Cherry MX Speed Silver vs. Outemu Spring Breeze
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Speed Silver 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 Cherry MX Speed Silver and the Outemu Spring Breeze offer distinct advantages catering to different preferences. The MX Speed Silver is a linear switch that is perfect for gamers seeking maximum speed and responsiveness. With its low spring resistance and instant trigger, it is designed to give gamers the competitive edge they need to come out on top. On the other hand, the Outemu Spring Breeze is a clicky switch that provides a tactile feedback with each key press. While it may not offer the same speed as the MX Speed Silver, it delivers a satisfying clicky sound that some users prefer. 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
1.20 mm
Pre-travel
1.50 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
The Cherry MX Speed Silver and the Outemu Spring Breeze both use nylon as the material for their top and bottom housings. This means that typing on switches from either of these keyboards will elicit a similar deep and full sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a rounder and duller sound compared to harder plastics. This similarity in housing material suggests that the overall sound experience between these two switches may be quite similar.
However, the specific design and construction of the Cherry MX Speed Silver and the Outemu Spring Breeze may still result in subtle differences in sound and feel. While both switches use nylon for their top housing, the bottom housing of a switch has a more significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed. Therefore, any variations in the design of the bottom housing between the two switches may lead to differing tactile and auditory feedback when typing. Additionally, the top housing of a switch plays a role in the sound produced when a key is released, so any differences in the design of the top housing may also result in distinguishable sound characteristics between the Cherry MX Speed Silver and the Outemu Spring Breeze.
In conclusion, the use of nylon as the housing material for both the Cherry MX Speed Silver and the Outemu Spring Breeze ensures a similar typing experience in terms of sound profile and feel. The impact of the bottom housing on the bottom-out sound and feel, as well as the role of the top housing in the sound when releasing a key, may result in subtle differences between the two switches. Despite these potential variations, the shared use of nylon in both switches will likely lead to comparable sound qualities and overall typing experiences.
Weight
The Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 30 grams compared to the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch's actuation force of 40 grams, making the MX Speed Silver easier to press down. Both switches have an unknown bottom out force, which means it is unclear how much force is needed to fully press the keys down. For those who prefer a lighter touch while typing or gaming, the Cherry MX Speed Silver would be the better choice due to its lower actuation force. However, the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch provides a more substantial typing experience with a slightly heavier actuation force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for typing feel and how much force one prefers when pressing down keys.
Travel distance
The Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, making it shorter than the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch, which has a travel distance of 4 mm. The shorter travel distance of the MX Speed Silver may appeal to gamers looking for faster response times, while the longer travel distance of the Spring Breeze may provide a more satisfying key press for those who prefer a deeper feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the type of typing or gaming experience desired.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Cherry MX Speed Silver has an MSRP of $5.90 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Speed Silver for $4.00.
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 Speed Silver linear switch is known for its thocky and low-pitched qualities, providing a deep and satisfying sound when pressed. On the other hand, the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch does not have any known sound descriptors available. Keep in mind that the sound produced by a switch can be influenced by various factors such as the keyboard housing and keycaps used.
Moving on to feel, the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch is characterized as textured, offering a noticeable friction when pressed. This textured feel may be preferred by some users, while others may prefer a smoother typing experience. Unfortunately, there is no information available regarding the feel of the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch.
Overall, if you are looking for a switch that provides a rapid response and low spring resistance, the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch would be a great choice, especially for gaming where speed is crucial. While the sound and feel of the Spring Breeze switch are unknown, it is important to consider other factors such as personal preference, typing style, and overall keyboard setup when choosing the right switch for your needs. If sound and feel are not critical factors for your decision-making process, you may yield similar results with either switch.
Conclusion
Ultimately, when deciding between the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch and the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch, consider your primary use case. If you are a gamer looking for quick, responsive key presses to gain a competitive edge, the MX Speed Silver would be the ideal choice with its lightning-fast activation and lack of tactile feedback. On the other hand, if you prioritize a satisfying clicky sound and medium-light tactile feel for typing or general use, the Outemu Spring Breeze switch may be more suitable. In the end, choosing between these two switches comes down to personal preference and how you intend to use your mechanical keyboard.
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