Outemu Spring Breeze vs. TTC Silent Brown
An in-depth look at the Outemu Spring Breeze and the TTC Silent Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Spring Breeze, a clicky switch, and the TTC Silent Brown, a tactile switch, stand out among the rest. The Spring Breeze is popular for its unique clicky sound and feel, providing a satisfying typing experience for those who enjoy auditory feedback. On the other hand, the Silent Brown offers a quieter typing experience with a comfortable tactile bump, making it ideal for those who prefer a more muted sound profile. While the Spring Breeze is categorized as a clicky switch, the Silent Brown falls under the tactile switch category. Each switch has its own strengths and appeals to different preferences. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
1.50 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 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
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 TTC Silent Brown, we can see that they both utilize nylon for the bottom housing. This means that both switches will elicit a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer nature of nylon, which absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. The use of nylon in the bottom housing of both switches contributes to a consistent typing experience and sound profile.
However, when it comes to the top housing, the Spring Breeze features a nylon top housing, while the Silent Brown utilizes a polycarbonate top housing. This difference in materials leads to a distinctive variation in sound profiles. The nylon top housing of the Spring Breeze creates a deeper and fuller sound, while the polycarbonate top housing of the Silent Brown produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it particularly suitable for switches intended for use with RGB lighting, offering a visually appealing aspect to the switch.
The split in housing materials between the top and bottom of the switch affects the overall typing experience and sound output. The qualities of the bottom housing material, in this case nylon for both switches, will be more prominent in the bottom-out sound and feel when the key is pressed. On the other hand, the top housing material, whether nylon or polycarbonate, will have a greater impact on the sound when the key is released. This distinction adds a layer of complexity to the typing experience, allowing for a nuanced and varied sound profile with each key press.
Weight
The Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams compared to the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch, which has an actuation force of 45 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Spring Breeze requires 55 grams while the Silent Brown needs 63.5 grams, making the Silent Brown the heavier option in terms of bottom out force. The Spring Breeze offers a medium-light typing experience, ideal for those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing sessions or gaming. In contrast, the Silent Brown provides a medium-heavy feel, perfect for users who prefer a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel. Both switches offer similar results in terms of actuation force, but vary in bottom out force, providing users with choices based on their typing preferences.
Travel distance
The Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, which is slightly longer than the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch with a travel distance of 3.8 mm. Both switches fall within the traditional range of travel distances, with the Spring Breeze offering a slightly deeper press compared to the Silent Brown. Gamers may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Silent Brown for faster response times, while those who prefer a more substantial key press may gravitate towards the slightly longer travel distance of the Spring Breeze. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and key feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Silent Brown has an MSRP of $5.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Brown for $3.68.
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 it comes to sound, the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch is known for its loud and clicky sound profile, which some users find satisfying and reminiscent of old-school mechanical keyboards. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch offers a muted sound profile, keeping noise levels to a minimum and providing a quieter typing experience overall. This difference in sound can play a significant role in choosing between the two switches, as personal preference for keyboard noise can vary greatly among users.
In terms of feel, the Spring Breeze switch lacks specific descriptors in the provided information. However, the Silent Brown switch is described as having a buttery feel, offering a smooth and fluid keystroke experience. The mild and polished characteristics of the Silent Brown switch also contribute to a comfortable typing sensation that falls in a safe middle-ground zone, suitable for a wide range of users. This contrast in feel highlights the variety of tactile experiences that different switches can provide, catering to individual preferences for typing comfort and feedback.
Overall, the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch and the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Spring Breeze switch provides a loud and clicky typing experience, appealing to users who enjoy a more pronounced tactile response and audible feedback. On the other hand, the Silent Brown switch offers a quieter and smoother typing experience, with a comfortable level of tactile feedback that many users find pleasing. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preferences for sound levels, tactile feel, and overall typing experience.
Conclusion
In summary, when choosing between Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switches and TTC Silent Brown tactile switches, you should consider the level of resistance and sound profile that best suits your typing preference. If you prefer a lighter bottom-out force and are looking for a clicky typing experience without much concern for noise level, the Spring Breeze switches may be the better option for you. On the other hand, if you value a comfortable typing experience with a softer sound profile and a slightly heavier bottom-out force, the Silent Brown switches would be a great choice. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will come down to personal preference and what characteristics you prioritize in your typing experience.
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