SP-Star Meteor Orange vs. Outemu Maple Leaf
An in-depth look at the SP-Star Meteor Orange 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 SP-Star Meteor Orange and the Outemu Maple Leaf, both tactile switches. The SP-Star Meteor Orange is renowned for its gentle tactile feedback and soft sound profile, making it an appealing choice for those who prefer a more subtle typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Maple Leaf lacks specific notable features but still offers a tactile typing feel. When deciding between these switches, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and typing style. 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
N/A
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
57g
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
Nylon
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the SP-Star Meteor Orange and the Outemu Maple Leaf switches are both made of nylon, a classic switch housing material known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is due to nylon being a softer plastic that absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Both switches offer a similar typing experience in terms of sound quality and feel, making them ideal choices for those looking for a quieter and more tactile typing experience.
One key difference between the Meteor Orange and the Maple Leaf switches lies in their top and bottom housing materials. While both switches use nylon for their top and bottom housings, the specific qualities each housing material brings to the switch may be divided between the top and bottom of the keys. The bottom housing of a switch typically has more impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when the key is pressed, while the top housing affects the sound when the key is released. This nuanced difference may lead to subtle variations in typing feel and sound between the two switches, catering to different preferences among keyboard enthusiasts.
Overall, the housing materials of the SP-Star Meteor Orange and the Outemu Maple Leaf switches offer a high-quality typing experience characterized by their deep and full sound profiles. Both switches utilize nylon for their housing, creating a softer typing experience that absorbs sound for a duller and rounder sound. While there may be slight differences in how the top and bottom housing materials affect the typing experience, users can expect similar results in terms of overall sound and feel when using either of these switches. Whether choosing the Meteor Orange or the Maple Leaf, users can enjoy a satisfying typing experience with a focus on sound quality and tactile feedback.
Weight
Comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch and the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch, it is clear that the Meteor Orange requires None grams of force to actuate, while the Maple Leaf needs 55 grams. In terms of bottom out force, the Meteor Orange has a lighter 57 grams compared to the Maple Leaf's heavier 65 grams. This means that the Meteor Orange is lighter in both actuation and bottom out force, making it more suitable for those who prefer a lighter typing experience for extended periods of time. On the other hand, the Maple Leaf provides a stronger push feel due to its heavier forces, which may appeal to those looking for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on the user's preference for actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch is 4 mm, while the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. In this case, the Meteor Orange has a longer travel distance compared to the Maple Leaf. A longer travel distance may provide a more satisfying typing experience for those who enjoy a deeper keypress. On the other hand, the shorter travel distance of the Maple Leaf may appeal to users looking for quicker response times, which is ideal for gamers. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference based on whether you prioritize a deeper keypress or a faster response time.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The SP-Star Meteor Orange has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Meteor Orange for $5.00.
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
When comparing the sound of the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch to the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch, the Meteor Orange is known for its neutral sound profile, offering a moderate actuation force requirement suitable for various uses. On the other hand, since there is no information available about the sound profile of the Maple Leaf switch, it is difficult to provide a direct comparison. However, it is important to note that the sound produced by a switch is influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the SP-Star Meteor Orange is praised for its mild tactility, providing a gentle typing experience that is approachable to most users. Additionally, the polished finish of the Meteor Orange switch results in smooth key travel and reduced friction, enhancing the overall typing feel. Unfortunately, there is no information provided on the specific feel of the Outemu Maple Leaf switch, making it challenging to compare directly.
Overall, if you are looking for a tactile switch with a neutral sound profile and a gentle typing experience, the SP-Star Meteor Orange switch would be a recommended choice based on the available information. However, it is important to keep in mind that personal preferences play a significant role in selecting the right switch for you, so trying out both switches firsthand may be the best way to determine which one suits your needs and preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch and the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to personal preference. If you prefer a lighter bottom out force and a gentle, soft tactility with a neutral sound profile, the Meteor Orange may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force and are looking for a switch with no specific standout characteristics, the Maple Leaf could be a suitable option. Consider your typing preferences, sound preferences, and typing environment when making your decision. Both switches have their own unique qualities, so choose the one that best aligns with your preferences. Ultimately, the choice is yours to make.
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