Outemu Spring Breeze vs. Akko Rosewood

Overview

When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, preferences can greatly vary depending on the user experience desired. The Outemu Spring Breeze, a clicky switch, is designed for those who enjoy the tactile feedback and audible "click" sound with each keystroke, making it ideal for typists and gamers who appreciate an engaging and responsive feel while typing. On the other hand, the Akko Rosewood, categorized as a linear switch, is lauded for its smooth key presses and a deep, satisfying "thock" sound, enhanced by a thin layer of factory-applied lubricant, which provides a luxurious typing experience with minimal resistance. While the Spring Breeze offers a more dynamic and interactive typing environment, the Rosewood caters to users who prefer a quieter and more seamless 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

Outemu Spring Breeze Clicky

Akko Rosewood Linear

$3.10 per 10

$3.89

$3.11 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The housing materials of the Outemu Spring Breeze and the Akko Rosewood are both made of nylon, which is a well-regarded classic in the keyboard switch material world. Each switch features identical top and bottom housings made of this softer plastic, which lends itself to a deeper and fuller sound profile. This shared characteristic means that when users type on either switch, they can expect a similar acoustic experience; the sound is effectively rounded and muffled, due to nylon’s ability to absorb sound waves more efficiently than harder plastics. Hence, regardless of whether a user opts for the Spring Breeze or the Rosewood, the auditory feedback remains consistent, highlighting the overall efficacy of nylon as a switch housing material.

While both the Spring Breeze and Rosewood utilize nylon for both their top and bottom housings, an important aspect to consider is the potential differences in the aesthetic and tactile experience each switch can deliver. Although the sound profiles are similar due to their identical materials, the way the switches feel can still vary based on other design elements, such as the spring and stem configuration. For instance, if the switch design focuses on feedback and actuation force, a typist may have a differing experience in typing performance, despite the underlying similarity in housing materials. Thus, it is essential to explore these additional features to gauge the overall typing experience.

Ultimately, users of both the Outemu Spring Breeze and Akko Rosewood will find that the nylon housings contribute to a distinct sound quality that sets these switches apart from those made with more rigid materials. As both switches are built with exactly the same housing composition, they will deliver similar sound profiles when typing, reinforcing the sonic advantages that nylon offers. Therefore, when evaluating either switch, it’s essential to consider not only the characteristics of the nylon material itself but also the nuanced differences that may arise from their design, which can influence user experience even within identical material constructs.

Weight

When comparing the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch and the Akko Rosewood linear switch, both have the same actuation force of 40 grams, which means they require the same amount of force to trigger a keystroke. However, the bottom out forces differ, with the Spring Breeze having a bottom out force of 55 grams, making it heavier in terms of key travel than the Rosewood, which bottoms out at 50 grams. This indicates that while both switches offer a similar feel when initiating a keystroke, the Spring Breeze provides a slightly more substantial experience at the end of the keystroke. As a result, the Akko Rosewood switch is the lighter option overall, potentially appealing to those who prefer a softer touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, users desiring a stronger feel might gravitate toward the Outemu Spring Breeze due to its heavier bottom out force.

Travel distance

Both the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch and the Akko Rosewood linear switch share the same travel distance of 4 mm, making them identical in this aspect. This means that users will experience a similar depth when pressing down on either switch, leading to comparable tactile feedback and overall typing experience. Since the travel distance is equal, both switches provide a consistent feel, regardless of their differing clicky and linear characteristics.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When considering the sound profiles of the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch and the Akko Rosewood linear switch, the Rosewood clearly stands out with its production of a deep, satisfying thocky sound right out of the box, enhanced by a thin layer of factory-applied lubricant. This results in a pleasing auditory experience that many typists and gamers appreciate. Unfortunately, specific sound characteristics of the Spring Breeze are not detailed; hence, it remains unknown how it compares in acoustic profile. However, it is vital to note that the sound produced by any switch can be significantly influenced by the keyboard's frame and the type of keycaps used.

In terms of tactile feel, the Spring Breeze's characteristics remain unspecified, leaving its user experience in ambiguity. Conversely, the Akko Rosewood switches offer a smooth linear feel, allowing for an uninterrupted keystroke that many users find enjoyable and conducive for both typing and gaming. The linear action of the Rosewood switch typically results in a softer, less intrusive typing experience than a clicky mechanism, which might appeal to users who prefer a quieter, more subdued feel.

In conclusion, while the Akko Rosewood switch clearly excels in sound and feel, providing a satisfying auditory experience and a smooth typing sensation, the lack of information regarding the Outemu Spring Breeze leaves potential users without a direct comparison. For those seeking a distinct auditory feedback and a performance enhanced by lubrication in their typing experience, the Rosewood switches are likely to be more rewarding. Conversely, until the qualities of the Spring Breeze can be explored more thoroughly, the choice may lean heavily toward the well-regarded attributes of the Akko Rosewood.

Conclusion

To conclude, when deciding between the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch and the Akko Rosewood linear switch, consider how you plan to use your keyboard and what you value most in your typing experience. If you prefer a switch that offers a bit more resistance with a medium-light bottom out force of 55 grams and enjoy the delightful auditory feedback that comes from a clicky switch, the Spring Breeze might be your ideal choice, particularly for typing or gaming scenarios where tactile feedback can enhance your experience. However, if you seek a smoother, quieter option that delivers a lighter touch at 50 grams and produces a deep, satisfying thocky sound, the Rosewood will likely serve you better, especially if you appreciate a more understated audio profile. In general, the Spring Breeze fits users who thrive on the visceral feel and sound of clicking, while the Rosewood appeals to those who want a more refined experience, emphasizing smoothness and subtlety. Therefore, think about your personal preferences and how you interact with your keyboard daily to choose the switch that best aligns with your needs.

Mentioned in this article

Outemu Spring Breeze Clicky

$3.10 per 10

Learn more

Akko Rosewood Linear

$3.89

$3.11 per 10

Learn more