Outemu Spring Breeze vs. Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie
An in-depth look at the Outemu Spring Breeze and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering the right mechanical keyboard switch for your typing or gaming experience, the choice often comes down to individual preference and desired features. The Outemu Spring Breeze, a clicky switch, offers an audible feedback and tactile feel that can enhance typing satisfaction, making it a preferred option for those who enjoy a more traditional experience reminiscent of older typewriters. On the other hand, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie is a linear switch, celebrated for its smooth keystrokes and “thocky” sound profile, providing a quiet yet satisfying experience that some users find ideal for gaming and long typing sessions without the distraction of clicks. Each switch brings unique characteristics to the table: the Spring Breeze's clicky nature is perfect for those who thrive on sound and tactile feedback, while the Sea Salt Smoothie's smooth action appeals to users seeking a seamless typing 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
Technical specifications
Actuation force
40g
Actuation force
48g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
1.50 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 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
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
20mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
The Outemu Spring Breeze and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie utilize different materials for their switch housings, which directly influence their acoustic and tactile characteristics. The Spring Breeze features a nylon top and bottom housing, recognized for its classic properties in the mechanical keyboard community. Nylon is a softer plastic that effectively absorbs sound waves, resulting in a deeper, fuller sound profile that is described as duller and rounder. This quality seduces typists seeking a warm acoustic feedback while typing, with the nylon material enhancing the overall experience by minimizing high-pitched frequencies that could be jarring during extended use.
In contrast, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie is built with a POM (Polyoxymethylene) top and bottom housing. POM is known for its distinct acoustical properties, which produce a pleasing and unique sound that also strikes a deeper tone but is relatively muted. While both switches aim to provide a satisfying auditory experience, the POM material differs from nylon in that it has a higher resistance and produces a sharper sound profile. As a result, the Sea Salt Smoothie's sound is distinct, characterized by its muted nature, appealing to those who prefer a clean and unobtrusive audio response that enables longer typing sessions without auditory fatigue.
Despite the differences in housing materials, both the Outemu Spring Breeze and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie can yield similar outcomes in sound and feel when considering their design. For instance, both switches exhibit a deeper acoustic profile, making them suitable for users who enjoy a rounded typing experience. However, this similarity arises from how the bottom housing significantly impacts the bottom-out sound, while the top housing influences the release sound when releasing a key. Ultimately, users may find that while each switch presents its own unique sonic signature due to the materials used, the shared focus on producing a deeply satisfying auditory experience positions both as contenders for those seeking a more muted yet engaging typing environment.
Weight
When comparing the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch, the differences in actuation force are notable. The Spring Breeze has an actuation force of 40 grams, making it a medium-light switch, while the Sea Salt Smoothie requires a heavier 48 grams of force for actuation. This difference means that the Spring Breeze may be more suitable for those who prefer lighter switches for longer typing sessions, whereas the Sea Salt Smoothie caters to users who appreciate a more substantial push feel. Additionally, the bottom out force for the Spring Breeze is specified at 55 grams, indicating that it becomes quite firm when pressed all the way down. In contrast, the bottom out force for the Sea Salt Smoothie is currently unknown, leaving a gap in direct comparison. Overall, the Spring Breeze is the lighter option due to its lower actuation and bottom out forces, while the Sea Salt Smoothie is heavier, appealing to those who enjoy a firmer typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch, we find a clear distinction. The Outemu Spring Breeze has a travel distance of 4 mm, which aligns with the traditional depth preferred by some users who enjoy a more substantial keystroke. In contrast, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie features a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.7 mm. This means that if you're looking for a switch with a deeper and more traditional feel, the Spring Breeze would be the better option. Conversely, if you favor a quicker response time that comes with a shorter actuation distance, the Sea Salt Smoothie might be more appealing. Overall, the Outemu Spring Breeze offers a longer travel distance, while the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie presents a shorter one, catering to different user preferences in tactile response.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sea Salt Smoothie for $2.70.
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
The Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch has a sound profile that is less characterized compared to the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie, which is known for its delightful thocky sound. This thockiness adds a satisfying auditory feedback that many users appreciate. However, the overall sound of the Spring Breeze is less defined, and thus its acoustic qualities may not stand out in the same way. It’s important to remember that the sound produced by either switch can be influenced by various factors, including the keyboard they are used in and the keycaps installed, making them somewhat adjustable to personal preference.
When it comes to feel, the Spring Breeze is not particularly noted for any specific qualities, which leaves its tactile feedback somewhat ambiguous. By contrast, the Sea Salt Smoothie offers a smooth action due to its medium-weight, all-POM build. This construction enhances the overall consistency while typing, delivering a pleasant experience that many users find compelling. If the feel of the Spring Breeze is not distinctly defined, it may not provide the same level of satisfaction as the smoothness and tactile precision found in the Sea Salt Smoothie.
In conclusion, while the Outemu Spring Breeze lacks clarity in both its sound and feel, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie stands out for its thocky sound profile and smooth tactile feedback. If you favor an engaging auditory experience and a seamless feel while typing, the Sea Salt Smoothie would be an ideal choice. If you're indifferent to particular qualities, both switches could potentially offer a fulfilling experience, although the Gateron option likely provides a more refined overall performance.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you enjoy the tactile feedback and the distinct click sound that enhances the typing experience, the Spring Breeze, with its medium-light bottom out force of 55 grams, could be the perfect choice for you. This switch is great for those who appreciate a more traditional mechanical keyboard feel and want to experience the satisfying feedback that clicky switches provide, particularly in a gaming or typing setting where auditory cues can enhance performance. On the other hand, if you’re looking for a smoother, quieter typing experience without the auditory distraction of clicks, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch would be more suitable. Known for its exceptional smoothness and thocky sound profile, this switch is ideal for those who prioritize a gentle, fluid keypress and want to minimize noise, making it an excellent option for any environment where stealth is important, like a shared workspace. So, depending on whether you crave that clicky resistance or smooth gliding action, you'll find that each switch has its unique advantages tailored to different user experiences.
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