Outemu Spring Breeze vs. Everglide Tourmaline Blue
An in-depth look at the Outemu Spring Breeze and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Spring Breeze and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue are two popular options with distinct characteristics. The Spring Breeze is a clicky switch, known for its tactile feedback and audible click with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Tourmaline Blue is a linear switch that offers a deep and thocky sound profile, providing a more immersive typing experience. While the Spring Breeze is ideal for those who enjoy the satisfaction of a clicky switch, the Tourmaline Blue appeals to users who prefer a smoother and quieter 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
59g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
1.50 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Outemu Spring Breeze and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue switches show distinct differences in their characteristics. The Spring Breeze utilizes nylon for both its top and bottom housings, offering a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer nature of nylon, which absorbs more sound. In comparison, the Tourmaline Blue's polycarbonate top and bottom housings create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile attributed to the stiffer nature of polycarbonate. These differences in housing materials result in unique typing experiences for users, with the Spring Breeze leaning towards a rounder sound and the Tourmaline Blue producing a more clear and resonant sound.
Moreover, the aesthetical aspect of the housing materials sets them apart as well. While nylon provides a more opaque look, polycarbonate's translucency makes it ideal for switches intended for use with RGB lighting. The visual appeal of a clear housing is prominent with the Tourmaline Blue, giving it a distinct appearance compared to the Spring Breeze's solid-colored nylon housing. This difference in appearance can play a role in the overall design aesthetics of the keyboard, especially for users looking to enhance the look of their setup with colorful lighting effects.
In terms of functionality, the characteristics of the housing materials are divided between the top and bottom housings, affecting the keypress and release sounds differently. The bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing a key, while the top housing impacts the sound when releasing a key. This distribution of qualities between the two parts of the switch contributes to the overall typing experience and sound profile, highlighting the importance of housing materials in determining the user's interaction with the switch.
Weight
The Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch is lighter in terms of actuation force compared to the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch. The Spring Breeze requires 40 grams to actuate and 55 grams to bottom out, while the Tourmaline Blue needs 59 grams to actuate and 67 grams to bottom out. The Spring Breeze is ideal for those who prefer a lighter typing experience, allowing for longer typing sessions without fatigue. On the other hand, the Tourmaline Blue offers a more substantial push feel, making it suitable for users who prefer a heavier typing experience. Both switches provide different levels of resistance, so choosing between the two ultimately depends on individual preference for actuation force.
Travel distance
Both the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch have a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key using either switch, you will experience the same distance traveled from the top to the bottom. Therefore, in terms of travel distance, both switches offer a similar typing experience. Users can expect consistent results in terms of key travel when using either switch.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Everglide Tourmaline Blue has an MSRP of $6.86 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Tourmaline Blue for $3.89.
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 being neutral, which means it has a moderate actuation force requirement and a moderate sound profile that is suitable for most users. On the other hand, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch offers a deep and thocky sound profile, providing a satisfying typing experience. Both switches offer different sound experiences, with the Spring Breeze being more versatile while the Tourmaline Blue provides a more immersive sound.
In terms of feel, the Spring Breeze switch doesn't have specific descriptors provided, so it is hard to make a direct comparison. However, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch is described as buttery, easy-to-press, and mild, offering a smooth and fluid keystroke experience with gentle resistance during key presses. This results in a seamless, effortless typing sensation that is comfortable and reduces finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. The mild characteristics of the Tourmaline Blue switch make it approachable to most users, offering a safe and comfortable typing experience.
Overall, the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch offer different sound and feel experiences. The Spring Breeze is more versatile in sound, while the Tourmaline Blue provides a deep and thocky sound profile. In terms of feel, the Tourmaline Blue switch offers a buttery, easy-to-press, and mild typing experience that is comfortable and reduces fatigue. Depending on your preferences, you can choose between the versatility of the Spring Breeze or the immersive typing experience of the Tourmaline Blue.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering whether to choose the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch or the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your preference for typing experience. If you enjoy a medium-light bottom out force and are looking for a switch with a neutral sound profile, the Spring Breeze may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and are seeking a buttery, easy-to-press switch with a deep and thocky sound profile, the Tourmaline Blue could be the perfect fit. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences, so it's important to consider what factors are most important to you when making your decision.
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