Outemu Spring Breeze vs. Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2)
An in-depth look at the Outemu Spring Breeze and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) 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 Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2), a linear switch. The Spring Breeze is best known for its clicky feedback and precise actuation. On the other hand, the Strawberry Wine (V2) stands out for its resonant and clacky notes, as well as a smooth keystroke experience thanks to a factory lube job. While the Spring Breeze offers a satisfying tactile response, the Strawberry Wine (V2) provides a quieter and smoother 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
52g
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
Y3
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Ly
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Single-staged 21mm lengthened spring
Housing materials
The housing materials for the Outemu Spring Breeze and Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) switches both utilize nylon for the top housing. This choice of material results in a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer nature of nylon that absorbs more sound. However, the Spring Breeze's nylon top housing is said to create a duller and rounder sound, while the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2)'s POM top housing produces a more pleasing and unique sound that is on the deeper side and relatively more muted. Despite both switches using nylon for the top housing, the unique qualities of POM in the Strawberry Wine (V2) may result in a slightly different sound experience compared to the Spring Breeze.
Moving on to the bottom housing, both switches feature nylon as the material of choice. This consistency in material results in a similar typing experience as nylon is known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound than harder plastics. The bottom housing has a significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch, contributing to a rounder and duller sound according to the descriptions. Overall, the use of nylon in the bottom housing of both switches ensures a consistent typing experience in terms of sound profile and tactile feedback.
In cases where the top and bottom housings differ for a switch, the qualities of each housing material are divided between the top and bottom of the switch. This distribution affects the sound and feel of the switch both when pressing down and letting go of a key. With the bottom housing playing a bigger role in the bottom-out sound and feel, and the top housing influencing the sound when releasing a key, the overall typing experience can be subtly nuanced based on the combination of materials used. The division of housing materials in a switch allows for a more dynamic typing experience with varying sound profiles based on the specific attributes of each material.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch, we can see that the Spring Breeze has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams compared to the Strawberry Wine's 45 grams. However, the Spring Breeze has a heavier bottom out force of 55 grams compared to the Strawberry Wine's 50 grams. This means that while the Spring Breeze is lighter to initially press, it requires more force to fully press down compared to the Strawberry Wine. Both switches offer a satisfying typing experience, but the Spring Breeze may be better for those who prefer a lighter initial press, while the Strawberry Wine may be more suitable for those who prefer a consistent and lighter overall typing experience.
Travel distance
The Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, making it slightly longer than the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch which has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Spring Breeze being on the longer side and the Strawberry Wine being on the shorter side. Gamers may prefer the Strawberry Wine for its faster response time due to its shorter travel distance, while those looking for a more robust key press may opt for the Spring Breeze with its longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and the specific needs of the user.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) has an MSRP of $4.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Strawberry Wine (V2) for $4.35.
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
When it comes to sound, the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch is known for its lack of specific sound characteristics, making it a more neutral option in terms of auditory feedback. On the other hand, the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch is described as clacky, resonant, and high-pitched, providing a sharp, bright, and crisp sound profile that can enhance the typing experience for users who enjoy these qualities. Keep in mind that the overall sound produced by a switch is also influenced by factors such as the keyboard build and keycaps used.
In the realm of feel, the Spring Breeze switch does not have any specific descriptors available to pinpoint its tactile qualities. In contrast, the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch is characterized as silky, offering users an exceptionally smooth typing experience that minimizes resistance when pressing and releasing keys. This can result in a more fluid and effortless typing sensation for those who prefer a smoother keypress.
In conclusion, the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Spring Breeze provides a neutral sound profile and unspecified feel, the Strawberry Wine switch offers a clacky, resonant sound and a silky smooth typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches would depend on the user's preference for sound and tactile feedback, with the Spring Breeze providing a more versatile option and the Strawberry Wine catering to those who enjoy a more distinct auditory and tactile experience.
Conclusion
Ultimately, when deciding between the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch, consider the following guidelines: If you prefer a slightly heavier keypress and a clicky sound profile, the Spring Breeze may be the better choice for you. The medium-light bottom out force of 55 grams provides a satisfying tactile feedback. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter keypress and a smooth typing experience, the Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch with its 50-gram bottom out force and silky feel may be more suitable for your preferences. Additionally, if you enjoy a clacky and resonant sound profile, the Strawberry Wine (V2) switch would be a great option. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of actuation force, sound, and feel. Consider these factors carefully before making your selection.
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