TTC Gold Brown Pro vs. Outemu Maple Leaf
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Brown Pro and the Outemu Maple Leaf switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the TTC Gold Brown Pro and the Outemu Maple Leaf mechanical keyboard switches, one key factor to consider is the level of tactile feedback you prefer. The TTC Gold Brown Pro offers a subtle and nuanced tactile bump, providing a gentle feedback that allows for a truly immersive typing experience without any loud distractions. On the other hand, the Outemu Maple Leaf switch does not have a specific standout feature but is known for its overall reliability and consistency. While the Gold Brown Pro is polished, thocky, and low-pitched, the Maple Leaf switch is a more neutral and mild option. Both switches have their strengths and it ultimately comes down to personal preference. 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
55g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.30 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
The housing materials of the TTC Gold Brown Pro and the Outemu Maple Leaf switches offer unique sound profiles and tactile experiences. The Gold Brown Pro features a polycarbonate top housing, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile that is especially beneficial for use with RGB lighting due to its translucency. On the other hand, the Maple Leaf uses a nylon top housing, which creates a deeper and fuller sound profile that is more subdued and rounder in tone. While both materials have their own strengths, the polycarbonate top housing of the Gold Brown Pro provides a crisper sound, while the nylon top housing of the Maple Leaf offers a more mellow sound.
In terms of bottom housing, both the Gold Brown Pro and the Maple Leaf switches utilize a nylon material. This commonality means that both switches will offer a similar deeper and fuller sound profile due to the absorption properties of nylon. When pressing down on these switches, the bottom housing's impact on the bottom-out sound and feel will be noticeable, providing a consistent tactile experience across both switches. However, the differences in their top housing materials will still cause variations in the overall sound profile of each switch when the keys are released.
While the top housing materials of the Gold Brown Pro and the Maple Leaf switches provide contrasting sound profiles, their shared nylon bottom housing ensures a similar tactile experience. The stiffer polycarbonate top housing of the Gold Brown Pro creates a more resonant and crisp sound, while the softer nylon top housing of the Maple Leaf produces a rounder and fuller sound. Despite these differences, the consistent use of nylon in the bottom housing of both switches means that the tactile feedback when pressing down on keys will be quite similar, offering a familiar feel to users regardless of the switch they choose.
Weight
The TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch, which has a heavier actuation force of 55 grams. However, the bottom out force of the Gold Brown Pro is unknown, while the Maple Leaf has a bottom out force of 65 grams, making it medium-heavy. Some users may prefer the lighter actuation force of the Gold Brown Pro for longer typing sessions or gaming, while others may lean towards the heavier actuation force of the Maple Leaf for a more substantial typing experience. Both switches provide different tactile feedback based on their actuation and bottom out forces, allowing users to choose the option that best suits their preferences.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch and the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch, we can see that the Gold Brown Pro has a longer travel distance of 3.8 mm compared to the Maple Leaf's 3.3 mm. The Gold Brown Pro offers a slightly deeper key press experience, which some users may prefer for a more substantial feel when typing or gaming. On the other hand, the Maple Leaf provides a slightly shorter travel distance, which can lead to quicker response times and may be favored by gamers looking for faster key presses. Both switches offer different tactile experiences based on their travel distances, catering to users with varying preferences. Ultimately, choosing between the two will depend on whether you prioritize a deeper, more deliberate key press or a quicker, more responsive feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Gold Brown Pro 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 Brown Pro for $2.90.
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 TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch is known for its thocky and low-pitched characteristics, providing a deep and mellow sound profile that is suitable for various typing environments. In contrast, details about the sound profile of the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch are unknown. It is important to note that the overall sound of a switch can be influenced by factors such as the keyboard's construction and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the TTC Gold Brown Pro switch is often described as polished, silky, mild, subtle, and stepped, offering a refined and smooth typing experience with gentle tactile feedback. On the other hand, information about the tactile feel of the Outemu Maple Leaf switch is not available. These subjective qualities of the Gold Brown Pro switch cater to those who prefer a more subdued and nuanced tactile experience.
In conclusion, the TTC Gold Brown Pro and the Outemu Maple Leaf switches may provide different tactile and auditory experiences as suggested by available information. The Gold Brown Pro offers a subtle and polished typing experience with a thocky sound profile, while details about the Maple Leaf switch remain unknown. If seeking a similar tactile experience and sound profile to the Gold Brown Pro, it is recommended to consider switches with characteristics such as a gentle tactile bump, subdued sound profile, and smooth key travel to enhance typing comfort and efficiency.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when considering whether to choose the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch or the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you prioritize a subtle and nuanced tactile feedback with a quiet sound profile, then the TTC Gold Brown Pro would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and are seeking a different tactile and auditory experience, the Outemu Maple Leaf might be more suitable for your needs. Both switches have their own unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences, so take into account what qualities are important to you when making your decision.
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