Outemu Spring Breeze vs. Gateron Silent Ink Black
An in-depth look at the Outemu Spring Breeze and the Gateron Silent Ink Black switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the Outemu Spring Breeze, a clicky switch, and the Gateron Silent Ink Black, a linear switch. The Spring Breeze is best known for its tactile feel and is categorized as clicky. On the other hand, the Silent Ink Black stands out for its silenced version of the Ink Black switch, making it ideal for environments that require quieter typing. This switch provides a cushy, pillow-like bottom-out feel with minimal audio feedback and is categorized as silky, muted, polished. If you enjoy the satisfying clicky sound and tactile feedback, the Spring Breeze may be the right choice for you. However, if you prefer a smoother, quieter typing experience, the Gateron Silent Ink Black could be the better option. 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
60g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
70g
Pre-travel
1.50 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Color coated
Housing materials
Both the Outemu Spring Breeze and the Gateron Silent Ink Black switches utilize unique housing materials for both the top and bottom parts of the switch. The Spring Breeze features a nylon top and bottom housing, which is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic that absorbs more sound. In contrast, the Silent Ink Black uses Gateron's proprietary INK blend for both the top and bottom housing, resulting in a more pointed and higher-pitched sound that is often described as clacky. While both switches aim to provide a satisfying typing experience, the choice of housing material significantly impacts the overall sound and feel of each switch.
In terms of sound profile, the Spring Breeze's nylon housing produces a duller and rounder sound compared to the Silent Ink Black's INK blend housing, which delivers a thinner and higher-pitched sound. This distinction in sound can greatly impact the typing experience for users who prefer a specific type of sound feedback. Additionally, the softer nature of nylon in the Spring Breeze housing may provide a more cushioned feel when bottoming out keys, while the Gateron Silent Ink Black's unique blend may offer a more precise and defined keystroke. These differences in sound and feel highlight the importance of housing material in determining the overall typing experience of a switch.
While the top and bottom housings of the Outemu Spring Breeze and Gateron Silent Ink Black switches differ in material composition, both switches aim to elevate the typing experience through unique sound profiles and tactile feedback. Whether it be the deeper and fuller sound of the nylon housing in the Spring Breeze or the pointed and clacky sound of the INK blend housing in the Silent Ink Black, users can expect distinct characteristics that cater to individual preferences. Ultimately, the choice between these switches may come down to personal preference in sound and feel, as the housing materials play a crucial role in shaping the overall typing experience for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
The Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams compared to the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch, which has a heavier actuation force of 60 grams. Similarly, the bottom out force of the Spring Breeze is lighter at 55 grams, while the Silent Ink Black requires a heavier bottom out force of 70 grams. This means that the Spring Breeze will provide a smoother and lighter typing experience, ideal for those who prefer a lighter touch for longer typing or gaming sessions. On the other hand, the Silent Ink Black offers a more substantial typing feel with a stronger push, suitable for users who prefer a heavier key press for a more tactile experience. Regardless of the differences in force, both switches provide unique typing experiences that cater to different preferences.
Travel distance
Both the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. When comparing the two switches, the travel distance remains consistent, providing a similar typing experience in terms of keypress depth. Therefore, whether you choose the Spring Breeze or Silent Ink Black switch, you can expect to get comparable results in terms of travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Silent Ink Black has an MSRP of $8.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Ink Black for $8.35.
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
In terms of sound, the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch is known for producing a crisp and tactile click sound, making it a favorite among those who enjoy auditory feedback while typing. On the other hand, the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch is praised for its muted sound profile, perfect for environments where quiet typing is necessary. The Silent Ink Black offers a softer and quieter typing experience compared to the Spring Breeze, making it ideal for those who prefer a more subdued sound.
When it comes to feel, the Spring Breeze switch is known for providing a tactile and bouncy typing experience, thanks to its clicky mechanism. In contrast, the Gateron Silent Ink Black switch offers a silky smooth typing experience, with a cushioned bottom-out feel that minimizes resistance when pressing and releasing keys. Additionally, the Silent Ink Black switch has a polished finish, further enhancing the smoothness of key travel and reducing friction during typing.
Overall, if you are looking for a switch that provides a satisfying click sound and tactile feedback, the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch is a great choice. However, if you prefer a quieter typing experience with a smooth and cushioned feel, the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch would be more suitable. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will come down to personal preference and the specific typing environment you are in.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when choosing between the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch, you should consider the factors of bottom out force, sound, and feel. If you prefer a lighter typing experience with a clicky sound and tactile feedback, the Spring Breeze switch may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you require a quieter typing environment with a smooth and cushioned feel, the Silent Ink Black switch is the ideal option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences and typing needs.
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