Outemu Spring Breeze vs. HMX SU
An in-depth look at the Outemu Spring Breeze and the HMX SU switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switches can significantly impact your typing experience and overall enjoyment. The Outemu Spring Breeze is a clicky switch, celebrated for its tactile feedback and audible clicks that provide a satisfying typing experience, making it an excellent choice for typists who relish the rhythm of their keystrokes. In contrast, the HMX SU is a linear switch, known for its smooth, uninterrupted keystrokes and quieter operation, appealing to gamers and those who prefer a stealthier setup. While the Spring Breeze switch enhances tactile responsiveness, perfect for creating an engaging typing environment, the HMX SU promises fluid keystrokes ideal for fast-paced gaming scenarios. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
40g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
1.50 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 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
T5
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
Both the Outemu Spring Breeze and the HMX SU switches utilize nylon for their top and bottom housings, highlighting the advantages of this classic material in mechanical switches. As described, nylon is a softer plastic that significantly contributes to the overall acoustic profile of the switch. This inherent material property allows for a deeper, fuller sound when typing, with the nylon absorbing more sound compared to harder plastics. Consequently, both switches deliver a similar, pleasing auditory experience characterized by a duller and rounder sound, a quality that many users find desirable in mechanical keyboards for a cozy and satisfying typing feel.
In addition to sound dynamics, the consistent use of nylon in both the Spring Breeze and HMX SU's bottom housing reinforces the overall sound profile and tactile experience. The soft nature of nylon in the bottom housing not only plays an essential role in defining the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch but also complements the top housing's acoustic contributions. Since both models employ the same top and bottom housing materials, users can expect the sound and feel characteristics to remain largely consistent, allowing for similar performance in diverse typing scenarios. The amalgamation of these factors enhances the user experience, ensuring that both switches provide a harmonious interplay of sound and tactile feedback.
While both the Spring Breeze and the HMX SU are constructed from identical nylon materials for their housing, it is important to acknowledge how these qualities may still manifest distinctly depending on other design factors, such as switch internals or actuation mechanisms. The impact of the bottom housing is more prominent during the bottom-out phase, while the top housing is more influential when the switch is released. Despite their differences in branding and potential subtleties in feel, the shared nylon composition ensures that users will enjoy a comparable sound profile and typing experience, making either switch a solid choice for enthusiasts seeking rich acoustics paired with tactile performance.
Weight
When comparing the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch to the HMX SU linear switch, we find notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Spring Breeze has an actuation force of 40 grams, which is lighter than the HMX SU's actuation force of 45 grams. In terms of bottom out force, the Spring Breeze reaches 55 grams while the HMX SU's bottom out force is lighter at 50 grams. Users seeking a lighter typing experience will find the Spring Breeze more appealing, particularly for long typing sessions or gaming marathons. Conversely, those who prefer a heavier tactile feel might lean towards the Spring Breeze for its heftier bottom out force, despite its lighter overall actuation. Ultimately, these specifications suggest that the Outemu Spring Breeze offers a more balanced force for users looking for an engaging typing experience, while the HMX SU provides a lighter option that still maintains a comfortable feel without bottoming out too heavily.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch and the HMX SU linear switch, it is clear that they differ significantly. The Outemu Spring Breeze features a travel distance of 4 mm, which is on the longer side of the spectrum. In contrast, the HMX SU offers a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This difference indicates that the Spring Breeze may provide a more pronounced tactile feedback and a deeper pressing experience, appealing to users who prefer a hearty depth. On the other hand, the shorter travel distance of the HMX SU aligns with modern preferences for quicker response times, making it more suitable for gamers who favor rapid key presses. Thus, if you're looking for a switch that feels more responsive, the HMX SU would be the better choice, while those who enjoy a more substantial key feel might prefer the Outemu Spring Breeze.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX SU has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the SU 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
The Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch offers a unique sound profile that isn’t extensively characterized, suggesting it may be less pronounced or distinctive compared to other clicky switches. In contrast, the HMX SU linear switch is noted for its subtle and relatively deep sound profile, which is influenced by its PA12 housing and T5 stem design. This depth can provide a more muted acoustic experience that many users may find appealing, especially for a more subdued typing environment. Overall, while the Spring Breeze might fall short in sound characteristics compared to the HMX SU, the specific qualities of each switch’s sound can still be influenced by the keyboard used and the type of keycaps applied.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the Spring Breeze lacks specific descriptors that could offer insights into its tactile response, leaving it somewhat of a mystery. On the other hand, the HMX SU linear switch is likely to provide a smooth, uninterrupted typing experience owing to its linear nature, which is especially favored by those who prefer swift movements without tactile bumps or clicks. As the feel of a switch can greatly affect typing performance, the HMX SU allows for a consistent keystroke without distraction, whereas the feel of the Spring Breeze remains undetermined.
In conclusion, while the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch has unknown characteristics in both sound and feel, the HMX SU linear switch provides a subtly deep sound profile and a smooth tactile experience. If you're seeking a defined acoustic experience, the SU may be the preferable choice. Conversely, the less detailed attributes of the Spring Breeze may mean that it provides a more generic or muted typing sensation. Optimal choices ultimately depend on personal preference, and experimenting with available options could lead to similar satisfaction in either switch.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch and the HMX SU linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you enjoy tactile feedback and appreciate a satisfying audible click while typing, as well as a medium-light actuation force that balances comfort and responsiveness, the Spring Breeze could be your ideal choice. This switch offers a more engaging experience, making it suitable for those who type a lot or indulge in spirited gaming sessions. On the other hand, if you prefer a quiet workspace with a smooth and linear keystroke, along with a light actuation force, the HMX SU would be better suited for you. The SU’s subtle, rich sound profile complements its PA12 housing, providing a distinct yet discreet experience that is perfect for both typing and gaming without distracting others around you. Thus, you should consider the overall environment in which you will be using your keyboard and your own tactile and auditory preferences to make the best choice between these two distinct switches.
Mentioned in this article
