Outemu Silver vs. Outemu Spring Breeze
An in-depth look at the Outemu Silver and the Outemu Spring Breeze switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting a mechanical keyboard switch, the Outemu Silver, known for its linear feel, and the Outemu Spring Breeze, renowned for its clicky sound, offer distinct characteristics for users to consider. The Silver switch provides a smooth keystroke without any tactile feedback, ideal for those who prefer a quieter typing experience. On the other hand, the Spring Breeze switch offers a satisfying click with each press, making it popular among individuals who enjoy auditory feedback 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
45g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
1.60 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
Overall, the Outemu Silver and the Outemu Spring Breeze switches differ in their housing materials, with the Silver featuring a polycarbonate top housing and a nylon bottom housing, while the Spring Breeze has a nylon top and bottom housing. The polycarbonate top housing of the Silver creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile due to its stiffness, making it ideal for switches meant to be used with RGB lighting. In contrast, the nylon top housing of the Spring Breeze elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile, thanks to its softer plastic that absorbs more sound. Both switches offer unique sound profiles based on their housing materials, catering to different preferences.
Despite the differences in housing materials, both the Outemu Silver and the Outemu Spring Breeze switches provide a satisfying typing experience. The nylon bottom housing of the Silver and Spring Breeze contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing on the switches, creating a duller and rounder sound compared to switches with harder plastic bottom housings. This similarity in bottom housing material ensures that users will experience a consistent typing feel and sound across both switches, regardless of the differences in their top housings.
When it comes to comparing the sound profile of the Outemu Silver and the Outemu Spring Breeze switches, the impact of each housing material is distinct. While the bottom housing affects the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch when pressed, the top housing plays a significant role in the sound produced when releasing a key. This division of qualities between the top and bottom housings provides a nuanced typing experience, with each switch offering a unique combination of sound profiles based on the specific characteristics of their housing materials. Ultimately, the choice between the Outemu Silver and the Outemu Spring Breeze will depend on individual preferences for sound and feel while typing.
Weight
In comparing the Outemu Silver linear switch and the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch, it is evident that the actuation and bottom out forces play a crucial role in the typing experience. The Outemu Silver switch has a slightly higher actuation force of 45 grams compared to the 40 grams required for the Spring Breeze switch. This means that the Spring Breeze switch will feel lighter to the touch when initiating a keystroke. Additionally, the bottom out force of the Silver switch is 65 grams, making it heavier than the 55 grams required for the Spring Breeze switch. As a result, the typing experience on the Silver switch will feel more substantial and might be preferred by those who prefer a stronger push feel. However, for individuals who prefer a lighter typing experience that allows for longer typing durations, the Spring Breeze switch would be the better option. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
Both the Outemu Silver 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 you press down on a key with either switch, you will experience the same depth of travel. The travel distance is the distance the switch travels from the top to the bottom, which can affect the overall typing experience and feel of the key press. In terms of comparing and contrasting the two switches, their travel distance being equal means that users can expect a consistent keystroke depth regardless of which switch they choose. This can result in a similar typing experience with both switches, allowing for flexibility in selecting the preferred switch type based on other factors such as actuation force or sound level.
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 Silver 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 Silver linear switch is known for its relatively quiet operation, making it ideal for those who prefer a more subtle typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch is recognized for its distinct clicky sound with each key press, providing auditory feedback that some users find satisfying. It's important to keep in mind that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by the keyboard it's installed on and the type of keycaps being used.
In terms of feel, the Outemu Silver linear switch offers a smooth and consistent typing experience, with a linear actuation that provides a consistent force throughout the key press. In contrast, the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch features tactile feedback and an audible click upon actuation, which can give users a sense of confirmation with each key press. The tactile bump in the Spring Breeze switch provides a slight resistance before actuation, making it a preferred choice for typists who enjoy a more pronounced tactile feel.
Overall, the Outemu Silver linear switch and the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch offer distinct qualities in sound and feel. While the Silver switch provides a quiet and smooth typing experience, the Spring Breeze switch offers a more tactile and audible feedback. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference in terms of sound, feel, and typing style. If you prefer a linear switch, the Silver will provide a similar experience regardless of sound, while if you prefer a clicky switch, the Spring Breeze will offer that auditory feedback unique to its design.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Outemu Silver linear switch and the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch, you should consider the amount of force you prefer when typing. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force, then the Silver switch would be a better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-light bottom out force, then the Spring Breeze switch would be more suitable. Additionally, if you are looking for a quiet typing experience, the Silver switch may be more appealing due to its lack of audible feedback. However, if you enjoy the satisfying click sound while typing, then the Spring Breeze switch would be the way to go. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for typing feel and sound when choosing between these two Outemu switches.
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