Cherry MX Purple RGB vs. Outemu Spring Breeze
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Purple RGB and the Outemu Spring Breeze switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts often find themselves weighing the unique characteristics of different options to find the perfect fit for their typing or gaming experience. The Cherry MX Purple RGB switch is celebrated for its refined tactile feedback, featuring a short, medium-strength bump that many users appreciate for its comfortable and precise feel; this makes it a popular choice for those who value a solid tactile experience without overwhelming resistance. In contrast, the Outemu Spring Breeze switch shines with its distinct clicky sound profile, thanks to its nylon housing combined with a POM stem, which not only renders a deeper auditory feedback but also enhances the overall durability of the switch. While the MX Purple RGB is ideal for users seeking a refined tactile feel, the Spring Breeze caters to those who enjoy a pronounced clicking sound in their typing, making it an excellent choice for typists and gamers alike. 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
45g
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 comparing the housing materials of the Cherry MX Purple RGB and the Outemu Spring Breeze switches, it becomes clear that both employ a nylon material for their top and bottom housings. This uniformity in housing material offers users a notably similar auditory experience. The nylon used in both switches contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, due to its softer nature. As both switches share this characteristic, typists can expect a duller and rounder sound when engaging with either model, enhancing the overall tactile and auditory sensation during use.
In terms of sound absorption capabilities, both the MX Purple RGB and the Spring Breeze switches exhibit a tendency toward minimizing sound reflection. This quality stems from the inherent properties of nylon, allowing both switches to produce a sound that is less harsh and more pleasant to the ears. As the softer plastic absorbs more sound, typists will experience reduced noise when keypresses occur, resulting in a quieter keyboard operation. The commonly shared material allows users of either switch to enjoy a similar atmosphere, whether in a casual or professional setting.
However, despite the similarities in sound profile produced by the nylon housing, the way these qualities manifest during usage can depend on how each housing is designed and structured. For instance, while the overall sound dampening is consistent, the nuances in feel can differ depending on the specific internal mechanisms or design elements of each switch. The bottom housing plays a more significant role in the feel and sound when the key is fully pressed down, while the top housing affects the release sound. Therefore, even with identical nylon materials, the tactile and auditory experience can subtly vary between the two switches, depending on how each brand tunes its designs.
Weight
The Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switch and the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch present distinct characteristics in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Cherry MX Purple RGB requires an actuation force of 45 grams, making it slightly heavier compared to the Outemu Spring Breeze, which has a lower actuation force of 40 grams, indicating it is the lighter option. However, the bottom out force for the Cherry MX Purple RGB is unknown, while the Spring Breeze has a defined bottom out force of 55 grams, categorized as medium-light. This lack of a specified bottom out force for the Cherry MX switch makes it difficult to draw a complete comparison in that regard. For users who prefer a lighter switch that facilitates longer typing sessions, the Outemu Spring Breeze may be more suitable, while those who appreciate a more substantial typing experience might gravitate towards the heavier Cherry MX Purple RGB. Overall, both switches offer unique advantages depending on personal preference for feel and typing experience.
Travel distance
The Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switch and the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch both have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that users can expect a similar keypress experience when using either switch, as both require the same amount of movement from the top to the bottom. Consequently, both switches will provide comparable tactile feedback and overall performance during typing or gaming sessions.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Cherry MX Purple RGB has an MSRP of $6.19 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Purple RGB for $5.79.
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 Cherry MX Purple RGB switch produces a refined, subtle auditory feedback that complements its tactile characteristics. It offers a moderate sound profile that isn't overly loud, making it suitable for both professional and home environments where noise may be a concern. In contrast, the Outemu Spring Breeze switch generates a deeper, more resonant click due to its nylon housing and POM stem, which produces a pronounced auditory feedback that some typists may find satisfying but could be more distracting in quieter settings. Both switches, through their construction and mechanisms, will yield distinct sound qualities, but factors like keyboard type and keycap material will significantly influence the final auditory experience.
When it comes to feel, the Cherry MX Purple RGB switch is designed to provide a refined tactile experience characterized by a short, medium-strength bump that enhances typing accuracy without being overly harsh. This tactile feedback is balanced, allowing for a smooth transition between keys. On the other hand, the Outemu Spring Breeze switch offers a tactile and clicky feedback that is often sharper and more prominent, giving a satisfying response with each keystroke. While both switches deliver tactile sensations, the MX Purple RGB's bump is understated compared to the distinctly pronounced click of the Spring Breeze, making the feel of each switch uniquely appealing depending on user preference.
Overall, both the Cherry MX Purple RGB and Outemu Spring Breeze switches present distinct auditory and tactile experiences that cater to varying preferences in mechanical keyboards. The MX Purple RGB’s balanced sound and refined tactile feedback suit those who appreciate nuance and a less intrusive sound profile, while the Spring Breeze's deeper click and pronounced tactile response make it ideal for users who enjoy more audible and tactile confirmation with each keystroke. Ultimately, whether you prefer the subtlety of the MX Purple or the more pronounced clicks of the Spring Breeze, both switches offer quality performance, ensuring an enjoyable typing experience based on your personal taste.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switch and the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch largely depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you’re someone who appreciates a refined tactile bump and seeks to minimize finger fatigue without sacrificing feedback, the Cherry MX Purple RGB may be the ideal option for you. This switch’s medium-strength bump offers a satisfying typing experience, perfect for extended bouts of typing or gaming, especially if you enjoy a quieter environment. On the other hand, if you prefer a more pronounced auditory feedback and a slightly heavier keystroke, the Outemu Spring Breeze may serve you better. It’s noticeable clicky sound combined with its 55-gram bottom-out force makes each keystroke feel robust, thus enhancing your gaming or typing experience—especially enjoyable if you love the traditional clicky feel reminiscent of vintage typewriters. Therefore, weigh these considerations carefully according to your habits and preferences, and you'll find the switch that best complements your keyboard experience.
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