Outemu Brown vs. Outemu Spring Breeze
An in-depth look at the Outemu Brown and the Outemu Spring Breeze switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Outemu Brown, a tactile switch, and the Outemu Spring Breeze, a clicky switch. The Brown switch is best known for its tactile feedback, providing a satisfying bump when pressed down. On the other hand, the Spring Breeze switch stands out for its audible click sound with each key press. The Brown switch is categorized as a tactile switch, offering a balance between smooth keystrokes and tactile feedback, making it ideal for typists who prefer a quieter typing experience. In contrast, the Spring Breeze switch is categorized as a clicky switch, providing an audible click sound and precise tactile feedback that is favored by gamers and those who enjoy a more pronounced 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
53g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
1.20 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
The Outemu Brown switch features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile due to its stiffer nature. In contrast, the Outemu Spring Breeze switch has a nylon top housing that produces a deeper and fuller sound profile as nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound. While the Brown's top housing allows for a more clear and resonant sound, the Spring Breeze's top housing creates a duller and rounder sound. Despite these differences, both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housing, resulting in a similar impact on the overall sound profile of the switch.
In terms of aesthetics, the polycarbonate top housing of the Outemu Brown switch is translucent, making it ideal for use with RGB lighting. On the other hand, the nylon top housing of the Spring Breeze switch lacks this transparency but provides a classic feel with a deeper sound profile. Both switches offer unique characteristics in terms of sound and feel, with the Brown switch focusing on a crisper sound and the Spring Breeze switch emphasizing a fuller sound. While the materials used in the top housing differ, the nylon bottom housing of both switches contributes to a duller and rounder sound overall.
Overall, the choice between the Outemu Brown and Spring Breeze switches comes down to personal preference in terms of sound profile and aesthetics. The polycarbonate top housing of the Brown switch offers a sharper, higher-pitched sound, while the nylon top housing of the Spring Breeze switch provides a deeper and fuller sound. Both switches feature a nylon bottom housing, which absorbs more sound and contributes to a rounder overall sound profile. Whether you prefer a crisper sound with RGB lighting capabilities or a classic feel with a deeper sound, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences.
Weight
Comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Brown tactile switch and the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch reveals some notable differences. The Outemu Brown has a higher actuation force of 53 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, making it a medium-heavy switch. In contrast, the Outemu Spring Breeze has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, categorizing it as medium-light. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience for extended periods, the Outemu Spring Breeze would be the preferred choice. However, individuals seeking a more substantial typing feel may opt for the Outemu Brown despite its heavier actuation and bottom out force. In this case, choosing the lighter or heavier option would depend on personal preference and typing habits, as lighter switches allow for longer typing sessions while heavier switches provide a more tactile typing experience.
Travel distance
Both the Outemu Brown tactile switch and the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that when you press down on a key with either switch, you will experience the same distance of travel. The tactile feedback in the Brown switch provides a smooth and consistent feel, while the clicky feedback in the Spring Breeze switch offers a satisfying audible click with each keystroke. Despite their differences in feedback, both switches provide a similar travel distance, ensuring a consistent 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 Brown 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
When it comes to sound, the Outemu Brown tactile switch is known for its quiet operation, making it a popular choice for those who prefer a more discreet typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch is known for its satisfying click sound with each keystroke, which can be quite loud but loved by enthusiasts of clicky switches. Keep in mind that the sound produced by the switch will also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard case and keycap materials used.
In terms of feel, the Outemu Brown tactile switch is known for its smooth and subtle tactile bump, providing a gentle feedback to typists without being too harsh on the fingers. Meanwhile, the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch offers a more pronounced tactile bump along with the audible click, giving users a tactile and auditory confirmation of each keystroke. Both switches are designed to provide a different typing experience, catering to individual preferences for feedback and actuation force.
In conclusion, the Outemu Brown tactile switch and the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch offer distinct characteristics in terms of sound and feel. If you prefer a quieter typing experience with a subtle tactile feedback, the Brown switch would be a suitable choice. On the other hand, if you enjoy a satisfying click sound and a more pronounced tactile bump with each key press, the Spring Breeze switch would be more appealing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference and the type of typing experience you're looking for in your mechanical keyboard.
Conclusion
Therefore, when deciding between the Outemu Brown tactile switch and the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch, consider your preference for typing experience and noise level. If you prefer a smoother feel with a tactile bump and a quieter typing experience, the Outemu Brown tactile switch with its medium-heavy bottom out force of 65 grams may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy the satisfying clicky sound of each keystroke and prefer a lighter bottom out force of 55 grams, the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch might be more suitable for your typing style. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference and the typing experience you are looking for in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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