KTT Lightning vs. Outemu Spring Breeze
An in-depth look at the KTT Lightning and the Outemu Spring Breeze switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to comparing the KTT Lightning linear switch and the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch, it's clear that both offer unique advantages for different preferences. The KTT Lightnings are highly regarded for their speed and responsiveness, making them an excellent choice for gamers seeking quick reaction times. These switches provide a smooth typing experience with a distinct clacky sound profile, making them suitable for those who enjoy a more tactile feel. On the other hand, the Outemu Spring Breeze is a clicky switch that offers a satisfying audible feedback with each key press. While it may not be as fast as the Lightning switch, it provides a more pronounced clicking sound, which can be appealing for those who enjoy a more traditional typing experience. 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
43g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.50 mm
Total travel
3.00 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the KTT Lightning and the Outemu Spring Breeze switches differ significantly in terms of composition and resulting sound profiles. The Lightning's polycarbonate top housing offers a sharp, higher-pitched, and crisp sound profile due to its relatively stiff nature, while the Spring Breeze's nylon top housing produces a deeper and fuller sound by virtue of its softer material that absorbs more sound. In terms of aesthetics, the translucency of polycarbonate is ideal for RGB lighting effects, making it an attractive choice for those seeking a visually striking switch.
On the other hand, both the Lightning and the Spring Breeze switches feature nylon bottom housings, which result in a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to switches with harder plastic bottom housings. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound that may appeal to those looking for a more muted typing experience. While the top and bottom housing materials affect different aspects of the sound and feel of the switch, both options offer unique qualities that can cater to varying preferences in sound profiles.
Overall, while the Lightning and the Spring Breeze switches differ in their top housing materials, they share similarities in their bottom housing composition. Both switches offer a different typing experience based on the housing materials used, with the polycarbonate top housing of the Lightning providing a sharper sound profile compared to the fuller sound of the nylon top housing in the Spring Breeze. However, the nylon bottom housing in both switches contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, showcasing the importance of housing materials in determining the overall typing experience.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Lightning linear switch and the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch, we see that the Lightning has a slightly higher actuation force of 43 grams compared to the Spring Breeze's 40 grams. However, the bottom out force of the Lightning is also lower at 50 grams compared to the Spring Breeze's 55 grams. This makes the Lightning switch lighter overall than the Spring Breeze switch. The lighter actuation and bottom out forces of the Lightning switch make it suitable for those who prefer a lighter typing experience, allowing for longer typing or gaming sessions without fatigue. On the other hand, the slightly heavier actuation and bottom out forces of the Spring Breeze switch provide a more substantial typing feel for those who prefer a firmer keystroke. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for typing experience and desired force feedback.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the KTT Lightning linear switch and the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch, it can be observed that the Lightning has a shorter travel distance of 3 mm, while the Spring Breeze has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. The difference in travel distance can affect the typing experience and feel of the switches. The shorter travel distance of the Lightning may appeal to gamers looking for faster response times, while the longer travel distance of the Spring Breeze may provide a more satisfying depth for some users. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for travel distance and typing feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the KTT Lightning comes in at $3.41, 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
When it comes to sound, the KTT Lightning linear switch is known for its clacky and high-pitched sound profile that adds a sharp and percussive element to typing. On the other hand, the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch does not have a specific sound description provided, leaving it unknown how it compares in terms of sound profile. It is important to note that the sound produced by a switch is also influenced by factors such as the keyboard's construction and the keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the KTT Lightning switch is described as having a subtle and polished typing experience, where the resistance is gentle yet still offers a light touch. This results in a smooth and refined typing feel, enhanced by reduced friction and smooth key travel. Conversely, there is no specific feel description available for the Outemu Spring Breeze switch, making it difficult to compare the typing experience between the two switches.
Overall, the KTT Lightning linear switch stands out for its fast and responsive actuation, making it ideal for situations where speed is crucial. With a slick typing feel and a clacky sound profile, it offers a unique typing experience suited for competitive gaming or fast-paced typing tasks. On the other hand, the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch lacks specific descriptions for sound and feel, making it challenging to provide a thorough comparison. However, based on the available information, it is evident that both switches offer distinct qualities that cater to different preferences and typing styles.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the KTT Lightning linear switch and the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch, consider your preferences and the specific use case. If you prioritize speed and precision in gaming or typing tasks where every millisecond counts, the Lightning switch's light bottom out force and clacky sound profile may be the perfect fit for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-light bottom out force and enjoy the tactile feedback and audible click of a clicky switch, the Spring Breeze switch could be more to your liking. Ultimately, the choice between these switches comes down to personal preference and the specific requirements of your keyboard use.
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