Outemu Black vs. Outemu Spring Breeze
An in-depth look at the Outemu Black and the Outemu Spring Breeze switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the Outemu Black and Outemu Spring Breeze. The Outemu Black is a linear switch, providing a smooth and consistent typing experience without the tactile feedback or audible click. On the other hand, the Outemu Spring Breeze is a clicky switch, offering both tactile feedback and a satisfying click sound with each keystroke. The Black switch is preferred for its quiet operation, making it ideal for office environments or late-night gaming sessions where noise could be a concern. In contrast, the Spring Breeze switch is favored by those who enjoy the audible click and tactile response, providing a more satisfying 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
65g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
82g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.50 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
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
When comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Black and the Outemu Spring Breeze, one of the main differences lies in the top housing material. The Black features a polycarbonate top housing, known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its relatively stiff nature. On the other hand, the Spring Breeze's nylon top housing produces a deeper and fuller sound profile, absorbing more sound to create a duller and rounder tone. While both materials have their own unique sound characteristics, the polycarbonate of the Black focuses more on clarity and resonance, while the nylon of the Spring Breeze emphasizes a richer and softer sound.
In terms of the bottom housing material, both switches utilize nylon. This classic switch housing material contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, absorbing sound to create a duller and rounder tone. Whether it's the Black or the Spring Breeze, the nylon bottom housing plays a significant role in the overall sound and feel of the switch. While the differences in the top housings may affect the sound when pressing down on a key or letting go, the shared nylon bottom housing ensures a consistent depth and fullness to the sound experience.
Although the top and bottom housing materials of the Outemu Black and the Outemu Spring Breeze differ, the qualities each material brings to the switches are split between the top and bottom of the switch. The impact of the nylon bottom housing is felt when pressing down on a key, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel. On the other hand, the top housing material, whether polycarbonate or nylon, affects the sound when releasing a key. While the sound profiles may vary between the switches due to the different housing materials, both the Black and the Spring Breeze offer unique sound experiences tailored to their specific housing compositions.
Weight
The Outemu Black linear switch has a significantly heavier actuation force and bottom out force compared to the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch. The Black requires 65 grams of force to actuate a key and 82 grams to bottom out, making it a heavier option overall. On the other hand, the Spring Breeze only needs 40 grams to actuate and 55 grams to bottom out, making it a lighter and more medium-light option. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may find the Spring Breeze more comfortable for extended periods of use, while those who enjoy a more substantial typing feel may prefer the heavier Black switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for typing experience and force requirements.
Travel distance
Both the Outemu Black linear switch and the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key equipped with either of these switches, the distance the switch travels from the top to the bottom will be identical. As a result, users can expect similar results in terms of key feel and responsiveness when typing or gaming. The consistency in travel distance between the two switches allows for ease of transition if switching between keyboards with different switches. Overall, the travel distance for both switches is equal, providing a smooth and satisfying typing experience for users.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
In this case, both switches are $3.10. As such, price can't serve as a tiebreaker when choosing between the Black and Spring Breeze.
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
The Outemu Black linear switch is best known for its smooth and consistent keystrokes, making it a popular choice for gamers and typists looking for a reliable switch. The lack of tactile feedback means it is quiet in operation, making it a good option for those who prefer a quieter typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch is best known for its loud and satisfying click sound with each keystroke. This switch provides a tactile bump, giving typists a tactile response as they type.
When it comes to sound, the Black switch is known for its quiet operation, lacking the audible click that some typists prefer. In contrast, the Spring Breeze switch is recognized for its loud and satisfying click sound, which can be both enjoyable and bothersome to those around you depending on your preference and environment.
In terms of feel, the Black switch offers a smooth and consistent typing experience with no tactile feedback, allowing for fast and precise keystrokes. On the other hand, the Spring Breeze switch provides a tactile bump with each keypress, giving typists a tactile response and making it easier to know when a key has been actuated. This can lead to a more deliberate typing experience.
Overall, the choice between the Outemu Black linear switch and the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch ultimately comes down to personal preference. If you prefer a quiet and smooth typing experience, the Black switch may be more suitable for you. However, if you enjoy the audible click and tactile feedback of a clicky switch, the Spring Breeze switch may be the better option. Both switches offer quality and durability, so you can expect similar results in terms of performance regardless of your choice.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the Outemu Black linear switch and the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch, consider the factors of bottom out force, sound, and feel. If you prefer a heavier typing experience with a bottom out force of 82 grams, the Black switch may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch with a bottom out force of 55 grams and enjoy the satisfying clicky sound of each keystroke, the Spring Breeze switch might be more suitable for your typing style. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will come down to personal preference and what type of typing experience you are looking for.
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