Outemu Spring Breeze vs. Gateron Weightlessness
An in-depth look at the Outemu Spring Breeze and the Gateron Weightlessness switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When selecting a mechanical keyboard switch, two increasingly popular options are the Outemu Spring Breeze and the Gateron Weightlessness. The Spring Breeze is a clicky switch characterized by its sharp auditory feedback, which many typists and gamers find satisfying and energizing, making it ideal for those who enjoy a dynamic typing experience. In contrast, the Gateron Weightlessness is categorized as a tactile switch, offering a subtle to moderate tactile feel that strikes a balance between feedback and quietness, perfect for those who prefer a more subdued sound profile while still retaining a satisfying typing sensation. Both switches have their unique benefits: the Spring Breeze excites with its pronounced clicks, ideal for an engaging typing session, whereas the Weightlessness provides a smoother experience for longer typing tasks with its gentle tactile bump. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that is right for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
40g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
1.50 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 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 double-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Spring Breeze and Gateron Weightlessness switches, one notable similarity is the use of nylon for both the top and bottom housings. Nylon is recognized in the mechanical keyboard community for its ability to create a sound profile that is deeper and fuller compared to harder plastics. Both switches benefit from this characteristic, as the relatively softer nature of nylon allows it to absorb sound more effectively. Consequently, both the Spring Breeze and Weightlessness switches produce a duller and rounder sound, enhancing the overall typing experience by creating a more satisfying auditory feedback and tactile result.
Despite the similarity in housing material, the impact of the nylon composition on the typing experience can differ slightly between the two switches depending on their individual designs and constructions. If either switch features additional design elements, such as differing stem shapes or spring types, these variances could subtly influence how each housing material contributes to the overall feedback when typing. However, given that both series utilize the same nylon material in their construction, users can anticipate comparable sound profiles that maintain the hallmark qualities associated with nylon—emphasizing softness and sound absorption.
In essence, while the Outemu Spring Breeze and Gateron Weightlessness switches share the same nylon housing, the combined effect of their overall design and material may still lead to unique user experiences. As the characteristics of the bottom and top housings affect the bottom-out feel and sound versus the release sound respectively, the similarities in their nylon components ensure that both switches will provide a rich auditory response. Thus, regardless of minor differences in design, the familiar properties of nylon across both switches set a foundation for comparable results in terms of sound and typing feel, making both options appealing to mechanical keyboard enthusiasts seeking enhanced acoustic and tactile experiences.
Weight
The Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch exhibit notable differences in their actuation forces, with the Spring Breeze requiring 40 grams to actuate, while the Weightlessness has a higher actuation force of 50 grams. This means that the Spring Breeze is lighter, making it more suitable for users who prefer a softer touch for extended typing sessions, such as those in office settings or long gaming marathons. In contrast, the Gateron Weightlessness, with its heavier actuation force, provides a more substantial tactile feedback that some typists may favor for a more pronounced typing experience. Furthermore, the Spring Breeze has a defined bottom out force of 55 grams, indicating that it becomes more resistant at the maximum key travel, which could be beneficial for users who prefer a distinct feedback when reaching the bottom of a keystroke. On the other hand, the bottom out force for the Gateron Weightlessness remains unknown, making it difficult to draw a comprehensive comparison in that aspect. Nevertheless, the difference in actuation forces suggests users will experience different levels of effort when pressing the keys, with the lighter Spring Breeze catering to those seeking ease and comfort, while the heavier Weightlessness may appeal to those who prefer a firmer typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch, there is a clear distinction between the two. The Outemu Spring Breeze features a travel distance of 4 mm, which aligns with the traditional preference for deeper keystrokes. In contrast, the Gateron Weightlessness has a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. This difference means that the Weightlessness switch can provide a quicker response time, appealing to gamers who prefer a more immediate feedback during gameplay. On the other hand, the Spring Breeze offers a more pronounced depth, catering to those who enjoy a more tactile experience. Therefore, if you're looking for a switch that provides a shorter travel distance for fast responsiveness, the Gateron Weightlessness is the way to go, while the Outemu Spring Breeze is better suited for those who appreciate a fuller keystroke feeling.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Weightlessness has an MSRP of $6.10 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Weightlessness for $5.50.
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 stands out for its characteristic sound profile that is defined by a pronounced clickiness, offering a sharp auditory feedback with each keystroke. This makes it particularly appealing for those who enjoy an auditory indication of their actions while typing. In contrast, the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch features a more subtle sound profile that may range from a soft thud to a moderate sound level, providing a pleasant experience without being overly loud. This balanced sound can be appealing in environments where noise is a concern, but the nuanced feedback might not resonate as vividly as the Spring Breeze's distinctive click.
When considering feel, the Spring Breeze offers a unique experience characterized by its satisfying click, designed to provide clear feedback that many typists find engaging. This tactile element can lead to a more gratifying typing experience, especially for users who relish the sensation that accompanies each strike. On the other hand, the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch delivers a subtle to moderate tactile feel that, while less pronounced than the Spring Breeze, still provides a good amount of feedback without feeling overly harsh. This makes it ideal for users who appreciate a smooth typing experience while still enjoying some tactile feedback, thus allowing for a comfortable balance between responsiveness and subtleness.
In summary, both the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch cater to different preferences in sound and feel. The Spring Breeze leans toward an expansive auditory profile with a firm click and assertive feedback, while the Weightlessness offers a gentler sound and a more moderate tactile sensation. The choice between them ultimately depends on personal preference—those who favor pronounced audio and tactile affirmations might gravitate towards the Spring Breeze, whereas users looking for a quieter yet still responsive switch may find the Weightlessness more to their liking.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch really depends on your personal preferences regarding typing feel and sound. If you enjoy a medium-light switch that provides a more pronounced auditory feedback, the Spring Breeze is an excellent option for you. It’s perfect for those who like a clicky sound while typing, adding an engaging and satisfying element to your keystrokes, making it especially enjoyable for gamers and typists who appreciate tactile feedback. On the other hand, if you prefer a subtler typing experience, the Gateron Weightlessness switch would be more suitable. With its balanced sound profile and tactile feedback that’s subtle to moderate, it creates a smooth and quieter typing experience. This makes it ideal for office environments or when you don’t want to disturb those around you but still want some tactile indication that your keystroke has registered. Ultimately, your decision should align with whether you prioritize sound and a more pronounced tactile sensation or a gentler approach with a focus on quietness and smoothness.
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