Cherry MX Orange vs. Outemu Spring Breeze
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Orange and the Outemu Spring Breeze switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Cherry MX Orange and Outemu Spring Breeze offer distinct experiences tailored to different user preferences. The Cherry MX Orange, renowned for its smooth linear action and consistent keystroke, is designed for gamers and typists who prioritize speed and silent operation, making it an excellent choice for those who prefer a quieter workspace. In contrast, the Outemu Spring Breeze, categorized as a clicky switch, delivers a tactile and audible feedback that not only enhances the typing experience but also provides a satisfying 'click' with every keystroke, appealing to users who appreciate a more engaging and traditional typing feel. While both switches have their unique advantages—one offering seamless linear performance and the other exciting clicky responsiveness—they cater to different needs and preferences in the realm of typing and gaming. 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
55g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
N/A
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
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
When examining the housing materials of the Cherry MX Orange and the Outemu Spring Breeze, it is important to note that both switches utilize nylon for their top and bottom housings. This similarity in material results in a comparable acoustic experience, as nylon is known to absorb sound effectively due to its softer plastic composition. Consequently, users can expect a deeper and fuller sound profile from both switches during gameplay or typing. This shared characteristic contributes to a rounded sound that minimizes harshness, offering a more pleasant auditory feedback that is favored in various typing environments.
However, despite the common use of nylon, the influence of the housing on the switches may still vary when considering aspects such as overall design and tuning. While both switches have the same material, the Cherry MX Orange and the Outemu Spring Breeze may differ in their internal structures or spring tensions, which can lead to variation in feel and resistance during key presses. As such, even with the nylon housing contributing to a similar sound profile, the subjective experience of typing or gaming might not be identical due to these potential differences in internal switch mechanisms.
Ultimately, the nylon housings in both the MX Orange and Spring Breeze switches ensure that users will enjoy a consistent auditory experience, characterized by a duller and rounder sound. However, tactile feedback and bottom-out sound can be influenced by how the manufacturers design the internal components alongside the housing material. Thus, while material consistency promotes similarity, individual switch characteristics derived from their unique internal assemblies may lead to subtle differences in feel, making each switch suitable for different preferences in typing or gaming.
Weight
When comparing the Cherry MX Orange linear switch and the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Cherry MX Orange boasts an actuation force of 55 grams, which is on the heavier side, while the Outemu Spring Breeze features a lighter actuation force of 40 grams, making it easier to press and potentially offering a more comfortable experience during long typing sessions. However, the bottom out force for the MX Orange is listed as unavailable, making direct comparisons in this regard difficult. In contrast, the Spring Breeze has a bottom out force of 55 grams, which aligns with the actuation force of the Cherry MX Orange. This means that while the MX Orange requires more effort to actuate, both switches exhibit the same bottom out force, providing a familiar tactile response when pressing down fully. Thus, if you prefer a lighter and more effortless typing experience, the Outemu Spring Breeze would be the better option, while typists seeking a more substantial push feel might gravitate towards the Cherry MX Orange.
Travel distance
The travel distance of both the Cherry MX Orange linear switch and the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch is the same at 4 mm. This means that when pressing down on either switch, you'll experience an identical distance between the top and bottom positions of the keypress. As a result, if you're seeking a consistent feel in terms of travel distance, either switch will provide similar tactile feedback and performance during typing or gaming.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Cherry MX Orange has an MSRP of $4.10 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Orange for $3.89.
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 Cherry MX Orange switch tends to produce a more subdued and muted tone compared to many other switches, making it a good choice for those who prefer a quieter typing experience. In contrast, the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch offers a distinct and pronounced click sound, which is a hallmark of clicky switches. This auditory feedback can be satisfying for users who enjoy a more expressive typing experience, though it may not be as suitable for quiet environments.
Regarding feel, the MX Orange switch is characterized by its linear nature, providing a smooth keystroke without any tactile bump or audible click. This results in an effortlessly fluid typing experience that many users find appealing, particularly for long typing sessions or gaming. On the other hand, the Spring Breeze switch features a clicky feel in addition to a tactile bump, giving users a more interactive experience with each keystroke. The tactile feedback can enhance typing precision, but it may also require a bit more effort, which some users may find less comfortable over extended periods.
When considering both sound and feel, the choice between the Cherry MX Orange and Outemu Spring Breeze switches ultimately comes down to personal preference. If you prioritize a quieter, smoother experience, the MX Orange is an excellent choice. On the other hand, if you enjoy auditory feedback and a more tactile sensation, the Spring Breeze could be the better option for you. There’s a clear distinction between the two, but both switches can deliver satisfying results, depending on your specific needs and typing style.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Cherry MX Orange linear switch and the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch, it's essential to consider your typing preferences and what you value most in a keyboard experience. If you appreciate a smooth, uninterrupted keystroke without any tactile bumps or audible clicks, the MX Orange is your go-to option. Its linear design allows for rapid key presses, making it an excellent choice for gaming and fast typing where quiet operation is a priority. On the other hand, if you enjoy the satisfying feedback of a clicky switch that provides both tactile and auditory responsiveness, the Spring Breeze would be more suitable for you. Its medium-light bottom-out force of 55 grams adds a notable resistance that can enhance typing accuracy and provide a more engaging typing experience, particularly if you spend long hours typing. In essence, choose the MX Orange for a quiet, smooth, and efficient performance, or opt for the Spring Breeze for a fun, tactile, and lively typing experience that can make your workflow feel more dynamic. Both switches can bring value to your setup, depending on your personal preferences and use case.
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