TTC Flaming Purple vs. Outemu Maple Leaf
An in-depth look at the TTC Flaming Purple and the Outemu Maple Leaf switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to compare and contrast are the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch and the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch. The TTC Flaming Purple is renowned for its resonant character, providing a neutral sound with a hint of bassiness that adds an engaging auditory flair to typing. With a bottom-out force of just 47g, this switch offers a feathery and easy-to-press experience, making it appealing for both enthusiasts and daily typists. On the other hand, the Outemu Maple Leaf switch lacks a standout feature but falls under the tactile category, providing a tactile bump that offers feedback during typing. 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
42g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
47g
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
POK
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
23mm single-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The TTC Flaming Purple and the Outemu Maple Leaf switches both utilize different housing materials for their top and bottom components. The Flaming Purple features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its stiffness that creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This material is also translucent, making it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. On the other hand, the Maple Leaf incorporates a nylon top housing, which offers a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound. While both materials bring unique qualities to the switches, the Flaming Purple's polycarbonate top housing offers a clearer and more resonant sound, whereas the Maple Leaf's nylon top housing provides a rounder and duller sound.
In terms of the bottom housing materials, both the Flaming Purple and the Maple Leaf switches use nylon. This classic switch housing material adds to the deeper and fuller sound profile experienced while typing on these switches. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Despite using the same material for the bottom housing, the unique qualities of the nylon material still shine through in both switches. Whether it be the Flaming Purple's bottom housing contributing to a duller sound profile or the Maple Leaf's bottom housing creating a deeper sound, nylon remains a popular choice for switch housing materials.
While the Flaming Purple and the Maple Leaf differ in their housing materials, both switches provide a unique typing experience. The split between top and bottom housing allows for a balance of qualities in sound and feel when using the switches. The bottom housing plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing impacts the sound when releasing a key. Whether it's the stiffer polycarbonate housing of the Flaming Purple creating a sharp and crisp sound or the softer nylon housing of the Maple Leaf offering a deeper and fuller sound, each switch brings its own distinctive qualities to the table for users to enjoy.
Weight
The TTC Flaming Purple linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 47 grams, whereas the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch has a heavier actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams. The lighter actuation force of the Flaming Purple switch makes it easier to trigger keystrokes, which can be preferred by those looking for a smooth typing experience. On the other hand, the heavier actuation force of the Maple Leaf switch provides a more substantial and tactile typing experience, which some users may find more satisfying. Both switches offer a different typing experience based on their actuation and bottom out forces, allowing users to choose based on their preference for a lighter or heavier typing feel.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch and the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch, it is evident that the Flaming Purple has a longer travel distance of 3.6 mm compared to the Maple Leaf's 3.3 mm. This means that the Flaming Purple will provide a slightly deeper keypress experience than the Maple Leaf. However, both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them suitable for individuals looking for a more responsive typing or gaming experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for keypress depth and tactile feedback.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Flaming Purple has an MSRP of $8.30 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Flaming Purple for $4.30.
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 Purple linear switch is characterized by a bassy and resonant sound profile, adding a poppy undertone to each keystroke. On the other hand, the sound profile of the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch is unknown. Both switches can provide similar results in sound quality if paired with the right keyboard and keycaps.
Regarding feel, the Flaming Purple switch is described as feathery, easy-to-press, and silky, offering a light and effortless typing experience that reduces finger fatigue. The Maple Leaf switch's feel is unknown, but it is essential to consider how the typing experience will differ based on the user's preferences and needs.
In conclusion, the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch stands out for its unique sound profile and feather-light feel, making it a popular choice among mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. While the subjective qualities of the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch are not explicitly stated, it's important for newcomers to consider how sound and feel impact their overall typing experience when choosing between different switch options. Ultimately, the decision between the TTC Flaming Purple and Outemu Maple Leaf switches will come down to personal preference, typing style, and the overall typing experience desired by the user.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch and the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch, consider your preferences and typing style. If you enjoy a light and feathery typing experience with a slightly bassy sound signature, the Flaming Purple may be the ideal choice for you. Its low bottom-out force of 47 grams provides swift and effortless typing, making it suitable for enthusiasts and daily typists alike. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy tactile switch with a higher bottom-out force of 65 grams, the Maple Leaf might be more suited to your typing needs. Ultimately, the decision should be based on your personal preferences and the type of typing experience you desire.
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