Outemu Spring Breeze vs. Durock Piano
An in-depth look at the Outemu Spring Breeze and the Durock Piano 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 Spring Breeze, a clicky switch, and the Durock Piano, a linear switch. The Spring Breeze switch is best known for its distinctive clicking sound and tactile feedback. On the other hand, the Durock Piano stands out for its smooth, frictionless feel and deep, creamy sound signature. While the Spring Breeze may appeal to those who prefer a more audible typing experience, the Durock Piano caters to individuals who enjoy a smoother and quieter 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
40g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
1.50 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
pom
Stem material
Mystery material
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Proprietary POM blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary POM blend
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The Outemu Spring Breeze and Durock Piano both feature unique housing materials for their switches, with the Spring Breeze using nylon for both the top and bottom housings, while the Piano utilizes a proprietary POM blend. Nylon is known for its softer plastic composition, which absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. On the other hand, the POM blend in the Piano is described as offering a uniquely satisfying and deep sound profile, although the exact details of the blend remain undisclosed.
The top housing of both the Spring Breeze and the Piano plays a significant role in the sound profile of the switches. The nylon top housing of the Spring Breeze is known to create a duller and rounder sound due to its ability to absorb more sound. Similarly, the POM blend top housing of the Piano is designed to provide a deep and satisfying sound profile. While the exact mechanisms behind these sound profiles may differ due to the unique characteristics of nylon and the proprietary POM blend, both housing materials aim to enhance the typing experience through their sound properties.
When it comes to the bottom housing of the switches, the impact on the sound and feel when pressing down on a key is more pronounced. The nylon bottom housing of the Spring Breeze, with its softer plastic composition, contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. Similarly, the POM blend bottom housing of the Piano is designed to offer a satisfying and deep sound experience. While the bottom housing of a switch may not be as immediately noticeable as the top housing in terms of sound profile, it plays a crucial role in overall typing feel and sound output.
Weight
In comparing the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch and the Durock Piano linear switch, one notable difference is the actuation and bottom out forces. The Spring Breeze has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams, making it easier to trigger keystrokes compared to the Piano, which has an unknown actuation force. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Piano is heavier at 63.5 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience compared to the Spring Breeze's 55 grams. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Spring Breeze, while those looking for a more tactile feel may prefer the Piano. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
Both the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch and the Durock Piano linear switch have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. When comparing and contrasting their travel distance, it can be noted that both switches provide a consistent and satisfying typing experience as the key travels the same distance when pressed. This means that users can expect similar results in terms of key feel and actuation point regardless of which switch they choose. In terms of shorter and longer travel distance, it is clear that both switches offer the same level of travel, making them equally suitable for those who prefer a standard distance in their mechanical keyboard switches.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock Piano has an MSRP of $6.70 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Piano for $5.57.
The Outemu Spring Breeze comes in at $3.10 per 10 switches.
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 creating a unique auditory experience that is yet to be characterized. On the other hand, the Durock Piano linear switch is recognized for its deep and creamy sound profile with a bassy resonance that adds a rich texture to every keystroke. The sound produced by both switches will differ significantly, with the Spring Breeze potentially offering a more clicky and tactile feedback, while the Piano provides a smooth and bass-heavy sound signature.
Regarding the feel of these switches, the Spring Breeze is recognized for its tactile and clicky feedback that enhances the typing experience. The Durock Piano linear switch stands out for its frictionless and silky feel during key presses. This means that the Piano switch offers a smooth and effortless typing experience, minimizing any sense of resistance or friction when pressing the keys, creating a gliding push sensation while typing. Both switches provide a distinct typing feel, allowing users to choose between a tactile and clicky feedback or a silky and frictionless typing experience.
In conclusion, the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch and the Durock Piano linear switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Spring Breeze provides potentially clicky and tactile sound and feel, the Durock Piano delivers a deep, creamy sound signature and a frictionless, silky typing experience. Depending on personal preference, users can opt for a more tactile and clicky typing experience with the Spring Breeze or a smooth and bass-heavy typing experience with the Durock Piano. Ultimately, both switches will provide a pleasant and unique typing experience based on individual preferences.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch and the Durock Piano linear switch, you should consider your preference for bottom out force, typing experience, sound profile, and overall feel. If you prefer a lighter switch with a clicky sound and a slightly lighter bottom out force, the Spring Breeze may be the way to go. However, if you prefer a smooth and effortless typing experience with a deeper sound profile and a bit heavier bottom out force, the Durock Piano linear switch is the better choice for you. Ultimately, your decision should be based on what type of typing experience you value most.
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