Outemu Spring Breeze vs. Gateron Quinn
An in-depth look at the Outemu Spring Breeze and the Gateron Quinn switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Spring Breeze and the Gateron Quinn stand out as popular options for different reasons. The Spring Breeze is known for its clicky nature, providing a satisfying auditory feedback with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Quinn switches offer a unique tactile experience, combining a crisp tactile bump with a deep, resonant sound profile. While the Spring Breeze offers a traditional clicky feel, the Quinn switches bring a touch of character to the typing experience with their rich sound. 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
59g
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
3.40 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm double-stage gold-plated
Housing materials
Both the Outemu Spring Breeze and the Gateron Quinn utilize nylon as their top and bottom housing materials, resulting in a similar typing experience for users. The softer nature of nylon allows for a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing on these switches, as the material absorbs more sound than harder plastics, creating a duller and rounder sound overall. This commonality in housing material ensures that both switches offer a satisfying typing experience in terms of sound and feel.
However, despite both switches utilizing nylon for their housing materials, there may still be differences in the specific design and construction of the housings that could impact the overall typing experience. The bottom housing, in particular, has a significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key, while the top housing may play a more prominent role in the sound produced when releasing a key. These nuances in housing design could lead to subtle variations in sound and feel between the Outemu Spring Breeze and Gateron Quinn switches.
Overall, while both switches feature nylon housing materials that contribute to a deep and full sound profile while typing, it's important to consider the individual nuances of each switch's design and construction. The unique characteristics of the top and bottom housings may result in slight differences in sound and feel that could impact the overall typing experience for users. Ultimately, trying out both switches and considering personal preferences for sound and feel will be key in determining which switch is the best fit for individual typing needs.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch and the Gateron Quinn tactile switch, we can see that the Spring Breeze is lighter in both aspects compared to the Quinn. The Spring Breeze has an actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, while the Quinn has an actuation force of 59 grams and a bottom out force of 67 grams. This means that the Spring Breeze is more suitable for those who prefer a lighter typing experience, allowing for longer typing or gaming sessions without causing fatigue. On the other hand, the Quinn provides a heavier push feel, giving users a more substantial typing experience. It is important to consider personal preferences when choosing between these switches, as weight plays a significant role in the overall typing feel and comfort. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on whether one prefers a lighter or heavier actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch and the Gateron Quinn tactile switch, it is evident that the Spring Breeze has a longer travel distance of 4 mm compared to the Quinn's 3.4 mm. The Spring Breeze offers a more traditional feel with its 4 mm travel distance, while the Quinn provides a slightly shorter travel distance at 3.4 mm. Gamers may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Quinn for faster response times, while those who prefer a more substantial keypress may opt for the longer travel distance of the Spring Breeze. However, both switches offer different benefits based on personal preferences, with the Spring Breeze providing a longer keypress and the Quinn offering a slightly quicker response. Overall, the choice between the two switches ultimately depends on individual preference for travel distance and keypress feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Quinn has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Quinn for $5.50.
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 Spring Breeze switches are known for being quiet and smooth, providing a subtle typing experience that won't disturb those around you. On the other hand, the Gateron Quinn switches are described as bassy, clacky, low-pitched, and resonant, offering a deep and rich sound profile with each keystroke. This difference in sound profile can significantly impact the overall typing experience, catering to different preferences for keyboard sound aesthetics.
In terms of feel, the Spring Breeze switches are not known for any specific tactile feel, leaving their typing experience up to personal interpretation. In contrast, the Gateron Quinn switches are described as snappy, polished, bouncy, accented, buttery, and creamy, providing a tactile feedback that is responsive, smooth, and lively. This variety of tactile descriptors highlights the nuanced typing experience that the Quinn switches offer, giving users a range of tactile sensations to choose from.
Overall, while the Spring Breeze switches focus on a quiet and subtle typing experience, the Gateron Quinn switches offer a unique combination of rich sound profiles and varied tactile sensations. Choosing between the two would depend on whether you value a quieter typing experience or prefer a more immersive and tactile one. Both switches have their strengths and will deliver satisfying results, providing users with different options to enhance their mechanical keyboard setup.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch and the Gateron Quinn tactile switch, consider your preference for bottom out force and sound profile. If you prefer a lighter bottom out force of 55 grams and a traditional clicky typing experience without additional tactile feedback, the Spring Breeze may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a slightly heavier bottom out force of 67 grams, along with a unique combination of crisp, light switch-like tactility and a deep, resonant sound profile, the Quinn switches would offer a more immersive and character-filled typing experience. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preference for typing feel and sound profile to enhance your overall mechanical keyboard experience.
Mentioned in this article
