Outemu Spring Breeze vs. Kailh Sage
An in-depth look at the Outemu Spring Breeze and the Kailh Sage switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options are the Outemu Spring Breeze and the Kailh Sage. The Spring Breeze switch is best known for its smooth tactile feel, while the Sage switch offers a distinct clicky typing experience characterized by a heavy weight and sharp, crunchy clickiness. Both switches fall under the clicky switch category, but they each offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Spring Breeze may be more suitable for those looking for a softer, more subtle typing experience, while the Sage is ideal for users who prefer a more pronounced and satisfying click. 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
In comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Spring Breeze and the Kailh Sage, we see a clear distinction in the materials used. The Spring Breeze utilizes a nylon top housing, which is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softness and sound-absorbing properties. On the other hand, the Sage features a polycarbonate top housing, leading to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. While both materials have their own unique characteristics, they cater to different preferences in sound quality.
When it comes to the bottom housing, both the Spring Breeze and the Sage opt for nylon material. This results in a similar typing experience with a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softness of the plastic. The use of nylon in the bottom housing of both switches contributes to a consistent typing experience across the board. This similarity in bottom housing material ensures that users can expect a familiar sound and feel when typing on either switch, regardless of the differences in their top housings.
Overall, the choice between the Outemu Spring Breeze and the Kailh Sage will ultimately come down to personal preference in sound profile. The nylon top housing of the Spring Breeze offers a duller and rounder sound, while the polycarbonate top housing of the Sage provides a clearer and more resonant sound. With both switches using nylon bottom housings, users can expect a consistent typing experience in terms of sound and feel. Whether you prefer a softer, deeper sound or a sharper, crisper sound, there is a housing material choice for every typing preference.
Weight
When comparing the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch and the Kailh Sage clicky switch, the main difference lies in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Spring Breeze has an actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, making it a medium-light switch. In contrast, the Sage has an actuation force of an unknown amount and a bottom out force of 70 grams, categorizing it as a medium-heavy switch. This means that the Spring Breeze requires a lighter touch to activate a keypress compared to the Sage, which offers a more substantial typing experience with a heavier push feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on individual preferences for typing comfort and keypress feedback. If lighter actuation and bottom out forces are preferred, the Outemu Spring Breeze would be the better option, while those who prefer a heavier feel may lean towards the Kailh Sage for a more tactile typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch and the Kailh Sage clicky switch, we can see that the Spring Breeze has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Sage has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that the Spring Breeze offers a slightly deeper key press compared to the Sage. The 0.4 mm difference may not seem significant, but it can affect the overall typing experience. Gamers who prioritize faster response times may prefer the Sage with its shorter travel distance, while those who enjoy a more substantial key press may lean towards the Spring Breeze. In terms of travel distance, the Sage is the shorter option, while the Spring Breeze is the longer option, providing a more substantial key press experience. Ultimately, both switches offer their own unique typing feel and it ultimately comes down to personal preference.
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 Sage 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 comparing the sound of the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch and the Kailh Sage clicky switch, it is important to note that both switches offer a satisfying clicky typing experience. The Spring Breeze switch does not have a specific sound descriptor provided, but it is known to provide a pleasant auditory feedback during typing. On the other hand, the Sage switch is described as "crunchy," reminiscent of stepping on piles of crisp autumn leaves. Both switches will deliver a distinct sound profile that can enhance the overall typing experience, especially when paired with a high-quality keycap set.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Spring Breeze switch does not have a specific feel descriptor provided. However, users have reported a comfortable and responsive typing experience with this switch. On the other hand, the Kailh Sage switch is described as both "invigorating" and "sharp." An invigorating switch offers pronounced feedback and a snappy feel, creating an immersive typing sensation. The sharp tactile bump of the Sage switch provides high feedback intensity and a distinct tactile feel with each keypress. Both switches offer a tactile typing experience that can improve typing accuracy and overall comfort during long typing sessions.
In conclusion, while the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch and the Kailh Sage clicky switch have their own unique sound and feel characteristics, they both provide an excellent typing experience for users seeking a clicky switch option. The Spring Breeze switch offers a pleasant sound feedback and comfortable typing experience, while the Sage switch delivers a crisp and invigorating typing sensation with its sharp tactile feedback. Ultimately, users can expect a similar level of satisfaction and performance from both switches, depending on their personal preferences for sound and feel.
Conclusion
In summary, when it comes to choosing between the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch and the Kailh Sage clicky switch, you should consider the bottom out force, sound, and feel to determine which one is best for you. If you prefer a lighter touch with a medium-light bottom out force, the Spring Breeze may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a heavier switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force and a sharp clicky typing experience, the Kailh Sage could be the perfect fit. Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference in terms of typing feel and sound, so consider your preferences carefully before making a choice.
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