Outemu Lime (V3) vs. Outemu Spring Breeze
An in-depth look at the Outemu Lime (V3) and the Outemu Spring Breeze switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Outemu Lime and Outemu Spring Breeze stand out as popular options among enthusiasts. The Lime switch is renowned for its lightweight design, subtle tactility, and silent operation, making it an excellent choice for those who prefer a gentle typing experience. On the other hand, the Spring Breeze switch offers a clicky feedback that is perfect for users who enjoy audible feedback while typing. While the Lime switch is categorized as 'Neutral', 'Mild', 'Muted', 'Feathery', 'Subtle', and 'Polished', the Spring Breeze switch does not have a specific categorization. Ultimately, the best switch for you will depend on your personal preferences and typing style; 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
35g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
1.50 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
Nylon
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Lime and the Outemu Spring Breeze, we see that both switches use nylon for their top and bottom housings. This choice of material results in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing on the switches, as nylon is known for its ability to absorb sound and create a duller and rounder sound. As a result, users of both switches can expect a similar typing experience in terms of sound and feel due to the shared nylon housing material.
However, while the housing materials for the top and bottom of both switches are the same, the qualities each housing material brings to the switch may differ. The bottom housing of a switch typically has more of an impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key. Despite both switches utilizing nylon for their housings, subtle differences in design and construction may result in slight variations in sound and feel when typing on the Outemu Lime compared to the Outemu Spring Breeze.
Ultimately, the choice between the Outemu Lime and the Outemu Spring Breeze may come down to personal preference for the specific typing experience desired. Both switches offer a deeper and fuller sound profile due to their nylon housings, but individual nuances in design and construction may lead to slightly different typing experiences. Whether the slight variations in sound and feel are noticeable enough to impact user preference will depend on the individual's typing style and preferences.
Weight
The Outemu Lime tactile switch has a lighter actuation force of 35 grams compared to the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch, which has a slightly heavier actuation force of 40 grams. When it comes to bottoming out, the Lime requires 45 grams of force, while the Spring Breeze needs 55 grams. This means that the Spring Breeze switch is both heavier in actuation and bottom out force compared to the Lime switch. Those who enjoy a lighter typing experience may prefer the Lime switch for longer typing sessions, while those who prefer a more substantial typing feel may lean towards the slightly heavier Spring Breeze switch. Both switches offer unique typing experiences based on their actuation and bottom out forces, catering to different preferences in typing style.
Travel distance
The Outemu Lime tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Spring Breeze has a longer travel distance compared to the Lime. The 4.0mm distance of the Spring Breeze is more traditional, offering a deeper press for those who prefer a more substantial key feel. On the other hand, the Lime's 3.3mm travel distance is on the shorter side, which may be favored by gamers looking for quicker response times. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference in terms of key feel and response speed.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Outemu Lime (V3) comes in at $3.40, 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 Outemu Lime tactile switch stands out for its neutral and muted characteristics, offering a moderate actuation force requirement and a softer, quieter sound profile. This makes it suitable for a wide range of users, whether they are beginners or advanced typists, and can be used in various settings without causing disturbance. On the other hand, information on the sound profile of the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch is unavailable, so it is difficult to make a direct comparison in terms of sound.
Moving on to feel, the Outemu Lime tactile switch is praised for its mild, feathery, subtle, and polished qualities, providing a gentle typing experience with minimal finger fatigue. The light actuation force and smooth key travel make it comfortable for extended typing sessions, making it a versatile option for gaming, school, or work. In contrast, there is no information available regarding the feel of the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch, making it challenging to evaluate its tactile qualities.
Overall, the Outemu Lime tactile switch offers a unique combination of lightweight, approachable tactility, and silenced operation, making it a great choice for tactile enthusiasts looking for a feathery typing experience. While subjective qualities such as sound and feel may vary between the Lime and Spring Breeze switches, it is important to consider individual preferences and typing requirements when choosing between the two. For those seeking a similar typing experience, opting for the Lime switch may yield comparable results in terms of sound and feel.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Outemu Lime tactile switch and the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch, you should choose the Lime if you prefer a lightweight typing experience with a touch of tactility and a muted sound profile. The Lime switch is great for those who want a feathery light typing feel and a quieter keyboard. On the other hand, you should choose the Spring Breeze if you prefer a medium-light typing experience and are looking for a switch with a clicky sound. The Spring Breeze switch is suitable for those who enjoy a more pronounced clicky feel while typing. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches will depend on your personal preference for typing experience and sound profile.
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