Outemu Spring Breeze vs. Dareu Snow
An in-depth look at the Outemu Spring Breeze and the Dareu Snow 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 Dareu Snow, a linear switch. The Spring Breeze is best known for its tactile clicky feedback and satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the Snow switch stands out with its innovative use of POK material for both the top housing and stem, resulting in a deeper sound signature and smooth linear feel. The Spring Breeze is categorized as a clicky switch, while the Snow switch falls under categories such as thocky, neutral, low-pitched, and bouncy. Both switches have their unique advantages depending on personal preference and typing style. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
1.50 mm
Pre-travel
1.30 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Outemu Spring Breeze utilizes a nylon top and bottom housing for its switches, which results in a deep and full sound profile due to the softer plastic properties of nylon. On the other hand, the Dareu Snow features a POK top housing and a nylon bottom housing. The POK material in the Snow's top housing contributes to a smooth and clacky typing experience, as well as exceptional durability and shock resistance. While both switches use nylon in their housing materials, the Snow's inclusion of POK in the top housing provides added benefits in terms of smoothness and durability compared to the Spring Breeze.
In terms of sound profile, both the Spring Breeze and the Dareu Snow offer a deep and full sound due to the absorption properties of nylon in their housing materials. However, the Snow's POK top housing contributes to a smoother and clacky typing experience, as well as increased durability and shock resistance, which may give it an edge over the Spring Breeze in terms of overall performance. The combination of nylon and POK in the Snow's housing materials provides a unique balance of sound and durability, making it a top choice for users looking for a smooth and long-lasting typing experience.
While both the Outemu Spring Breeze and the Dareu Snow utilize nylon in their housing materials, the inclusion of POK in the Snow's top housing sets it apart in terms of smoothness, durability, and shock resistance. This combination of materials in the Snow's housing provides a unique typing experience that may not be fully matched by the nylon housing of the Spring Breeze. However, both switches offer a deep and full sound profile that is characteristic of nylon housing, making them both viable options for users seeking a quality typing experience.
Weight
The Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams compared to the Dareu Snow linear switch, which has a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams. Both switches have a similar bottom out force, with the Spring Breeze requiring 55 grams and the Snow needing 60 grams. The lighter actuation force of the Spring Breeze may be preferred by those who type for long periods or engage in extended gaming sessions, as it requires less effort to trigger a keystroke. On the other hand, the slightly heavier actuation force of the Snow may provide a more substantial typing experience for users who prefer a stronger push feel. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on the individual's preference for actuation force and typing experience.
Travel distance
The Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Dareu Snow linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. This means that the Spring Breeze has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Snow switch. The longer travel distance of the Spring Breeze may provide a more satisfying depth when typing, but it could also lead to a slightly slower response time compared to the Snow switch. On the other hand, the shorter travel distance of the Snow switch may appeal to gamers looking for faster response times. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for travel distance and typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Dareu Snow has an MSRP of $7.78 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Snow for $5.76.
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 being a loud and clicky switch, providing a crisp and tactile feedback with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Dareu Snow linear switch is described as having a thocky sound profile, which is deep, rich, and satisfying. This difference in sound signature can greatly impact the overall typing experience for the user, with the Spring Breeze offering a more traditional clicky sound while the Snow provides a deeper tone.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Spring Breeze's tactile feedback is yet to be defined. On the other hand, the Dareu Snow linear switch is known for its bouncy feel, providing a spring-like sensation with each key press. This bouncy feedback can lead to a more dynamic and responsive typing experience, which may be preferred by users who enjoy a more tactile feel while typing.
When considering all the available information, it is clear that the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch and the Dareu Snow linear switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Spring Breeze provides a loud and clicky typing experience, while the Snow offers a deep thocky sound and bouncy feel. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will come down to personal preference, with users needing to consider whether they prefer a traditional clicky switch or a more innovative linear switch for their mechanical keyboard setup.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch and the Dareu Snow linear switch, consider your preferences and typing style. If you enjoy a lighter actuation force and a clicky typing experience, the Spring Breeze may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother linear feel with a deeper sound profile, the Snow switch with its innovative POK material construction may be more suitable. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, so it's important to carefully assess what you value most in a keyboard switch before making your decision.
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