KTT Orange vs. Outemu Maple Leaf
An in-depth look at the KTT Orange and the Outemu Maple Leaf switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the KTT Orange and Outemu Maple Leaf stand out as popular options. The KTT Orange is a linear switch that is known for its bouncy type feel, featuring a 22mm long spring for added bounce. With a polycarbonate milky top housing, long pole POM stem, and vivid orange nylon bottom housing, these switches provide a frictionless typing experience with a low-pitched sound profile. On the other hand, the Outemu Maple Leaf is a tactile switch that doesn't have any specific standout features. If you prefer a bouncy, frictionless, and low-pitched typing experience, the KTT Orange may be the switch for you. In contrast, the Outemu Maple Leaf offers a different feel without any specific defining characteristics. 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
46g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
2.30 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm gold-plated spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The main difference between the KTT Orange and the Outemu Maple Leaf lies in their housing materials. The Orange features a polycarbonate top and bottom housing, known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile due to its stiffness. On the other hand, the Maple Leaf houses its switches in nylon, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile thanks to its softer, sound-absorbing properties. While both materials enhance the overall typing experience, they cater to different preferences in terms of sound quality.
While both the Orange and Maple Leaf switches offer distinct sound profiles based on their housing materials, they both share the advantage of providing a clear and resonant sound profile. This is particularly beneficial for users who prioritize sound quality in their typing experience. Additionally, the use of polycarbonate in the Orange switch and nylon in the Maple Leaf switch caters to different preferences when it comes to the tone and resonance of the sound produced. Ultimately, both switches offer a high-quality sound experience, each with its unique characteristics and benefits.
In terms of aesthetics, the differences in housing materials between the KTT Orange and the Outemu Maple Leaf are also worth noting. The Orange switch features a translucent polycarbonate housing, making it ideal for users who want to showcase RGB lighting effects. On the other hand, the Maple Leaf switch's nylon housing offers a more classic look without the translucency. Whether you prefer a more modern and customizable look with RGB lighting or a traditional appearance, the housing materials of these switches cater to a variety of aesthetic preferences.
Weight
Comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Orange linear switch and the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch reveals some notable differences. The Orange switch has a lighter actuation force of 46 grams and a slightly lighter bottom out force of 53 grams, making it more suitable for those who prefer a lighter touch while typing. In contrast, the Maple Leaf switch has a heavier actuation force of 55 grams and a significantly heavier bottom out force of 65 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience for those who enjoy a stronger push feel. Overall, the KTT Orange switch is lighter in terms of both actuation and bottom out forces, making it ideal for longer typing sessions or gaming sessions where fatigue is a concern. On the other hand, the Outemu Maple Leaf switch offers a heavier typing experience for users who prefer a more solid and responsive keystroke. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference regarding typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
The KTT Orange linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. The Orange switch has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Maple Leaf switch. Both options fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are popular among gamers for their faster response times. However, if you prefer a switch with a bit more depth to the key press, the Orange switch might be the better choice for you. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and key press feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Orange has an MSRP of $5.55 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Orange for $4.15.
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 KTT Orange linear switch is known for its low-pitched profile, providing a bass-heavy and mellow tone during typing. On the other hand, the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch lacks specific information on its sound characteristics, making it difficult to directly compare the two switches in this aspect. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by the keyboard housing and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the KTT Orange linear switch is praised for its bouncy and frictionless properties. Users enjoy the spring-like feedback and elastic sensation of the keys, providing a lively and rebounding feel when typing. Additionally, the smooth and effortless key travel due to factory-lubing minimizes any sense of resistance or friction. Unfortunately, there is no available information on the feel of the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch, making it challenging to make a direct comparison in this regard.
Overall, based on the available information, the KTT Orange linear switch offers a low-pitched sound profile, bouncy and frictionless feel, and a smooth typing experience. In contrast, the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch lacks specific details on sound and feel characteristics, making it difficult to provide a comprehensive comparison between the two switches. However, it's important to consider individual preferences and typing habits when selecting a mechanical keyboard switch to ensure the best fit for your needs.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the KTT Orange linear switch and the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and typing style. If you prefer a medium-light bottom out force with a bouncy and frictionless typing experience, along with a low-pitched sound profile, then the KTT Orange switch would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and enjoy the tactile feedback that a tactile switch provides, then the Outemu Maple Leaf switch might be more suited to your preferences. Consider these factors carefully when making your decision to ensure that you select the switch that will best enhance your typing experience.
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