KTT Ash Gray vs. Outemu Maple Leaf
An in-depth look at the KTT Ash Gray and the Outemu Maple Leaf switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the KTT Ash Gray and the Outemu Maple Leaf, both tactile switches. The Ash Gray switch is designed to provide a tactile response that strikes a perfect balance between being noticeable yet gentle. Its light touch and crisp actuation make typing a delightful experience, offering a tactile feedback that is not overwhelming. On the other hand, the Maple Leaf switch does not have any specific qualities highlighted. The Ash Gray switch is categorized as 'Easy-to-press', 'Mild', 'Neutral', while the Maple Leaf switch does not have any specific categories. If you're looking for a tactile switch that offers a comfortable typing experience without being too aggressive, the Ash Gray switch may be the perfect choice for you. 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
38g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.30 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
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
The KTT Ash Gray and the Outemu Maple Leaf both have unique housing materials that contribute to their overall sound profiles. The Ash Gray features a polycarbonate top housing, known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. On the other hand, the Maple Leaf uses a nylon top housing, which elicits a deeper and fuller sound. The polycarbonate top housing of the Ash Gray is ideal for those seeking a clear and resonant sound profile, especially if using RGB lighting. In contrast, the Maple Leaf's nylon top housing absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound.
In terms of bottom housing, both the Ash Gray and the Maple Leaf utilize nylon material. Nylon is known for its softer properties, absorbing more sound to create a deep and full typing experience. The bottom housing material has a significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch. The use of nylon in both switches ensures a consistent typing experience with a focus on sound quality. While the top and bottom housings may differ in material, the qualities each material brings to the switch are distributed between the top and bottom, influencing the overall sound profile.
Overall, the KTT Ash Gray and the Outemu Maple Leaf offer distinct sound profiles due to their housing materials. The polycarbonate top housing of the Ash Gray provides a clear and resonant sound, while the nylon top housing of the Maple Leaf creates a deeper and fuller sound. Both switches share a nylon bottom housing, emphasizing sound absorption for a consistent typing experience. Whether seeking a sharper sound with the Ash Gray or a deeper sound with the Maple Leaf, both switches deliver unique typing experiences based on their housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch and the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch, it is clear that there is a significant difference in both actuation force and bottom out force. The Ash Gray has a lighter actuation force of 38 grams compared to the Maple Leaf's heavier actuation force of 55 grams. Similarly, the Ash Gray has a lighter bottom out force of 53 grams, while the Maple Leaf has a heavier bottom out force of 65 grams. This means that the Ash Gray switch would provide a lighter typing experience, making it ideal for long typing sessions or gaming, while the Maple Leaf switch would offer a more substantial and deliberate typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on personal preference, with lighter weights being preferred for longer typing sessions and heavier weights for a more impactful typing experience.
Travel distance
The KTT Ash Gray tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. This makes the Ash Gray slightly longer in travel distance compared to the Maple Leaf. Despite the small difference, both switches fall within the shorter travel distance range, which is preferred by gamers for faster response times. If you prefer a more responsive keypress, you may lean towards the Ash Grey with its slightly longer travel distance. However, if you find shorter travel distances abrupt and prefer a deeper keypress, the Maple Leaf may be the better option for you. Ultimately, both switches offer similar results due to their relatively close travel distances.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Ash Gray has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ash Gray for $2.55.
The Outemu Maple Leaf 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 KTT Ash Gray tactile switch offers a neutral profile with a moderate actuation force requirement. This makes it suitable for a variety of uses, whether you are a beginner or advanced user. On the other hand, information about the sound profile of the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch is unavailable. Keep in mind that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by the keyboard and keycaps being used.
In terms of feel, the KTT Ash Gray switch is described as easy-to-press, offering gentle resistance during key presses and requiring minimal force to activate. This results in a comfortable typing experience with reduced finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. Additionally, the switch provides a mild typing experience, making it approachable to most users due to its safe middle-ground characteristics. Unfortunately, there is no available information on the feel of the Outemu Maple Leaf switch.
In conclusion, the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch offers a blend of tactile feedback that is both substantial and comfortable, with a light touch and crisp actuation. It produces a neutral sound profile and provides an easy-to-press feel that enhances the typing experience. While information on the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch is lacking, it is likely that it would provide similar results in terms of sound and feel based on the absence of extreme characteristics in its description. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches would depend on personal preference and the specific use case.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the KTT Ash Gray and Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switches, you should consider the bottom out force, tactile feel, and sound profile that best suit your preferences. If you prefer a lighter bottom out force and a subtle yet noticeable tactile feedback, the KTT Ash Gray switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force and are looking for a switch with a more neutral sound profile, the Outemu Maple Leaf switch might be the better option. Ultimately, both switches have their own unique characteristics, so it's important to consider what factors are most important to you in order to make the best decision for your mechanical keyboard setup.
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