Outemu Spring Breeze vs. Durock POM T1 (Sunflower)
An in-depth look at the Outemu Spring Breeze and the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When looking at mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options that often come up are the Outemu Spring Breeze, a clicky switch, and the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower), a tactile switch. The Spring Breeze switch is best known for its clicky sound and tactile feedback, making it a favorite among those who enjoy a more audible typing experience. On the other hand, the POM T1 (Sunflower) is praised for its maximum tactility, providing a satisfyingly sharp tactility and clean clack with each keypress. While the Spring Breeze offers a classic clicky feel, the POM T1 (Sunflower) stands out for its pronounced tactility and smooth 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
67g
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
Proprietary
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Spring Breeze and the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower), it is clear that both switches utilize high-quality materials known for their sound-enhancing properties. The Spring Breeze features a nylon top housing, which is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softness and sound-absorbing properties. Similarly, the POM top housing of the POM T1 (Sunflower) also contributes to a pleasing and unique sound profile, albeit with a deeper and more muted tone. Both switches offer a rich typing experience with their top housing materials, resulting in a satisfying auditory feedback for users.
In terms of bottom housing materials, the Spring Breeze and the POM T1 (Sunflower) differ slightly. The nylon bottom housing of the Spring Breeze contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, similar to its top housing qualities. On the other hand, the POM bottom housing of the POM T1 (Sunflower) also adds to the deeper sound profile of the switch, enhancing the overall typing experience with its unique sound characteristics. While the bottom housing materials may have a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel of the switches, both the Spring Breeze and the POM T1 (Sunflower) provide a consistent and satisfying typing experience.
Overall, the housing materials of the Outemu Spring Breeze and the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) play a crucial role in shaping the sound profile and tactile feedback of each switch. While the nylon and POM materials may have slightly different properties, both switches offer a deep and pleasing sound experience for users. Whether it be the softer nylon housing of the Spring Breeze or the unique POM housing of the POM T1 (Sunflower), typists can expect a high-quality typing experience with either switch, making them both excellent choices for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
The Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams compared to the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) tactile switch, which has an unknown actuation force. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Spring Breeze requires 55 grams while the POM T1 requires 67 grams, making the POM T1 the heavier option. For those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions, the Spring Breeze may be the better choice. On the other hand, if a more substantial typing experience is desired, the heavier bottom out force of the POM T1 may be more suitable. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch and the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) tactile switch have the same travel distance of 4mm. This means that when you press down on a key with either of these switches, you will experience the same amount of travel distance. Both switches offer a consistent typing experience in terms of how far the key travels from the top to the bottom. Overall, the travel distance of these switches is equal, allowing for similar results when typing or gaming.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) has an MSRP of $7.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the POM T1 (Sunflower) 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
In terms of sound, the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch is known for a sound profile that is described as []. On the other hand, the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) tactile switch offers a resonant sound profile, providing a higher-pitched sound and an immersive auditory experience. The sharp tactility of the POM T1 switch results in a clean and sharp clack when typing.
When it comes to feel, the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch is described as []. In contrast, the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) tactile switch offers multiple descriptors including sharp, accented, snappy, and invigorating. This means that typing on the POM T1 switch will provide a strong and crisp tactile bump, with a medium amount of tactility that is neither overwhelming nor subtle.
Overall, while the subjective qualities of the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch and the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) tactile switch differ in terms of sound and feel, both switches offer a unique typing experience. The Spring Breeze may provide a different auditory and tactile sensation compared to the POM T1, but both switches have their own strengths that cater to different preferences. As such, if you are looking for a switch with similar levels of tactility but varied sound profiles, opting for either switch would yield satisfying results based on your personal preferences.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering whether to choose the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch or the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a lighter bottom out force and a cleaner, crisper click sound, the Spring Breeze may be the better option for you. However, if you are looking for maximum tactility, a medium-heavy bottom out force, and a punchy tactile bump with a resonant sound profile, then the POM T1 (Sunflower) would be the ideal choice. Both switches offer unique typing experiences, so it is important to consider what factors are most important to you when making your decision.
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