Durock Light Tactile vs. Outemu Spring Breeze
An in-depth look at the Durock Light Tactile and the Outemu Spring Breeze switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Durock Light Tactile and the Outemu Spring Breeze mechanical keyboard switches, it's important to note the distinct differences between the two. The Light Tactile switch from Durock is praised for its gentle tactility, providing a unique typing experience with a soft touch and a subtle sound profile. On the other hand, the Spring Breeze from Outemu lacks a specific standout feature but falls under the clicky switch category. While the Light Tactile switch offers a neutral, mild, and polished feel, the Spring Breeze remains open to interpretation. In general, if you prefer a more subdued and refined typing experience, the Durock Light Tactile may be the way to go. 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
52g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
67g
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
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
pom
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Durock Light Tactile and the Outemu Spring Breeze switches offer contrasting sound profiles due to their different compositions. The Light Tactile utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which results in a sharper and crisper sound profile compared to the fuller and deeper sound produced by the Spring Breeze's nylon top housing. The polycarbonate material's stiffness allows for a more resonant sound, while the softer nylon material absorbs more sound, creating a rounder sound profile. This contrast in sound quality can greatly impact the overall typing experience for users who prefer a specific type of sound feedback from their switches.
On the other hand, both switches feature a nylon bottom housing, which provides a deeper and fuller sound profile regardless of the brand. This consistency in bottom housing material means that users can expect a similar typing experience in terms of sound when using either the Durock Light Tactile or the Outemu Spring Breeze switches. The softer nature of nylon allows for more sound absorption, resulting in a duller sound compared to the sharper sound produced by the polycarbonate top housing of the Light Tactile. This similarity in bottom housing material highlights how the choice of housing material can significantly impact the overall sound profile of a switch.
Overall, the combination of different housing materials in switches such as the Durock Light Tactile and the Outemu Spring Breeze allows for a varied typing experience. While the polycarbonate top housing of the Light Tactile offers a sharper and clearer sound, the nylon top housing of the Spring Breeze provides a deeper and fuller sound profile. The use of nylon in the bottom housing of both switches ensures a consistent and similar sound experience, emphasizing the importance of housing material in determining the sound feedback of mechanical switches. Users can choose between these switches based on their preference for sound profile, whether they prefer a sharper, crisper sound or a deeper, fuller sound when typing.
Weight
The Durock Light Tactile tactile switch has a higher actuation force and bottom out force compared to the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch. The Light Tactile requires 52 grams of force to actuate and 67 grams to bottom out, making it a medium-heavy switch. In contrast, the Spring Breeze needs only 40 grams to actuate and 55 grams to bottom out, classifying it as medium-light. Those who prefer a lighter touch may opt for the Spring Breeze, ideal for extended typing or gaming sessions. Conversely, individuals seeking a more substantial typing experience may lean towards the Light Tactile. Both switches offer unique benefits based on their actuation and bottom out forces, ensuring a satisfying typing experience tailored to individual preferences.
Travel distance
The Durock Light Tactile tactile switch and the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. When comparing the two, both switches offer a similar tactile experience with a consistent keypress feel. Both switches will provide a satisfying typing experience with a comfortable travel distance fitting for those who prefer a more tactile switch. In terms of travel distance, there is no difference between the two switches, making them equally suitable for users looking for a standard keypress feel without having to compromise on switch travel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock Light Tactile has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Light Tactile for $4.25.
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 Durock Light Tactile switch offers a neutral sound profile, making it suitable for a variety of users and environments. Its gentle tactility results in a subtle, jelly-like sound that can be soothing to the ears while typing. On the other hand, information on the sound profile of the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch is not available, so it is difficult to make a direct comparison. Keep in mind that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Durock Light Tactile switch provides a mild typing experience with a polished finish, offering a smooth and refined feel with reduced friction and smooth key travel. This combination creates a comfortable typing experience that is approachable to most users. Unfortunately, there is no information available on the feel of the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch, making it challenging to directly compare the two in this aspect.
Overall, the Durock Light Tactile switch stands out for its gentle tactility, neutral sound profile, and polished feel, making it a versatile option for a wide range of users. While information on the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch is lacking, it is important to consider your preferences in terms of sound and feel when choosing between switches. Ultimately, both switches may offer a satisfactory typing experience, but the specific characteristics of each will determine the best fit for your needs.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the Durock Light Tactile and the Outemu Spring Breeze switches, consider the differences in bottom out force, tactility, sound, and feel. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and enjoy a gentle, angelic tactility with a jelly-like sound profile, the Durock Light Tactile switch is the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-light bottom out force and are looking for a switch with no distinct characteristics and a neutral sound profile, the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch might be more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference and typing style when deciding between these two switches.
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