Outemu Spring Breeze vs. TTC Silent Red
An in-depth look at the Outemu Spring Breeze and the TTC Silent Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Outemu Spring Breeze, a clicky switch, and the TTC Silent Red, a linear switch, it is clear that they offer distinct advantages depending on your preference and requirements. The Spring Breeze is best known for its clicky feedback and satisfying tactile feel. Ideal for gamers and typists who enjoy auditory and tactile feedback, this switch falls under the category of being clicky. On the other hand, the Silent Red is renowned for providing a smooth and quiet typing experience, making it perfect for office environments or shared spaces where noise is a concern. Categorized as buttery, mild, muted, and polished, the Silent Red switch guarantees a seamless and comfortable 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
45g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
1.50 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 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
The Outemu Spring Breeze and TTC Silent Red switches both feature nylon top housings, which result in a deeper and fuller sound profile due to nylon's softer plastic absorbing more sound than harder plastics. On the other hand, the Silent Red utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper and crisper sound profile thanks to polycarbonate's stiffer plastic composition. While both materials have their own unique sound characteristics, nylon tends to produce a rounder sound compared to the more resonant sound of polycarbonate. However, if you're looking for a switch with RGB lighting capabilities, the translucent nature of polycarbonate makes it a better choice for showcasing lighting effects.
In terms of the bottom housings, both the Spring Breeze and Silent Red switches feature nylon bottom housings, contributing to the same deep and full sound profile as their respective top housings. The softness of nylon absorbs sound effectively, resulting in a duller and rounder sound overall. While the Spring Breeze maintains consistency with nylon for both top and bottom housings, the Silent Red switches offer a contrast by using polycarbonate for the top housing and nylon for the bottom. This combination may offer a unique typing experience by blending the qualities of both materials to impact the sound and feel of the switch when pressed.
Overall, the choice between the Outemu Spring Breeze and TTC Silent Red switches comes down to personal preference in sound profile and typing feel. While both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housings, the difference in top housing material sets them apart in terms of sound characteristics. The Spring Breeze with nylon top and bottom housings provides a consistent deep and full sound, while the Silent Red's hybrid of polycarbonate and nylon creates a combination of sharpness and roundness in sound. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on whether you prefer a softer, more absorptive sound profile or a crisper, more resonant sound experience.
Weight
Comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch and the TTC Silent Red linear switch reveals some key differences. The Spring Breeze has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams compared to the Silent Red's 45 grams, making it easier to trigger keystrokes. However, when it comes to bottoming out, the Spring Breeze requires 55 grams of force, while the Silent Red needs 63.5 grams, making it heavier on the fingers when fully pressed. This means that the Spring Breeze offers a lighter typing experience overall, while the Silent Red provides a more pronounced push feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing force and feedback.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch with 4 mm and the TTC Silent Red linear switch with 3.7 mm, it is clear that the Spring Breeze has a slightly longer distance to travel. The difference of 0.3 mm may not be significant to some users, but others may notice a difference in the feel and responsiveness of the switches. Gamers who prioritize faster response times may lean towards the Silent Red with its shorter travel distance, while those who prefer a more substantial keypress may opt for the Spring Breeze. Overall, both switches offer a satisfactory typing experience, but the choice between the two ultimately depends on personal preferences for travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Silent Red has an MSRP of $5.28 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Red for $4.38.
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 satisfying click with each keystroke. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Red linear switch is described as having a muted sound profile, making it ideal for environments where noise is a concern. The Silent Red switch provides a quieter typing experience compared to the Spring Breeze, which may be preferred in shared spaces or offices where noise levels need to be kept to a minimum.
In terms of feel, the Spring Breeze switch offers a tactile feedback with a noticeable bump during actuation, giving typists a satisfying sensation when typing. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Red switch is described as providing a buttery and smooth keystroke experience. The Silent Red switch offers a consistent and comfortable typing feel from top to bottom, making it a popular choice for those who prioritize comfort during long typing sessions.
Overall, while the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch and the TTC Silent Red linear switch offer distinct sound and feel qualities, both switches can provide a satisfying typing experience depending on personal preference. Those who enjoy a loud and tactile typing experience may prefer the Spring Breeze, while individuals looking for a quieter and smoother typing experience may lean towards the Silent Red switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to individual preferences in terms of sound, feel, and overall typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch and the TTC Silent Red linear switch, consider your typing preferences and environment. If you enjoy a clicky sound and a medium-light bottom out force, the Spring Breeze may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth, quiet typing experience with a medium-heavy bottom out force, the Silent Red switch is the way to go. Ultimately, the decision comes down to whether you prioritize sound or feel in your mechanical keyboard switches. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so choose the one that best suits your needs.
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