Kailh Box White vs. Outemu Maple Leaf
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box White and the Outemu Maple Leaf switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, there are a plethora of options to choose from, each offering a unique typing experience. Two popular choices are the Kailh Box White, a clicky switch, and the Outemu Maple Leaf, a tactile switch. The Box White switch is favored for its maximum audio feedback, producing a satisfying "stepping on autumn leaves" sound with each key press. It also offers a pronounced tactile bump, giving typists a satisfying feel while typing. In contrast, the Maple Leaf switch lacks any specific defining characteristics in terms of sound or feel, providing a more straightforward typing experience. While the Box White switch is ideal for those who prioritize auditory and tactile feedback, the Maple Leaf switch may appeal to individuals looking for a 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
50g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.30 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Box
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
Kailh Box spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Kailh Box White and the Outemu Maple Leaf, we see that they both utilize nylon for the bottom housing. Nylon is a classic switch housing material known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its relatively softer nature that absorbs more sound than harder plastics. This results in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches with nylon bottom housing. While both switches share this feature, the differences lie in their top housing materials.
The Kailh Box White features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for creating a sharp, high-pitched, and crisp sound profile. The stiffness of polycarbonate plastic contributes to a clearer and more resonant sound, making it ideal for switches with RGB lighting due to its translucency. In contrast, the Outemu Maple Leaf opts for a nylon top housing, which elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, producing a sound that is duller and rounder compared to the sharper sound profile of polycarbonate.
Overall, while the Kailh Box White and the Outemu Maple Leaf both utilize nylon for the bottom housing, their choice of top housing material sets them apart in terms of sound profile. The Kailh Box White offers a sharper and crisper sound with its polycarbonate top housing, while the Outemu Maple Leaf provides a deeper and fuller sound with its nylon top housing. Despite these differences, both switches offer unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences and typing experiences.
Weight
The Kailh Box White clicky switch has a lighter actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch, which has a heavier actuation force of 55 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Box White requires 60 grams while the Maple Leaf needs 65 grams, making the Box White the lighter option in this aspect. Both switches fall within the medium range for actuation force but differ slightly in bottom out force, with the Maple Leaf being slightly heavier. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Box White may be the better choice, while the Maple Leaf provides a bit more resistance for a more firm typing feel. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will come down to personal preference for typing force.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box White clicky switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. In this case, the Box White has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Maple Leaf. The differences may not be significant, but for those who appreciate a bit more key travel, the Box White might be the preferred choice. Both switches fall into the category of shorter travel distances, making them suitable for those seeking quicker response times, such as gamers. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will come down to personal preference regarding the feel and depth of key presses.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Kailh Box White comes in at $2.76, whereas the Outemu Maple Leaf comes in at $3.10.
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 Kailh Box White clicky switch offers a resonant, high-pitched, and crunchy auditory experience akin to stepping on piles of autumn leaves. Each keystroke emits a clean and sharp sound, providing an immersive typing experience for those who enjoy audible feedback. On the other hand, information regarding the sound profile of the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch is unavailable, making it difficult to compare directly. It is important to note that the sound produced by a switch can also be influenced by external factors such as the keyboard's construction and keycap material.
In terms of feel, the Kailh Box White switch is described as polished, offering a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. This polished finish enhances the overall tactile feedback of the switch, providing a satisfying typing experience for users. Unfortunately, details about the tactile feel of the Outemu Maple Leaf switch are not provided, making it challenging to make a direct comparison in this aspect.
Overall, if you prioritize maximum audio feedback and a polished typing experience, the Kailh Box White clicky switch may be the ideal choice for you. However, the subjective qualities of the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch remain unknown, so it is recommended to try both switches personally to determine which best suits your preferences. Keep in mind that individual preferences for sound and feel can vary, so experimenting with different switches is essential in finding the perfect match for your typing style.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when choosing between the Kailh Box White clicky switch and the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch, consider the following guidelines based on your preferences. If you enjoy maximum audio feedback and a crisp, high-pitched sound profile reminiscent of stepping on autumn leaves, the Box White switch may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and a smooth, polished typing experience, the Maple Leaf switch could be more suitable. Ultimately, the decision boils down to whether you prioritize auditory feedback and a clicky feel or a tactile typing experience with a slightly heavier actuation force. Consider your typing style and preferences to determine which switch aligns best with your needs.
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