Outemu Spring Breeze vs. Outemu Tom
An in-depth look at the Outemu Spring Breeze and the Outemu Tom switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Outemu Spring Breeze and the Outemu Tom. The Spring Breeze is a clicky switch, providing a satisfying audible click with each keystroke, making it ideal for those who enjoy the feedback and sound of typing. On the other hand, the Tom is a tactile switch, offering a subtle bump in response to key presses, providing a tactile feel without the audible feedback. Both switches have their own unique traits that cater to different preferences - clicky for those who enjoy a more audible typing experience, and tactile for those who prefer a subtle tactile feedback. 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
40g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
1.50 mm
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
pom
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
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 main difference between the Outemu Spring Breeze and the Outemu Tom lies in their top housing materials. The Spring Breeze features a nylon top housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer nature of nylon. On the other hand, the Tom is equipped with a polycarbonate top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The Spring Breeze's nylon top housing is ideal for those who prefer a duller and rounder sound, while the Tom's polycarbonate top housing is perfect for those seeking a more clear and resonant sound, especially when paired with RGB lighting.
Both the Spring Breeze and the Tom share the same nylon bottom housing material, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. The use of nylon in the bottom housing of both switches allows for sound absorption, creating a duller and rounder sound compared to harder plastics. This similarity in bottom housing materials ensures that users can expect a consistent typing experience in terms of sound profile when choosing either the Spring Breeze or the Tom.
Overall, the choice between the Outemu Spring Breeze and the Outemu Tom ultimately comes down to personal preference in sound profile. Those who enjoy a deeper and fuller sound may lean towards the Spring Breeze with its nylon top and bottom housing, while users who prefer a sharper and crisper sound may opt for the Tom with its polycarbonate top housing. Regardless of the choice, the housing materials in both switches play a significant role in shaping the overall typing experience, with the top housing influencing the sound upon key release and the bottom housing impacting the bottom-out sound and feel when typing.
Weight
The Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams compared to the Outemu Tom tactile switch, which has a heavier actuation force of 55 grams. In terms of bottom out force, the Spring Breeze requires 55 grams to bottom out, while the Tom's bottom out force is unknown. The Spring Breeze provides a more medium-light typing experience, making it ideal for longer typing sessions or gaming marathons where fatigue may be a concern. On the other hand, the Tom switch offers a more substantial typing experience with its heavier actuation force, appealing to those who prefer a stronger push feel. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Outemu Tom tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. With the Spring Breeze having a slightly longer travel distance, it may provide a more traditional typing feel compared to the Tom switch which offers a slightly shorter travel distance. Gamers seeking faster response times may prefer the Tom switch with its shorter travel distance, while those looking for a more substantial keypress may lean towards the Spring Breeze. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
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 Spring Breeze and Tom.
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 Spring Breeze clicky switch is known for its satisfying clickiness, providing a crisp and audible sound with each key press. On the other hand, the Outemu Tom tactile switch is known for its quiet operation, offering a softer and more subtle sound compared to the clicky switch. Keep in mind that the sound produced by a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard case and keycap material.
As for the feel, the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch is praised for its tactile feedback and responsive feel, making it ideal for typists who enjoy a more pronounced keystroke. Conversely, the Outemu Tom tactile switch is known for its smooth and consistent keystrokes, offering a gentle bump without the audible click of the clicky switch. Both switches provide a satisfying typing experience, albeit with different levels of tactile feedback.
Overall, whether you choose the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch or the Outemu Tom tactile switch, you can expect a high-quality mechanical keyboard switch that enhances your typing experience. The Spring Breeze offers a louder and more tactile typing experience, while the Tom provides a quieter and smoother feel. Ultimately, the best switch for you will depend on your personal preference for sound and feel while typing.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch and the Outemu Tom tactile switch, you should consider a few factors. If you prefer a medium-light actuation force of 55 grams and enjoy the satisfying clicky sound that the Spring Breeze provides, then this switch may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prioritize a tactile typing experience without a defined bottom out force and appreciate the bump feedback of the Tom switch, then the Tom switch might be more suitable for your preferences. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing preferences and whether you prioritize the clicky sound or tactile feel in your mechanical keyboard switch.
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