Outemu Spring Breeze vs. HMX Swift
An in-depth look at the Outemu Spring Breeze and the HMX Swift switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Spring Breeze and the HMX Swift offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Spring Breeze is a clicky switch, best known for its crisp tactile feedback and audible click sound. On the other hand, the Swift is a linear switch, recognized for its smooth keystrokes and subdued sound profile. While the Spring Breeze may appeal to those who enjoy the satisfying clicky feedback and tactile sensation, the Swift is ideal for users seeking 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
42g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
1.50 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.90 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
pom
Stem material
Ly
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 extended spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Spring Breeze and the HMX Swift, it is evident that they both utilize nylon for both the top and bottom housings. This means that typing on switches featuring either of these materials will result in a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer nature of nylon that absorbs more sound. As a result, users can expect a duller and rounder sound while typing on both the Spring Breeze and the Swift.
Despite both switches utilizing nylon for their housing materials, there may be slight variations in the sound and feel due to differences in the design and construction of the switches themselves. The bottom housing of a switch tends to have more of an impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressed down, while the top housing plays a bigger role in the sound produced when releasing a key. Therefore, while the overall sound profile may be similar between the Spring Breeze and the Swift, there could be subtle differences in the typing experience based on how the housing materials interact with the other components of the switches.
Overall, the choice of nylon for the housing material in both the Outemu Spring Breeze and the HMX Swift reflects a preference for a classic switch housing material that enhances the typing experience by providing a deeper and fuller sound profile. This shared characteristic ensures that users of either switch can enjoy a similar typing experience with a duller and rounder sound that is characteristic of switches featuring nylon housings. Whether typing on the Spring Breeze or the Swift, users can expect a comfortable and satisfying typing experience with a distinct sound profile thanks to the nylon housing materials.
Weight
The Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch has a slightly lighter actuation force of 40 grams compared to the HMX Swift linear switch with 42 grams. However, when it comes to the bottom out force, the Spring Breeze requires a heavier force of 55 grams, while the Swift only needs 50 grams. The Spring Breeze falls into the medium-light category in terms of both actuation and bottom out force, while the Swift is considered light in comparison. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may find the Swift more comfortable for extended use, while those who enjoy a bit more resistance may lean towards the Spring Breeze. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch has a travel distance of 4mm, while the HMX Swift linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.9mm. The Spring Breeze offers a more traditional travel distance, providing a bit more depth compared to the Swift. Gamers may lean towards the Swift switch for its faster response time due to the slightly shorter travel distance. Both switches offer a similar feel and performance overall, with the only noticeable difference being the slight variation in travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference and the specific feel you are looking for in a keyboard switch.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Swift has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Swift for $2.99.
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
In terms of sound, the Spring Breeze switch is known for a yet-to-be-determined quality, while the HMX Swift switch is characterized as clacky, producing a sharp and snappy sound when pressed. The Spring Breeze's sound remains a mystery, but it's important to note that the overall sound of a switch can be influenced by various factors, including the keyboard's construction and the keycaps used.
Moving on to feel, the Spring Breeze switch's tactile experience is elusive, while the HMX Swift switch is praised for its easy-to-press nature, offering minimal resistance during key presses. Additionally, the Swift switch is described as feathery, bouncy, and creamy, providing a light, lively, and smooth typing experience. These qualities ensure a comfortable and responsive feel for extended typing sessions, whether for gaming, work, or school.
Considering the available information, the Spring Breeze and HMX Swift switches offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the specific characteristics of the Spring Breeze switch remain unknown, the Swift switch is recognized for its deeper sound profile and easy-to-press, feathery, bouncy, and creamy feel. Depending on your preferences for sound and tactile feedback, both switches provide options for a customized typing experience. Ultimately, selecting between the two switches would depend on the individual's preference for either a clicky or linear switch and the desired typing feel.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch and the HMX Swift linear switch, consider your preferences for typing experience. If you enjoy a medium-light bottom out force and are looking for a switch known for a specific feature, the Spring Breeze may be the choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a light bottom out force and value a deeper sound profile with a silky smooth feel, the HMX Swift linear switch could be the better option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on what sounds and feels most comfortable and enjoyable to you during your typing sessions.
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