Outemu Spring Breeze vs. TTC Speed Silver

Overview

When it comes to selecting the right mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Spring Breeze and the TTC Speed Silver represent two distinct philosophies in design and functionality. The Spring Breeze, while lacking a specific standout feature, offers a clicky feedback that appeals to typists who enjoy tactile responses and the auditory satisfaction of each keystroke. In contrast, the TTC Speed Silver is designed specifically for those who prioritize speed and efficiency, boasting a light-medium resistance and a reduced travel distance that enables swift, precise input. Its polished sound profile adds to the overall experience without being overly intrusive. Each switch caters to different preferences—whether you’re looking for the satisfying clack of a clicky switch or the smooth, rapid action of a linear option. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.

By the numbers

Outemu Spring Breeze Clicky

TTC Speed Silver Linear

$3.10 per 10

$6.00

$4.58 per 10

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Housing materials

The Outemu Spring Breeze and TTC Speed Silver switches utilize different materials for their top housings, which significantly influences their auditory characteristics and performance. The Spring Breeze features a nylon top housing, known for its softer plastic properties that help absorb sound more effectively. This absorption results in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing, making for a more muted and pleasant auditory experience. In contrast, the TTC Speed Silver’s top housing is made of polycarbonate, a stiffer material that produces a sharper and higher-pitched sound. The use of polycarbonate not only enhances the clarity of sound but also makes it resonate more distinctly, which is particularly notable when the key is released, offering a livelier typing experience.

When comparing the bottom housings of these switches, there is a notable similarity. Both the Outemu Spring Breeze and TTC Speed Silver utilize nylon for their bottom housing. This consistency in material leads to a similar sound profile when the switches bottom out, as nylon’s softer composition provides a rich and rounded auditory response. The deeper sound produced by the nylon bottom housing creates a cohesive transition between the actuation and bottom-out stages of pressing the keys, ensuring that users enjoy a full-bodied sound regardless of the switch they are using. Thus, while the top housings differ, resulting in distinct auditory characteristics upon release, the nylon bottom ensures a commonality in the deeper tones shared by both switches.

Ultimately, the differing materials for the top housings of the Spring Breeze and Speed Silver lead to contrasting sound profiles that enhance their respective typing experiences. While the Spring Breeze's nylon gives a more subdued and muffled sound, the Speed Silver's polycarbonate offers a crisper and more vibrant auditory result. However, the shared nylon bottom housing plays a crucial role in delivering a consistent and rounded sound profile upon bottoming out. This duality in housing materials reflects how the sound and feel of a switch can be tailored through careful material selection, allowing typists to choose a switch that aligns more closely with their personal preferences for auditory feedback and tactile experience.

Weight

The Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch and the TTC Speed Silver linear switch both feature a bottom out force of 55 grams, allowing for a consistent key press experience. However, their actuation forces differ; the Spring Breeze requires a lighter actuation force of 40 grams compared to the 45 grams needed for the Speed Silver. This means that the Spring Breeze is the lighter option, making it a preferable choice for users who want to type for extended periods without fatigue, while the Speed Silver, with its slightly heavier actuation force, may provide a more substantial feel for those who appreciate a stronger push response during typing or gaming. Both switches fall within the medium-light category, but the difference in actuation force could lead to varied typing experiences depending on individual preferences.

Travel distance

The Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch and the TTC Speed Silver linear switch exhibit distinct travel distances, with the Spring Breeze measuring 4 mm and the Speed Silver measuring 3.4 mm. This makes the TTC Speed Silver the shorter option, providing a more responsive feel that many gamers appreciate for faster key presses. In contrast, the Outemu Spring Breeze offers a more traditional and hearty depth with its longer 4 mm travel distance, which may be favored by users who prefer a more substantial tactile experience when typing. Therefore, while both switches aim to enhance the typing experience, the choice between them ultimately depends on whether an individual values responsiveness or a more pronounced key travel.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch lacks a specific description, leaving its auditory character somewhat ambiguous. In contrast, the TTC Speed Silver linear switch is characterized by a neutral sound profile, which means it has a moderate actuation force and produces a balanced sound that suits a wide range of environments, whether you're working from home or in an office setting. This neutrality may appeal to those who want a versatile switch without overly strong auditory feedback.

In terms of feel, the Spring Breeze does not offer any specific information, making its tactile experience unknown. However, the Speed Silver is noted for providing a mild and polished feel. The mildness ensures that the typing experience is gentle and user-friendly, making it accessible for both novices and experienced typists. The polished nature of the Speed Silver indicates a refined finish that grants a smooth typing experience, leading to reduced friction and an effortless key travel.

In summary, while the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch's qualities remain unclear, the TTC Speed Silver linear switch stands out for its neutral sound and mild, polished feel, making it a strong choice for those seeking speed and precision in their typing experience. If you're considering either switch, remember that the overall experience can also depend on your keyboard configuration, keycaps, and other personal preferences, but you'll find pleasant qualities in the Speed Silver that are likely to appeal to a broad audience.

Conclusion

To conclude, your choice between the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch and the TTC Speed Silver linear switch ultimately hinges on your specific typing preferences and intended use. If you thrive on a tactile feedback experience and enjoy the auditory satisfaction of a click with each keypress, the Spring Breeze may be the route for you, especially if you find yourself engaged in activities that benefit from a comforting feedback loop, such as writing or programming. However, if your focus is on speed and efficiency, particularly for gaming or fast-paced typing scenarios, the Speed Silver is an ideal option. Its reduced travel distance, mild resistance, and polished feel make it excellent for quick, precise actions, resulting in a more effortless typing experience. Additionally, if you anticipate using your mechanical keyboard in diverse settings—from casual typing at home to more serious gaming sessions—Speed Silvers offer a neutral sound profile that won’t disturb your environment. Ultimately, consider what aspects you prioritize more: tactile feedback and a resonant click or swift action with a smoother, quieter experience. Each switch has its distinct advantages, so aligning your choice with your typing style will yield the best results.

Mentioned in this article

Outemu Spring Breeze Clicky

$3.10 per 10

Learn more

TTC Speed Silver Linear

$6.00

$4.58 per 10

Learn more