TTC Gold Red vs. Outemu Maple Leaf
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Red and the Outemu Maple Leaf switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Gold Red linear switch and the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch are two popular options to consider. The Gold Red linear switches are renowned for their buttery smooth typing experience and light-medium level of resistance. With a snappy sound profile that adds a touch of personality without being overwhelming, these switches are categorized as 'Thocky', 'Low-pitched', 'Neutral', 'Mild', 'Silky', 'Subtle', and 'Polished'. On the other hand, the Maple Leaf tactile switches offer a different typing experience, but with little specific information available. In general, tactile switches provide a tactile bump when a key is actuated, giving feedback to the user. Each switch has its unique characteristics that may attract different users based on their preferences. 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
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.30 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The TTC Gold Red and the Outemu Maple Leaf switches both offer unique housing materials that contribute to their sound profiles. The Gold Red utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound compared to the Maple Leaf's nylon top housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound. While the Gold Red's polycarbonate top housing is known for its clear and resonant sound profile, the Maple Leaf's nylon top housing absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound. Overall, the top housing material plays a significant role in determining the overall sound profile of a switch.
In terms of the bottom housing materials, both the Gold Red and the Maple Leaf switches use nylon, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound than harder plastics, creating a duller and rounder sound. This means that when pressing down on either switch, the qualities of the nylon bottom housing will have a significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel. The bottom housing material also contributes to the overall typing experience and can affect the overall sound profile of the switch.
Despite the differences in top and bottom housing materials between the TTC Gold Red and the Outemu Maple Leaf switches, both switches aim to provide a unique typing experience based on their housing materials. While the Gold Red's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper sound profile compared to the Maple Leaf's nylon top housing, and both switches share a nylon bottom housing that results in a deeper and fuller sound profile. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for sound and typing feel.
Weight
The TTC Gold Red linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 43 grams compared to the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch, which has a heavier actuation force of 55 grams. Similarly, the Gold Red has a lighter bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Maple Leaf has a heavier bottom out force of 65 grams. This means that the Gold Red switch provides a smoother and quicker typing experience with less resistance, ideal for those who type for extended periods or engage in long gaming sessions. On the other hand, the Maple Leaf switch offers a more substantial typing feel with a stronger push, suitable for individuals who prefer a bit more resistance for a tactile feedback. Overall, while both switches are effective in their own ways, individuals can achieve similar results based on their preferences for lighter or heavier actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The TTC Gold Red linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. The Gold Red switch offers a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Maple Leaf switch. The 4 mm travel distance of the Gold Red switch may provide a more substantial feel when typing or gaming, while the 3.3 mm travel distance of the Maple Leaf switch might offer a quicker response time due to its shorter distance. Both switches fall within a range of traditional travel distances, with the Gold Red being on the longer end and the Maple Leaf being on the shorter end. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Gold Red has an MSRP of $5.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gold Red for $3.28.
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
The TTC Gold Red linear switch is known for its buttery smooth typing experience with a light-medium level of resistance, resulting in a satisfying and thocky sound when pressed. The low-pitched and neutral sound profile of these switches adds a touch of personality without being overwhelming. On the other hand, information on the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch's sound profile is unknown, so it's difficult to directly compare the two in this aspect. When it comes to feel, the Gold Red switch offers a mild and silky typing experience with subtle resistance, making it suitable for most users. The polished finish of the switch contributes to a refined and smooth key travel. Unfortunately, there is no available information on the feel of the Maple Leaf switch for a direct comparison. Ultimately, if you are looking for a smooth and refined typing experience with a moderate sound profile, the Gold Red linear switch would be a reliable choice. If you opt for the Maple Leaf switch, you may expect similar results based on the limited information provided.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the TTC Gold Red linear switch or the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch, it is important to take into account your personal preferences and typing habits. If you prefer a lighter typing experience with a smooth and snappy feel, the Gold Red switch with its 50 grams bottom out force may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier typing experience with a tactile bump for feedback, the Maple Leaf switch with its 65 grams bottom out force may be more suitable. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on whether you prioritize a smooth linear feel or a tactile feedback in your typing experience.
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