Outemu Spring Breeze vs. Huano Sakura
An in-depth look at the Outemu Spring Breeze and the Huano Sakura switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice often boils down to personal preference, particularly between the Outemu Spring Breeze and the Huano Sakura. The Outemu Spring Breeze, a clicky switch, offers a tactile feedback that many typists find satisfying, providing an auditory and physical confirmation with each keystroke that can enhance typing enjoyment and precision. In contrast, the Huano Sakura is a linear switch known for its smooth actuation and feather-light touch, making it ideal for gamers or those who prefer a quieter experience, especially during prolonged typing sessions. The Spring Breeze's clickiness can foster a more engaging environment, while the Sakura's softer acoustics cater to a more subdued workspace. Both switches have their unique advantages, making them suitable for different users and scenarios. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
40g
Actuation force
35g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
1.50 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
pom
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
POK
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
23mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Spring Breeze and the Huano Sakura, it's interesting to note both the similarities and differences in their compositions. Both the Spring Breeze and Sakura utilize nylon for their bottom housings, which promotes a deeper and fuller sound profile. This commonality means that in terms of sound absorption and overall acoustic characteristics, users can expect a similar auditory experience when bottoming out the switches. The softness of nylon contributes to a duller and rounder sound, allowing for an overall smooth and satisfying keystroke for both switch types when typing or gaming.
On the other hand, the top housing materials for these switches significantly vary, which affects their overall performance characteristics. The Outemu Spring Breeze features a nylon top housing, praised for its sound-absorbing qualities that enhance the fullness of each keystroke. In contrast, the Huano Sakura utilizes POK (polyketone) as its top housing material. This choice is noted for its superior durability and smoothness, with higher wear resistance and shock resistance compared to nylon. Consequently, while typing on the Spring Breeze may elicit a deeper sound due to its all-nylon composition, the Sakura's POK material tends to produce a clackier sound profile, making it an intriguing option for users seeking a responsive and lively typing experience.
In summary, even though both switches share nylon as their bottom housing material, leading to comparable sound qualities when bottoming out, their differing top housing compositions significantly influence their overall feel and sound output. Users can expect the Outemu Spring Breeze to deliver a rich and muted auditory experience, while the Huano Sakura is likely to produce a sharper and more dynamic sound profile. By focusing on both the unique and shared materials, potential buyers can assess which switch aligns best with their typing preferences and desired sound characteristics.
Weight
When comparing the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch to the Huano Sakura linear switch, there are notable differences in both actuation force and bottom out force. The Spring Breeze requires an actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, making it a medium-light switch. In contrast, the Sakura switch has a lighter actuation force of 35 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams. As a result, typists who prefer a lighter switch for extended typing sessions or gaming will likely gravitate towards the Huano Sakura, which offers a more delicate touch. Meanwhile, those who appreciate a more pronounced resistance may appreciate the slightly heavier feel of the Spring Breeze. Ultimately, the choice between these switches depends on personal preference for typing experience, with the Sakura being the lighter option and the Spring Breeze providing a more substantial push.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch and the Huano Sakura linear switch, there is a noticeable difference. The Spring Breeze has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Sakura measures 3.6 mm. This means that the Outemu switch provides a longer, more pronounced keypress, which can be appealing to those who enjoy a more hearty depth when typing or gaming. On the other hand, the shorter travel distance of the Huano switch at 3.6 mm may offer a quicker response time, which is often favored by gamers seeking rapid keystrokes. Ultimately, if you prioritize responsiveness and a shorter reach, the Sakura switch would be the better choice, while the Spring Breeze would suit those who prefer a more substantial feel in their key presses.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Huano Sakura has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sakura for $3.29.
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 comparing the sound of the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch and the Huano Sakura linear switch, it’s essential to note that the Spring Breeze is not explicitly known for any distinct auditory characteristics, which may suggest a more neutral or subdued profile. In contrast, the Sakura switch offers medium acoustics, which provide a pleasant auditory feedback without being overly loud or distracting. This makes the Sakura a favorable choice for those who may be working in shared environments or who prefer a more balanced sound profile while typing.
In terms of feel, the Spring Breeze does not have a specific description available, leaving its tactile feedback somewhat ambiguous. However, the Huano Sakura linear switch is characterized by a feather-light touch, facilitating effortless keystrokes that can be particularly advantageous during prolonged typing sessions. This quality can reduce finger fatigue, making the Sakura feel smooth and efficient, while the Spring Breeze's feel remains undetermined.
In summary, while the Outemu Spring Breeze lacks defined sound and feel qualities, the Huano Sakura linear switch stands out with its medium acoustics and feather-light touch. For those seeking auditory clarity and a smooth typing experience, the Sakura is a clear choice while the Spring Breeze's performance remains a mystery. Ultimately, if you’re exploring options that deliver satisfying feedback and sound, you might consider the Sakura, as its known characteristics would provide a more predictable experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, choosing between the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch and the Huano Sakura linear switch ultimately depends on your personal typing style and the specific experience you’re looking for. If you prefer a more tactile feedback with audible clicks and don't mind a slightly heavier keypress, the Spring Breeze is a great option, as its 55-gram bottom out force offers a balanced feel that can enhance your typing rhythm, perfect for those who enjoy the satisfaction of each keystroke. However, if you prioritize speed, a lighter touch, and a quieter typing experience for long hours of work or gaming, the Sakura switch, with its 45-gram force, is the way to go. Its smooth linear action allows for effortless key presses, making it ideal for repeated keystrokes without fatigue. In essence, your choice should reflect whether you desire that tactile engagement or prefer a smooth, unhindered experience.
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