Outemu Spring Breeze vs. Huano Strawberry Latte
An in-depth look at the Outemu Spring Breeze and the Huano Strawberry Latte switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switches for your typing experience, the Outemu Spring Breeze and the Huano Strawberry Latte present two distinct options that cater to different preferences. The Spring Breeze, classified as a clicky switch, offers a tactile feedback that many typists appreciate for its satisfying auditory and physical response, making it ideal for those who enjoy a pronounced keystroke with every tap. In contrast, the Huano Strawberry Latte is a linear switch, renowned for its smooth operation and balanced sound profile—neither too quiet nor overly resonant—making it well-suited for gamers and professionals who prioritize speed and fluidity in their keystrokes. While the Spring Breeze excels in providing an engaging typing experience, the Strawberry Latte's smoothness enhances rapid key presses. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
40g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
1.50 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
POK
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Spring Breeze and the Huano Strawberry Latte, it is essential to note that both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housings, which provides a consistent auditory experience characterized by a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon is known for its ability to absorb sound, producing a duller and rounder auditory result when typing. This shared characteristic means that the bottom-out sound and feel of both switches will exhibit similar traits, offering users a satisfying and muted typing experience. In contrast, the top housings diverge significantly, with the Spring Breeze utilizing nylon while the Strawberry Latte incorporates a POK material that enhances smoothness and durability.
The use of POK in the Strawberry Latte’s top housing leads to noticeable differences in typing experience compared to the Spring Breeze, which relies solely on nylon for both its top and bottom housings. The POK material boasts superior properties, including a lower coefficient of friction and remarkable wear resistance, allowing for a smoother keystroke that can be particularly appreciated during rapid typing. This durability ensures that the Strawberry Latte’s switches maintain their performance over time, preventing wear while providing a "clacky" sound profile. In contrast, the Spring Breeze, while delivering excellent auditory depth due to its nylon top housing, may not be able to match this switch's overall smoothness and longevity.
In summary, both the Outemu Spring Breeze and Huano Strawberry Latte exhibit the same nylon bottom housing, creating a cohesive auditory signature when bottoming out. However, their top housings differ significantly, with the Spring Breeze featuring classic nylon and the Strawberry Latte highlighting advanced POK material. As a result, while users can expect a satisfying and full-bodied sound from both switches, the Strawberry Latte offers enhanced smoothness and durability, making it a notable choice for those seeking a more refined typing experience. The contrasting materials create a unique blend of attributes for each switch, appealing to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community.
Weight
When comparing the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch, we see distinct differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Spring Breeze features an actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, classifying it as medium-light. In contrast, the Strawberry Latte has a lighter actuation force of 35 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it the lighter option overall. This weight difference means that the Strawberry Latte is more suitable for prolonged use, as it requires less effort to press down, which can lead to less fatigue during long typing or gaming sessions. Conversely, the Spring Breeze, with its slightly heavier forces, may appeal to users who prefer a more substantial feel in their keystrokes, providing a tactile experience that some find more satisfying. Overall, users seeking a lighter switch might gravitate towards the Huano Strawberry Latte, while those desiring a bit more resistance might opt for the Outemu Spring Breeze.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch, there is a noticeable difference. The Spring Breeze has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Strawberry Latte features a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that the Outemu Spring Breeze offers a more pronounced keypress that some users may find appealing for its depth and tactile feedback. On the other hand, the Huano Strawberry Latte, with its shorter travel distance, may provide a more responsive feel, making it a suitable choice for gamers who prioritize swift actions. Ultimately, this distinction in travel distance caters to different preferences in typing sensation, where those seeking a deeper, more sturdy press would lean towards the Spring Breeze, while those wanting quicker response times might prefer the Strawberry Latte.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Huano Strawberry Latte has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Strawberry Latte for $3.29.
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 does not have a specific auditory profile highlighted, making it difficult to assess its characteristics. On the other hand, the Huano Strawberry Latte is known for its balanced sound profile; it strikes a pleasing middle ground, neither too noisy nor overly resonant, which can be appealing for typists who enjoy a moderate auditory feedback without disturbing those around them. It's essential to note that the overall acoustics can also vary based on the type of keyboard and keycaps used, so personal preference plays a significant role in the final auditory experience.
In terms of feel, the Spring Breeze also lacks a detailed description, leaving its tactile feedback somewhat ambiguous. Conversely, the Strawberry Latte is recognized for its super smooth operation, thanks to the latest molds utilized in its production. This can provide users with a more pleasant and effortless typing experience, which is particularly desirable for those who favor linear switches. The tactile feedback on linear switches like the Strawberry Latte is typically consistent and satisfying, making it easier for typists to glide through long writing sessions without the distraction of bumps or clicks.
Taking all available information into account, the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch offers a well-rounded auditory profile and a smooth typing experience that can enhance productivity and enjoyment during use. In contrast, the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch remains a bit of an enigma with no specific qualities detailed, making it challenging to establish a direct comparison. If you are seeking the lively auditory feedback of clicky switches, the Spring Breeze might still yield a satisfactory outcome, but the Strawberry Latte clearly presents a polished and refined linear option for those prioritizing a smooth feel and a balanced sound.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch should hinge on your personal preferences regarding actuation force, sound, and typing experience. If you enjoy a tactile feedback with a medium-light bottom out force of 55 grams and appreciate a more pronounced click, the Spring Breeze might be the right fit for your typographical or gaming needs. Its distinctive click can make each keystroke satisfying, especially if you thrive in an environment where audible feedback enhances your productivity or enjoyment. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch with a smooth feel, the Strawberry Latte offers a gentle 45 grams of actuation force alongside a balanced sound profile that’s not too loud or quiet. Its super smooth characteristics make it a great choice for long typing sessions where fatigue might be a concern, and its linear design ensures that every keystroke is fluid without the interruption of a click. Ultimately, your decision will come down to whether you prioritize tactile feedback or a smooth, linear experience in your mechanical keyboard.
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