Outemu Spring Breeze vs. HMX Vintage Citrus
An in-depth look at the Outemu Spring Breeze and the HMX Vintage Citrus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the Outemu Spring Breeze and the HMX Vintage Citrus offer contrasting experiences that cater to different preferences and needs. The Spring Breeze, heralded for its delightful clicky response, provides tactile feedback that many typists and gamers adore, enhancing the overall typing experience with each keystroke. In contrast, the HMX Vintage Citrus switch, designed specifically for gamers, is engineered for rapid-fire inputs, featuring an exceptionally low actuation force of just 1mm. This linear switch delivers a smooth, swift action without the auditory feedback of the clicky Spring Breeze, making it an attractive option for those looking for speed and precision in their gameplay. While both switches possess unique benefits—whether you're drawn to the satisfying sound and tactile feedback of the Spring Breeze or the lightning-fast responsiveness of the Vintage Citrus—each serves distinct purposes in the realm of keyboard performance. 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
48g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
1.50 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.00 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
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-staged spring
Housing materials
Both the Outemu Spring Breeze and the HMX Vintage Citrus utilize nylon for their top and bottom housings, which contributes significantly to their auditory and tactile characteristics. The material's innate softness allows it to absorb sound more effectively than harder plastics, fostering a sound profile that is deeper and fuller. Consequently, users can expect a duller and rounder sound when typing, which might enhance the overall typing experience for those who prefer a more muted acoustic feedback. The consistency of material choice in both keyboard switches ensures that users will experience comparable auditory qualities, making for an engaging typing atmosphere.
Despite the identical use of nylon in the housings of the Spring Breeze and Vintage Citrus, the separation of sound and feel characteristics between the top and bottom housings remains a crucial point of comparison. The top housing influences the sound emitted when a key is released, while the bottom housing primarily impacts the bottom-out sound and feel of the keystroke. Given that both switches share the same material makeup, users can anticipate a similar performance across the board. This consistency can create an engaging experience as users enjoy the deep resonance produced by both switches regardless of which one they choose.
In summary, while the Outemu Spring Breeze and HMX Vintage Citrus feature identical nylon housings, their performance in terms of sound profile and tactile feedback remains harmonized due to this uniform material choice. The use of nylon across both the top and bottom housings allows for a coherent auditory experience that prioritizes a rounded and deeper sound. Therefore, users will not only find both switches to be comparable but can also expect a reliable and satisfying typing experience, regardless of which switch they decide to use.
Weight
When comparing the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch, we find notable differences in their actuation forces, while their bottom out forces are quite similar. The Spring Breeze has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams, making it more suitable for prolonged typing or gaming sessions due to reduced finger fatigue. In contrast, the Vintage Citrus requires a slightly heavier actuation force of 48 grams, appealing to those who prefer a more substantial typing experience. However, in terms of bottom out force, the Spring Breeze reaches 55 grams, while the Vintage Citrus has a slightly lower bottom out force of 53 grams. Hence, while both switches are classified as medium-light, the Spring Breeze provides an overall lighter feel, particularly in actuation, catering to users who favor ease of pressing, while the Vintage Citrus gives a sturdier and more tactile response during use.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch, it becomes clear that the Spring Breeze features a longer travel distance of 4 mm, while the Vintage Citrus offers a shallower travel distance of 3 mm. This 1 mm difference significantly influences the overall feel during typing; those who favor a more traditional experience might find the Spring Breeze's depth satisfying, providing a sense of stability and tactile feedback. In contrast, the Vintage Citrus, with its shorter travel distance, caters more to gamers or users seeking quicker response times, as it encourages faster actuation. Ultimately, individuals who prefer a heartier, more deliberate key press will gravitate towards the Spring Breeze, whereas those who appreciate a snappier and more responsive feel will likely opt for the Vintage Citrus.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Vintage Citrus has an MSRP of $3.49 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Vintage Citrus for $2.79.
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 sound profile of the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch is not explicitly detailed, but it can be inferred that as a clicky switch, it likely produces a satisfying, pronounced click sound with each keystroke. This sound signature typically appeals to users who enjoy audio feedback while typing or gaming. In contrast, the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch is characterized by its bright, clacky sound profile, which complements its gaming-centric design. This distinctive sound can enhance the overall typing experience, providing both auditory satisfaction and a lively atmosphere during gaming sessions. Keep in mind that the final sound produced by both switches may vary based on the specific keyboard they are paired with and the type of keycaps used.
When considering the feel of these switches, the information about the Outemu Spring Breeze's tactile feedback and overall experience is not provided. However, the HMX Vintage Citrus switch is known for its remarkably smooth push feel, making it particularly suitable for rapid, repeated keystrokes required in fast-paced gaming environments. This smoothness, coupled with a low actuation force of just 1mm, allows for quick, responsive actions without the resistance that can sometimes accompany other switch types. If the Spring Breeze is also designed with a smooth action, it may provide a somewhat similar typing experience, although it’s hard to ascertain without more specific details.
In conclusion, while the Outemu Spring Breeze switch lacks detailed descriptions in both sound and feel, it can be reasonably expected to offer a satisfying clicky sound and potentially a decent typing experience. Meanwhile, the HMX Vintage Citrus switch is tailored for gaming, providing a bright, clacky sound and a smooth feel that facilitates quick gameplay. For users seeking auditory feedback and tactile pleasure in their mechanical keyboards, the choice between these two switches may ultimately hinge on personal preference for sound and the desired responsiveness of the switch feel, particularly in gaming contexts.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch, consider your gaming preferences and typing experiences. If you appreciate audible feedback and a tactile feel while typing, the Spring Breeze might be your go-to option, thanks to its unique clicky sound profile and satisfying feedback that can enhance your typing accuracy and enjoyment. However, if your main focus is on fast-paced gaming where rapid responses are crucial, the Vintage Citrus switch would serve you better. Its low actuation force of just 1mm and smooth keypress will allow for quick, fluid movements, which is essential for competitive gameplay. Remember, the Vintage Citrus's bright, clacky sound can complement an engaging gaming atmosphere, while the Spring Breeze adds a more classic click experience. Ultimately, your choice depends on whether you prioritize the tactile feedback for typing or the quick response necessary for gaming.
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