Outemu Purple vs. Outemu Spring Breeze
An in-depth look at the Outemu Purple and the Outemu Spring Breeze switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Purple and Outemu Spring Breeze offer unique experiences for users. The Purple switch is a tactile switch, providing a satisfying bump when pressed, while the Spring Breeze switch is a clicky switch, offering an audible click sound with each keystroke. The Purple switch is best known for its smooth tactile feedback, making it ideal for those who enjoy a tactile typing experience without the loud click noise. On the other hand, the Spring Breeze switch is favored for its clicky sound, which can be satisfying for those who prefer an audible response while typing. 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
50g
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
Partial box
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 Purple and Outemu Spring Breeze differ in their housing materials, with the Purple featuring a polycarbonate top housing and a nylon bottom housing, while the Spring Breeze has a nylon top and bottom housing. The polycarbonate housing in the Purple switch creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, while the nylon housing in the Spring Breeze produces a deeper and fuller sound. Polycarbonate, being a stiffer plastic, results in a more clear and resonant sound, while nylon, being softer and absorbing more sound, creates a duller and rounder sound. Both switches offer unique sound profiles due to their housing materials, catering to different preferences for typing experience.
In terms of aesthetics, the polycarbonate top housing of the Outemu Purple allows for translucency, making it ideal for switches that plan to incorporate RGB lighting. On the other hand, the nylon top housing of the Outemu Spring Breeze is a classic choice that is known for its deep and full sound profile. While the bottom housing of both switches is made of nylon, which results in a similar impact on sound and feel, the top housing plays a significant role in the overall typing experience. The sharp and crisp sound of the Purple contrasts with the dull and round sound of the Spring Breeze, providing users with options based on their sound preference.
Overall, the housing materials of the Outemu Purple and Outemu Spring Breeze contribute to their distinct sound profiles. The polycarbonate top housing of the Purple creates a sharp and resonant sound, while the nylon top housing of the Spring Breeze produces a deeper and fuller sound. Both switches use nylon for the bottom housing, resulting in a similar impact on sound and feel when typing. Whether you prefer a clear and crisp sound or a deep and full sound, both switches offer unique typing experiences based on their housing materials. Ultimately, the choice between the Outemu Purple and Outemu Spring Breeze comes down to personal preference in the sound profile you prefer for your typing experience.
Weight
Comparing the Outemu Purple tactile switch and the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch, it is evident that they have differing actuation and bottom out forces. The Outemu Purple has a higher actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Spring Breeze's 40 grams, making the Purple switch require more force to trigger a keystroke. However, the bottom out force of the Spring Breeze is 55 grams, which is medium-light, while the bottom out force of the Purple switch is unknown. In terms of weight, some users may prefer the lighter actuation force of the Spring Breeze for longer typing or gaming sessions, while others may enjoy the heavier actuation force of the Purple switch for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
Both the Outemu Purple tactile switch and the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that users can expect to feel a consistent amount of travel when typing on either switch. The 4 mm travel distance on both switches allows for a satisfying keystroke that is neither too short nor too long. The similarity in travel distance between the two switches means that users can expect a similar typing experience in terms of key press depth. Overall, both switches offer a comfortable and consistent typing experience due to their identical travel distances.
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 Purple 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 Purple tactile switch is known for its relatively quiet operation, making it a good choice for those who prefer a more subtle typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch is recognized for its distinctive click sound with each keystroke, providing audible feedback that some users find satisfying. Keep in mind that the sound produced by these switches can also be influenced by the type of keyboard case and keycaps used.
In regards to feel, the Outemu Purple tactile switch offers a smooth and responsive typing experience with a pronounced tactile bump, which can help improve typing accuracy and overall comfort. Conversely, the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch provides a similar tactile bump but with an added audible click, giving users both tactile and audible feedback with each press. Both switches offer a satisfying tactile response that can enhance the typing experience for users seeking a tactile switch option.
In conclusion, the Outemu Purple tactile switch is ideal for those looking for a quiet and tactile typing experience, while the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch is a great option for users who enjoy the satisfying click sound along with tactile feedback. Depending on your personal preferences for sound and feel, both switches offer unique qualities that can enhance your overall typing experience. Ultimately, trying out both switches on a test keyboard can help you determine which one best suits your typing style and preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, when it comes to choosing between the Outemu Purple tactile switch and the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch, consider the different characteristics of each switch. If you are looking for a lighter typing experience without a defined bottom out force, the Outemu Purple switch may be the better option for you. However, if you prefer a clicky switch with a medium-light bottom out force and enjoy the audible feedback while typing, then the Outemu Spring Breeze switch would be the more suitable choice. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for typing feel, sound, and bottom out force.
Mentioned in this article
