Outemu Spring Breeze vs. Kailh Plum
An in-depth look at the Outemu Spring Breeze and the Kailh Plum switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Spring Breeze and the Kailh Plum offer distinct typing experiences. The Spring Breeze is a clicky switch, known for its satisfying click sound upon actuation. On the other hand, the Plum is a tactile switch that offers a unique typing experience with a hefty feel but a subtle tactile bump. While the Spring Breeze provides a more auditory feedback, the Plum offers a more balanced and enjoyable sound profile. If you prefer a clicky switch with audible feedback, the Spring Breeze might be the way to go. However, if you are looking for a tactile switch with a unique feel and sound, the Plum could be the perfect choice. 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
70g
Pre-travel
1.50 mm
Pre-travel
1.70 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
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
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Outemu Spring Breeze and Kailh Plum both feature nylon bottom housings, which contribute to a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing due to the softer nature of nylon. This results in a duller and rounder sound compared to harder plastics. However, the top housing of the Spring Breeze is made of nylon, while the Plum utilizes polycarbonate. The polycarbonate top housing of the Plum creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, as polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic that leads to a more clear and resonant sound.
In terms of aesthetics, the housing material of the switches also plays a role. The clear polycarbonate top housing of the Kailh Plum allows for RGB lighting to shine through, making it a visually appealing option for those looking to customize their keyboard with lighting effects. On the other hand, the opaque nylon top housing of the Outemu Spring Breeze may not offer the same level of visual appeal, but it still provides a unique typing experience with its deeper sound profile.
Overall, while both switches feature nylon bottom housings that contribute to a similar typing experience, the difference in top housing material sets the Outemu Spring Breeze and Kailh Plum apart in terms of sound profile and aesthetics. The Spring Breeze offers a deeper and fuller sound due to its nylon top housing, while the Plum's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper and crisper sound. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches may come down to personal preference in sound profile and visual customization options.
Weight
The Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch and the Kailh Plum tactile switch both offer unique characteristics in terms of actuation force and bottom out force. The Spring Breeze has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams compared to the Plum, which does not specify the actuation force. However, the Plum has a heavier bottom out force of 70 grams, while the Spring Breeze has a bottom out force of 55 grams. This difference in bottom out force makes the Plum switch more suitable for users who prefer a more substantial typing experience, as it requires a stronger push feel. On the other hand, the lighter actuation force of the Spring Breeze may appeal to those who type for extended periods or engage in long gaming sessions. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, which is longer than the Kailh Plum tactile switch with a travel distance of 3.6 mm. The Spring Breeze offers a more traditional travel distance, while the Plum provides a slightly shallower feel. Gamers looking for faster response times may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Plum switch, while those who enjoy a deeper key press may opt for the longer travel distance of the Spring Breeze. Both switches offer a satisfying clicky tactile feedback, but the choice between them ultimately comes down to personal preference for travel distance and key feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Outemu Spring Breeze comes in at $3.10, whereas the Kailh Plum comes in at $6.25.
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 being relatively neutral in terms of noise level, allowing for an enjoyable typing experience without being too disruptive. On the other hand, the Kailh Plum tactile switch also boasts a neutral sound profile, which is suitable for a variety of settings and user preferences. Ultimately, the sound of these switches will also depend on additional factors such as the keyboard housing and keycaps used.
Moving on to feel, the Spring Breeze switch does not have a specific descriptor provided, but based on the lack of information, it can be assumed that it offers a standard typing experience without any extreme characteristics. In contrast, the Kailh Plum tactile switch is described as mild and stepped, providing a gentle typing experience with a subtle tactile bump that is not overly pronounced. This unique design creates a switch that falls in a comfortable middle ground where the sound and feel are approachable to most users.
In conclusion, both the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch and the Kailh Plum tactile switch offer neutral sound profiles that cater to a wide range of users, whether they are beginners or experienced typists. While the Spring Breeze may provide a standard typing experience, the Plum tactile switch stands out with its unique weightiness and subtle tactility. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will come down to personal preference and the specific typing experience that each user is looking for.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch and the Kailh Plum tactile switch, you should consider your preference for key feel and sound profile. If you prefer a lighter bottom out force and a clicky sound, the Spring Breeze may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a heavier bottom out force and a unique, mild tactile feel with a neutral sound profile, the Plum switch could be more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference and the typing experience you are looking for in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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