TTC Flaming Pink vs. Outemu Maple Leaf
An in-depth look at the TTC Flaming Pink and the Outemu Maple Leaf switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the TTC Flaming Pink and the Outemu Maple Leaf each offer unique characteristics tailored to different preferences. The Flaming Pink, known for its smooth, responsive feel and satisfying bottom-out sound, delivers a premium typing experience that excels in both gaming and everyday tasks. Its balanced sound profile strikes a perfect chord between being bright and not overly loud, making it an appealing option for those who value both performance and a pleasant auditory experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Maple Leaf, categorized as a tactile switch, is designed to provide noticeable feedback with every keypress, making it a favored choice for typists who appreciate the reassurance of tactile bumps in their keystrokes. While the Maple Leaf may not be as widely celebrated for its specific features, its tactile nature serves those who seek a distinct typing sensation. Both switches cater to different styles—whether you prioritize smoothness and speed or tactile feedback and comfort. 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
43g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Pre-travel
2.30 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial 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
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
24mm single-staged spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the TTC Flaming Pink and the Outemu Maple Leaf, the most notable difference lies in the top housing configuration. The Flaming Pink uses a polycarbonate top housing, which contributes to a sharper and crisper sound profile due to its stiffer characteristics. This material's rigidity enhances the sound clarity and resonance, making it suitable for applications where RGB lighting is utilized, thanks to its translucency. Conversely, the Maple Leaf utilizes a nylon top housing, which yields a deeper, fuller sound profile. Nylon's softer nature helps absorb more sound, leading to a sound experience that is mellow and rounded. These opposing characteristics in the top housing can significantly influence the auditory sensations produced by each switch during typing or gaming.
When examining the bottom housings of both switches, a fascinating convergence occurs. Both the TTC Flaming Pink and Outemu Maple Leaf opt for nylon for their bottom housing. This choice ensures that both switches are capable of producing a deeper and more enveloping sound profile, regardless of their differing top materials. The nylon's sound-absorbing qualities contribute to a fuller response upon bottoming out the switch, resulting in a tactile experience that feels rich and satisfying. As such, while the type of top housing affects the initial sound during a keystroke, the commonality in the bottom housing allows for a consistent experience in the sound signature during the act of bottoming out.
In summary, while the TTC Flaming Pink and Outemu Maple Leaf switches differ in their top housing materials—with the Flaming Pink showcasing polycarbonate for a sharper sound and the Maple Leaf using nylon for a deeper tone—both switches share a similarly constructed nylon bottom housing. This unison in the bottom housing allows for a consistent fulfillment of sonic depth and richness when pressing the keys. As a result, despite their different top housings, users can expect a familiar experience in terms of the bottoming out acoustics, highlighting how the dual-housing configuration influences the overall sound and feel of each switch.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Flaming Pink linear switch and the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch, there are notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Flaming Pink features a lighter actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it ideal for those who value a softer touch, especially for lengthy typing sessions. In contrast, the Maple Leaf requires a heavier actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, appealing to users who prefer a more substantial feel while typing or gaming. Thus, the Flaming Pink is the lighter option, while the Maple Leaf is the heavier choice. Both switches exhibit a significant difference in force, indicating that users will likely experience distinct typing sensations based on their preferences for lighter versus heavier key pressures.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the TTC Flaming Pink linear switch and the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch, we find that the Flaming Pink offers a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Maple Leaf measures slightly shorter at 3.3 mm. This makes the Flaming Pink the switch with the longer travel distance, providing a more pronounced tactile feedback for those who prefer a hearty depth when typing. On the other hand, the Maple Leaf's shorter travel distance may cater to gamers seeking a quicker response time and a more abrupt feel. Ultimately, users looking for a more traditional typing experience might lean towards the Flaming Pink, while those who favor swift keystrokes may find the Maple Leaf more appealing.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Flaming Pink has an MSRP of $4.29 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Flaming Pink for $4.00.
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
In terms of sound, the TTC Flaming Pink linear switch is recognized for its bright yet not overly loud sound profile, striking a balance that makes it suitable for both gaming and everyday typing tasks. This enhances the typing experience without being intrusive, making it a good choice for shared spaces or offices. Details about the sound quality of the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch are not available, leaving a gap in comparison. However, it is essential to note that the sound produced by any switch can vary significantly based on factors such as the type of keyboard it is housed in and the keycap material used.
When it comes to feel, the Flaming Pink switch is praised for its smooth and responsive action, which contributes to a seamless typing experience, whether for gaming or daily tasks. This quality allows for quick key presses without a hitch, enhancing the overall performance during intensive use. In contrast, there is no detailed information provided about the feel of the Outemu Maple Leaf switch, making it difficult to draw direct comparisons. The tactile bump associated with the Maple Leaf could offer a different typing experience, but any specifics on its responsiveness or smoothness remain unknown.
Overall, the TTC Flaming Pink linear switch presents a compelling case with its combination of sound and feel, making it a versatile option for various typing needs. The Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch, while less defined in terms of sound and feel qualities, may appeal to those specifically looking for a tactile experience. However, without further information on the Maple Leaf, it’s challenging to pinpoint its advantages. If both switches offer the same or similar characteristics, users can expect comparable typing results, although individual preferences will ultimately guide the selection.
Conclusion
To conclude, when choosing between the TTC Flaming Pink linear switch and the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch, you should consider your specific preferences and usage scenarios. If you prefer a lighter switch that provides a smooth and responsive typing experience, the Flaming Pink is an excellent choice. It delivers a satisfying bottom-out sound and is versatile enough for both gaming and everyday tasks, making it ideal if you enjoy fast-paced gaming or lengthy typing sessions without the fatigue that heavier switches can sometimes cause. On the other hand, if you appreciate a firmer tactile feedback and you prefer a more pronounced resistance in your keystrokes, the Maple Leaf switch may be more to your liking. With a medium-heavy bottom out force, it offers a satisfying tactile feeling that can enhance your typing precision, particularly suited for typists who value that tactile bump for better feedback. Ultimately, your choice should reflect your typing style, usage habits, and sound preferences, ensuring that the switch you select complements your keyboard experience perfectly.