Outemu Spring Breeze vs. Outemu Red Panda
An in-depth look at the Outemu Spring Breeze and the Outemu Red Panda 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 Outemu Red Panda offer unique characteristics for different preferences. The Spring Breeze switch is best known for its clicky sound profile, providing a satisfying auditory feedback with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Red Panda switch is recognized for its tactile feel, offering a gentle bump when typing along with a distinct bottom-out and top-out sound. While the Spring Breeze switch is ideal for those who enjoy a clicky typing experience, the Red Panda switch appeals to users who prefer a quieter, more tactile feedback. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
1.50 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
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 the Outemu Red Panda both feature different housing materials for their top and bottom housings. The Spring Breeze uses a nylon top housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic absorbing more sound. In contrast, the Red Panda features a polycarbonate top housing, creating a sharper and crisper sound profile with its stiffer plastic. This difference in material results in distinct auditory experiences for users, with the Spring Breeze offering a duller and rounder sound compared to the Red Panda's clearer and more resonant sound.
While the top housings of the Spring Breeze and the Red Panda vary in material, both switches share a nylon bottom housing. This material is known for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile, as the softer plastic absorbs more sound than harder plastics. Therefore, regardless of the top housing material, users can expect a consistent sound experience when typing on either the Spring Breeze or the Red Panda due to the shared nylon bottom housing. This similarity in the bottom housing material ensures that users will still enjoy a duller and rounder sound profile with both switches.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in switches like the Outemu Spring Breeze and the Outemu Red Panda plays a significant role in determining the sound profile experienced by users. While the Spring Breeze's nylon top housing offers a different auditory experience than the Red Panda's polycarbonate top housing, both switches deliver a similar sound quality through their shared nylon bottom housing. Whether users prefer a deeper and fuller sound profile or a sharper and crisper sound profile, they can rely on the distinct characteristics of the housing materials in each switch to enhance their typing experience.
Weight
The Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams compared to the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch with a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams. This means that the Spring Breeze switch requires less force to register a keystroke, making it more responsive for quick typing or gaming. However, when it comes to bottoming out, the Spring Breeze switch has a bottom out force of 55 grams, while the Red Panda switch has a bottom out force of 60 grams, indicating a slightly heavier feel when fully pressing down the key. Both switches fall into the medium-light to medium weight range, offering a balance between typing comfort and feedback. Users who prefer a lighter touch may lean towards the Spring Breeze, while those who enjoy a slightly firmer press may opt for the Red Panda for a more tactile typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
The Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, which is longer than the 3.3 mm travel distance of the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch. The Spring Breeze offers a more traditional travel distance, while the Red Panda provides a slightly shallower experience. Gamers looking for faster response times may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Red Panda, but those who enjoy a deeper key press may opt for the longer travel distance of the Spring Breeze. Both switches offer unique typing experiences, so users can choose based on their personal preferences for travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Outemu Spring Breeze comes in at $3.10, whereas the Outemu Red Panda comes in at $3.40.
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 providing a unique auditory experience that is yet to be described. On the other hand, the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch offers a thocky sound, which is deep, rich, and satisfying when pressed. The Red Panda switch produces a bassier bottom-out sound and a clackier top-out sound, creating a distinct typing noise that some users may find more appealing. It is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by the keyboard chassis and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Outemu Spring Breeze switch does not have a defined description of how it feels when typing. However, the Outemu Red Panda switch is classified as providing a mild typing experience. This means that the tactile bump in the Red Panda switch is light to medium, offering a gentle typing feel that falls in a safe middle-ground zone. This can be suitable for users who prefer a more approachable typing experience without extreme characteristics.
Overall, while the subjective qualities of the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch and the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch differ in terms of sound and feel, both switches offer unique advantages to users. The Spring Breeze may provide an unconventional sound experience, while the Red Panda offers a thocky sound profile and a mild tactile feel that is suitable for most users. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for typing sound and feel.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch and the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch, consider your preference for bottom out force - the Spring Breeze has a slightly lighter 55 grams compared to the Red Panda's 60 grams. If you prioritize a distinctive typing experience with a clicky sound and a higher-pitched top-out sound, the Spring Breeze would be a good choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile switch with a bassier, raindrop-like bottom-out sound and a gentle typing experience in a safe middle-ground zone, the Red Panda would be more suitable for you. Ultimately, the decision between these switches comes down to personal preference in terms of sound and feel during typing.
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