Outemu Spring Breeze vs. KTT Pine
An in-depth look at the Outemu Spring Breeze and the KTT Pine switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch and the KTT Pine linear switch are both popular options for different reasons. The Spring Breeze is best known for its distinctive clicky sound and tactile feedback, making it an excellent choice for those who enjoy auditory and tactile feedback while typing. On the other hand, the KTT Pine switch is renowned for its buttery smooth key travel and medium-heavy actuation force, providing a seamless typing experience. While the Spring Breeze offers a satisfying click, the KTT Pine delivers a quieter and more refined 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
45g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
58g
Pre-travel
1.50 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 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
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
15.5mm gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The Outemu Spring Breeze and KTT Pine switches both utilize different housing materials for their top and bottom housings. The Spring Breeze features a nylon top housing, which is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic that absorbs more sound. In contrast, the Pine uses a polycarbonate top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. While both materials have their unique sound characteristics, the nylon housing of the Spring Breeze creates a duller and rounder sound compared to the more clear and resonant sound produced by the polycarbonate housing of the Pine.
On the bottom housing side, the nylon housing of the Spring Breeze once again contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing, while the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Pine creates a sharper and crisper sound experience. Aesthetically, the translucency of the polycarbonate housing in the Pine switch makes it ideal for those planning to use RGB lighting, while the durability and sound absorption properties of the nylon housing in the Spring Breeze provide a unique typing experience. Despite the differences in material composition, both switches offer distinct sound profiles that cater to different preferences in mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
When it comes to pressing down on the keys, the bottom housing material will have a more significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch. Conversely, the top housing material will influence the sound produced when releasing a key. This distinction means that the Spring Breeze and Pine switches offer a balanced mix of sound characteristics due to their use of different housing materials for the top and bottom components. Whether you prefer a deeper and fuller sound profile (Spring Breeze) or a sharper and crisper sound experience (Pine), both switches deliver unique typing experiences that can enhance your mechanical keyboard setup.
Weight
The Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams compared to the KTT Pine linear switch, which has an actuation force of 45 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Spring Breeze requires 55 grams while the Pine switch requires 58 grams, making the Pine switch slightly heavier in this aspect. Both switches fall into the medium category in terms of weight, with the Spring Breeze being on the lighter side of medium. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch, while those who enjoy a slightly more substantial typing feel may opt for the KTT Pine linear switch. Ultimately, the decision between the two will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch and the KTT Pine linear switch is the same, with both switches having a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that users can expect similar results in terms of how far the switch travels from the top to the bottom when pressed. It is noteworthy that both switches offer a standard travel distance, allowing for consistent typing experience. Ultimately, whether one prefers the clicky feel of the Spring Breeze or the smooth linear action of the Pine, both switches provide a satisfying travel distance for typing and gaming needs.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Pine has an MSRP of $4.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Pine for $4.15.
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
In terms of sound, the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch is known for a yet undisclosed sound profile, while the KTT Pine linear switch is characterized as bassy and low-pitched, offering a deeper and richer sound during key presses with a more bass-heavy and mellow tone. Sound preference is subjective and can vary depending on individual preference, choice of keycaps, and the keyboard's construction.
When it comes to feel, the Spring Breeze switch does not have a defined description, while the KTT Pine linear switch is described as buttery and creamy. This implies a smooth and fluid keystroke experience with a seamless, effortless, and uniform typing sensation. The factory-lubed finish of the Pine switches minimizes friction for smooth key travel, enhancing the overall typing experience.
Overall, while the Spring Breeze clicky switch and KTT Pine linear switch offer different sound profiles and tactile experiences, both switches cater to unique preferences in the mechanical keyboard community. If you enjoy a smoother, buttery feel with a bass-heavy sound, the KTT Pine linear switch may be the ideal choice for you. Keep in mind that personal preference plays a significant role in selecting the right switch for your typing style and needs. Consider trying out both switches to determine which one aligns best with your preferences.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch and the KTT Pine linear switch, it all comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a medium-light bottom out force and a clicky sound profile without any specific features, the Spring Breeze may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother, medium-heavy linear switch with a buttery feel and a bassy sound profile, the KTT Pine switch could be more suitable for your typing needs. Consider your preferences for force, sound, and feel to make the best decision for your mechanical keyboard setup. Ultimately, the choice between the Spring Breeze and the Pine switch will depend on what you prioritize in your typing experience.
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