Outemu Red vs. Outemu Spring Breeze
An in-depth look at the Outemu Red 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 are the Outemu Red, a linear switch, and the Outemu Spring Breeze, a clicky switch. The Outemu Red is known for its smooth and consistent feel, making it ideal for gamers and typists who prefer a linear actuation without any tactile feedback. On the other hand, the Outemu Spring Breeze is known for its tactile and audible click, providing a satisfying typist experience with each keystroke. While the Red switch offers a silent typing experience, the Spring Breeze switch adds a tactile feedback for those who enjoy a more pronounced key press. 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
46g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.10 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
Both the Outemu Red and the Outemu Spring Breeze feature nylon bottom housings, which contribute to a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. The softer nature of nylon allows for sound absorption, resulting in a duller and rounder sound compared to harder plastics. This makes both switches ideal for those looking for a more satisfying typing experience with a focus on sound quality. However, the difference in the top housings of these switches sets them apart when it comes to the overall sound profile.
The Outemu Red's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the stiffer nature of polycarbonate. This material leads to a clear and resonant sound profile, making it a great choice for those who prefer a more distinct typing sound. In contrast, the Spring Breeze's nylon top housing offers a more classic typing experience with a deeper and fuller sound. The softer nature of nylon leads to a sound that is more subdued and rounded, appealing to users who prefer a less sharp sound profile overall.
While the bottom housings of both switches provide a similar typing experience with a deeper and fuller sound, it is the top housings that truly differentiate the Outemu Red and the Outemu Spring Breeze. The polycarbonate top housing of the Red produces a sharper and crisper sound, while the nylon top housing of the Spring Breeze offers a more classic and mellow sound profile. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will come down to personal preference in sound quality and typing feel, with the top housing playing a significant role in the overall experience of using the switch.
Weight
The Outemu Red linear switch and the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch have differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Red switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 46 grams compared to the Spring Breeze's 40 grams, making it a bit lighter. Additionally, the Red switch has a higher bottom out force of 62 grams, while the Spring Breeze has a lower bottom out force of 55 grams. This means that the Red switch provides a more substantial typing experience with a slightly heavier push feel, while the Spring Breeze offers a lighter touch for longer typing sessions. Both switches fall within the medium range of actuation and bottom out forces, but the Red switch leans towards the heavier side, while the Spring Breeze is on the lighter side. Overall, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for typing experience and desired force feedback.
Travel distance
Both the Outemu Red linear 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 pressing down on a key with either of these switches, you will feel the same distance of travel. Despite both switches having the same travel distance, they offer different typing experiences due to their different designs. The Red linear switch provides a smooth keypress without any tactile feedback, ideal for fast typists or gamers. On the other hand, the Spring Breeze clicky switch offers a tactile bump and an audible click sound with each keypress, providing a more satisfying typing experience for those who enjoy clicky switches. So, while their travel distances are the same, the typing experience they offer is what sets these two switches apart.
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 Red 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 Red linear 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 crisp and audible click with each keystroke, which can be satisfying for users who enjoy auditory feedback while typing. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard chassis and keycap material used.
In terms of feel, the Outemu Red linear switch is praised for its smooth and consistent keystrokes, providing a seamless typing experience for users who enjoy a linear feel without any tactile feedback. Conversely, the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch offers a tactile bump and audible click with each key press, giving users a more tactile feel and satisfying feedback when typing. The actuation force and travel distance of each switch can also affect the overall typing experience.
Overall, while the Outemu Red linear switch and the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch offer different sound profiles and tactile feedback, both switches are of high quality and provide a satisfying typing experience. Whether you prefer a quiet and smooth typing experience with the Red switch or a more audible and tactile feel with the Spring Breeze switch, you can expect reliable performance and durability from either option. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on your personal preference for sound and feel while typing.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Outemu Red linear switch and the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch, you should choose the Red if you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force of 62 grams and a smooth linear feel. The Red switch is a good option for those who want a quiet typing experience without the tactile feedback or audible click. On the other hand, if you enjoy a lighter bottom out force of 55 grams and prefer a clicky and tactile typing experience, the Spring Breeze switch would be more suitable for you. The Spring Breeze switch is ideal for those who want that satisfying click sound and tactile feedback with each key press. Ultimately, your choice between these switches will depend on your personal preferences for typing feel and sound.
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