Breeze particularly appealing for writers and programmers who thrive on the satisfying feedback of a click as they type. Ultimately, your choice between these switches may depend on your personal typing style and environment. 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
38g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
48g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.50 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
UPE
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
21mm single-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When examining the housing materials of the Keygeek Keylin and the Outemu Spring Breeze switches, we find that both utilize nylon for their top and bottom housings. This congruence points to a strong foundation in sound and tactile performance for both switches. The use of nylon, acknowledged as a classic switch housing material, leads to a deeper and fuller sound profile during operation. This shared material composition contributes to an overall typing experience that is characterized by a softer impact, with significantly reduced noise levels thanks to nylon's inherent ability to absorb sound. As a result, users can expect a muted, yet rich auditory experience akin to that provided by both switches.
Given that both the Keylin and the Spring Breeze feature nylon equally in both the top and bottom housings, they achieve similar functional outcomes in terms of sound dampening and tactile feedback. When pressing either switch, the nylon construction allows for a pleasant and soft bottom-out feel, which is especially important for long typing sessions. Since the top housing houses contribute more to the release sound when a key is lifted, the consistency in material ensures that users experience a cohesive auditory signature across both switches. Essentially, users can expect comparable sound profiles while typing, irrespective of their choice between the two models.
While both switches share the same material in their housings, the overall tactile experience can vary slightly due to other design elements and mechanics unique to each switch. If the switches were to differ in top and bottom housing materials, the distinctive acoustics and feel would be impacted—creating an imbalance in how the auditory characteristics manifest when a key is pressed or released. However, since both the Keygeek Keylin and Outemu Spring Breeze embrace nylon throughout, the resulting typing experience will resonate with users who favor a balanced combination of softness and acoustic warmth in their mechanical keyboards. The harmony created by the nylon housings guarantees that similar results can be anticipated in sound and tactile feedback from either switch.
Weight
The Keygeek Keylin linear switch and the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch exhibit different weight characteristics in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Keylin requires a lighter actuation force of 38 grams and has a bottom out force of 48 grams, making it suitable for users who prefer a gentler touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Spring Breeze has a slightly heavier actuation force of 40 grams, and its bottom out force reaches 55 grams, classifying it as medium-light. This means that while both switches offer a relatively light feel, the Keylin provides an easier key press, which could appeal to those who prioritize comfort over the feel of resistance. Ultimately, individuals looking for a lighter typing experience would prefer the Keylin, whereas those who favor a bit more resistance might lean towards the Outemu Spring Breeze.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Keygeek Keylin linear switch and the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch, it is evident that they differ significantly. The Keylin features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Spring Breeze has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. This makes the Keylin the shorter option, catering to those who prefer a more responsive keystroke, which can be especially beneficial for gamers seeking faster reaction times. In contrast, the Spring Breeze's longer travel distance of 4 mm may appeal to users who enjoy a more substantial feel when typing, as it provides a deeper tactile response. Therefore, the choice between these two switches largely depends on personal preference: opt for the Keylin for a quicker, more agile experience, or select the Spring Breeze for a more traditional, comfortable depth in key presses.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Keygeek Keylin has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Keylin for $3.29.
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
In terms of sound, the Keygeek Keylin linear switch is renowned for its rich acoustics, which contribute to an enjoyable auditory experience during typing. This is complemented by its smooth actuation, allowing for a pleasant and quieter keystroke, especially when compared to traditional clicky switches. On the other hand, the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch is characterized by its expected clicky sound, which provides a more pronounced auditory feedback with each keystroke, creating a more engaging and tactile experience. However, the specifics of the sound profile aren't provided, which can make it difficult to precisely quantify its auditory charm.
When it comes to feel, the Keylin switch excels in delivering a premium typing experience characterized by its exceptional smoothness. Users typically enjoy a seamless and frictionless actuation, making it ideal for those who prioritize a fluid typing style. Conversely, the Outemu Spring Breeze offers a clicky feel that many typists find satisfying due to the tactile feedback it provides. This feeling can enhance the typing experience for individuals who appreciate distinct actuation points and a bit of resistance, giving them a stronger connection to their keystrokes.
In summary, the Keygeek Keylin linear switch stands out for its smoothness and rich acoustics, creating an elegant typing experience. In contrast, the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch delivers prominent tactile feedback and sound, appealing to those who prefer a more engaging auditory and physical sensation. Depending on your preference for sound and feel, both switches can offer fulfilling typing experiences, with the Keylin favoring a smoother and quieter operation and the Spring Breeze emphasizing pronounced actuation characteristics. Ultimately, your choice will hinge on whether you prioritize a more subdued or an engagingly tactile experience in your mechanical keyboard.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Keygeek Keylin linear switch and the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch, consider your typing preferences and use cases. If you're seeking a smooth and quiet typing experience with a light touch—ideal for fast typists or those who type for long periods—the Keylin linear switch is an excellent choice thanks to its 48-gram bottom-out force and its reputation for exceptional smoothness and rich acoustics. This switch is perfect for environments where noise may be a concern, such as shared workspaces or quiet rooms. On the other hand, if you enjoy the tactile feedback and audible click that a clicky switch provides, the Outemu Spring Breeze, with its slightly firmer 55-gram bottom-out force, could enhance your typing experience. This switch appeals to those who appreciate the audible and tactile feedback for a more engaging typing experience, making it especially suited for gaming or applications where you benefit from clear actuation feedback. Ultimately, your choice should align with whether you prefer the refined silence of the Keylin or the distinctive feedback of the Spring Breeze, leading to a more satisfying typing experience tailored to your specific needs.
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