TTC Gold Silver vs. Outemu Spring Breeze
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Silver and the Outemu Spring Breeze switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Gold Silver and the Outemu Spring Breeze offer distinct features that cater to different preferences. The TTC Gold Silver is a linear switch that stands out for its rapid responsiveness, shortened travel distance, and solid bottom-out feel, creating a satisfying tactile feedback with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Outemu Spring Breeze is a clicky switch known for its crisp audible click with each press. While the Gold Silver excels in speed, sound, and fluidity, the Spring Breeze provides a more pronounced auditory experience. If you prefer a smooth and seamless typing experience, the Gold Silver may be the choice for you. However, if you enjoy a satisfying click sound while typing, the Spring Breeze could be the better option. 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
45g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Pre-travel
1.50 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
NPI
Stem material
pom
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
18mm spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the TTC Gold Silver and the Outemu Spring Breeze, we can see some key differences. The Gold Silver features a polycarbonate top housing, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its relatively stiffer plastic composition. In contrast, the Spring Breeze uses a nylon top housing, creating a deeper and fuller sound profile thanks to nylon's softer plastic that absorbs more sound. While both materials offer distinct sound profiles, the polycarbonate of the Gold Silver provides a clearer and resonant sound, whereas the nylon of the Spring Breeze produces a duller and rounder sound.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the Gold Silver and the Spring Breeze utilize nylon material. This choice results in a deeper and fuller sound profile for both switches, as nylon's soft composition absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics. Therefore, despite the switches coming from different brands, the housing material consistency in the bottom housing leads to similar sound characteristics. The use of nylon in the bottom housing of the switches enables a consistent typing experience, with a focus on a deeper and fuller sound profile for both the Gold Silver and the Spring Breeze.
Overall, the differences in housing materials between the TTC Gold Silver and the Outemu Spring Breeze contribute to their unique sound profiles. While the Gold Silver's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper and crisper sound, the Spring Breeze's nylon top housing offers a deeper and fuller sound experience. Similarly, the nylon bottom housing in both switches delivers a consistent typing experience with a focus on absorbing sound for a deeper sound profile. Whether opting for a stiffer polycarbonate or softer nylon housing, both switches provide distinct qualities that cater to different preferences in sound and feel.
Weight
The TTC Gold Silver linear switch has a lighter actuation force compared to the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch, with 45 grams for the Gold Silver and 40 grams for the Spring Breeze. However, the Gold Silver switch does not have a specified bottom out force, while the Spring Breeze has a bottom out force of 55 grams, which is considered medium-light. This means that while the Gold Silver may require less force to initiate a keystroke, the Spring Breeze will provide a more substantial typing experience due to its higher bottom out force. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Gold Silver switch would be the better option, but for those who prefer a stronger push feel, the Spring Breeze switch would be more suitable. Both switches offer different weight options to cater to the typing preferences of users, ensuring that regardless of choice, similar results can be achieved.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the TTC Gold Silver linear switch is 3.5 mm, while the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. Both switches fall within the traditional range of travel distances, with the Gold Silver being on the shorter end and the Spring Breeze being slightly longer. The Gold Silver would be preferred by those looking for faster response times, such as gamers, due to its shorter travel distance. On the other hand, the Spring Breeze may be favored by those who prefer a more substantial key press feel with its longer travel distance. Ultimately, both switches offer a different tactile experience based on their travel distances.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Gold Silver has an MSRP of $6.11 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gold Silver for $2.90.
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 TTC Gold Silver linear switch is known for its thocky and low-pitched sound profile, offering a deep and rich typing experience with a neutral tone. On the other hand, the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch has no specific sound descriptors provided, indicating a lack of defining characteristics in terms of sound. When comparing the two switches, the Gold Silver is likely to provide a more satisfying and bass-heavy sound experience, perfect for those who enjoy a tactile and resonant typing sound.
Moving on to feel, the TTC Gold Silver switch is praised for its polished and silky typing experience, offering a smooth and refined key travel with reduced friction. The switch is also described as mild and subtle, providing a gentle typing experience with a light feel. Conversely, the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch does not have any feel descriptors provided, leaving its tactile qualities unknown. Considering the Gold Silver's characteristics, it is safe to assume that it offers a smoother and more refined typing experience compared to the unknown feel of the Spring Breeze switch.
In conclusion, the TTC Gold Silver linear switch stands out for its rapid responsiveness, smooth key travel, thocky sound profile, and polished typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch lacks specific descriptors for both sound and feel, making it difficult to compare directly with the Gold Silver. If you are seeking a switch with a decisive bottom-out, resonant sound, and a smooth typing experience, the TTC Gold Silver would be a reliable choice based on the available information.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the TTC Gold Silver linear switch and the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch, it ultimately comes down to your preferences and needs. If you prioritize rapid responsiveness, smooth keystrokes, and a resonant sound signature, then the TTC Gold Silver would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-light bottom out force and are looking for a switch with a different sound profile and feel, you may want to consider the Outemu Spring Breeze. Consider your typing style, environment, and desired experience when making your decision. Both switches offer unique qualities, so choose the one that best aligns with your preferences.
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