Outemu Brown vs. Outemu Maple Leaf
An in-depth look at the Outemu Brown and the Outemu Maple Leaf switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When looking at mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Outemu Brown and the Outemu Maple Leaf, both of which fall under the tactile switch category. The Outemu Brown switch is known for its smooth tactile feedback and quiet operation, making it a great choice for those who prefer a more subtle typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Maple Leaf switch offers a bit more pronounced tactile bump, providing a more satisfying typing feel for users who prefer a more pronounced feedback. Both switches have their own strengths and weaknesses, and depending on your personal preference and typing style, one may be more suitable for you than the other. 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
53g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
1.20 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 Outemu Brown switch features a polycarbonate top housing which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which leads to a more clear and resonant sound. In contrast, the Outemu Maple Leaf switch utilizes a nylon top housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's softer plastic absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound compared to the polycarbonate housing of the Brown switch. Despite their differences, both switches offer unique sound profiles based on their top housing material.
Moving on to the bottom housing, both the Outemu Brown and the Outemu Maple Leaf switches utilize a nylon bottom housing material. This classic switch housing material contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile for both switches. The nylon material's softness absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when typing. While the top housing may have a more noticeable impact on the sound when pressing down or letting go of a key, the bottom housing of these switches plays a crucial role in influencing the overall sound profile and typing experience.
In summary, the Outemu Brown and Outemu Maple Leaf switches showcase different housing materials in their top and bottom components, resulting in distinct sound profiles. The polycarbonate top housing of the Brown switch creates a sharper and crisper sound, while the nylon top housing of the Maple Leaf switch offers a deeper and fuller sound. Both switches share a nylon bottom housing, contributing to a similar deep and full sound profile. Overall, the housing materials of these switches play a significant role in determining the sound characteristics and typing experience for users.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Brown tactile switch and the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch, it is evident that both switches have very similar force requirements. The Brown has an actuation force of 53 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, while the Maple Leaf has an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams. Both switches fall into the medium-heavy category in terms of force. The actuation force is the amount of force needed to trigger a keystroke, while the bottom out force measures the force required to press the key all the way down. In terms of weight, both switches provide a substantial typing experience, with the option for users to choose based on their preference for a lighter or heavier feel. Some may prefer the lighter actuation force for longer typing sessions, while others may prefer the heavier bottom out force for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, users can expect similar results in terms of force requirements when using either the Outemu Brown or Maple Leaf switches.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Outemu Brown tactile switch and the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch, it is evident that the Brown has a longer travel distance of 4 mm compared to the Maple Leaf's 3.3 mm. The Brown switch offers a slightly deeper keypress experience with its 4 mm travel distance, making it ideal for those who prefer a bit more depth when typing. On the other hand, the Maple Leaf switch provides a slightly shallower keypress experience with its 3.3 mm travel distance, which may appeal to individuals looking for a quicker response time, such as gamers. Both switches offer a tactile feel, but the slight difference in travel distance can cater to different preferences - one looking for a bit more depth and the other looking for a quicker response. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and keypress experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
In this case, both switches are $3.10. As such, price can't serve as a tiebreaker when choosing between the Brown and Maple Leaf.
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, both the Outemu Brown and Outemu Maple Leaf switches are known for being relatively quiet compared to clicky switches like the Outemu Blue. This is due to the tactile bump in both switches dampening the sound of bottoming out. However, the Brown switch may have a slightly softer and more cushioned sound compared to the Maple Leaf switch, which could have a slightly crisper sound. The sound of both switches can also be affected by the overall build of the keyboard, as well as the keycaps used.
Regarding the feel, the Outemu Brown switch is known for having a smooth tactile bump that provides a satisfying feedback without being too pronounced. On the other hand, the Outemu Maple Leaf switch is also a tactile switch but may have a slightly sharper bump compared to the Brown switch. This could result in a more distinct tactile feedback when typing. Ultimately, both switches offer a tactile typing experience that many users find enjoyable.
In conclusion, both the Outemu Brown and Outemu Maple Leaf switches offer a tactile typing experience with relatively quiet sound profiles. The choice between the two switches may come down to personal preference, with the Brown switch providing a smoother tactile bump and the Maple Leaf switch offering a potentially sharper tactile feedback. Experimenting with both switches on different keyboards and keycap sets can help determine which one suits your typing style best.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Outemu Brown tactile switch and the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch, you should consider the overall feel and sound you prefer while typing. If you enjoy a tactile bump during keystrokes and a moderate operating force, then the Outemu Brown switch would be a suitable choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a similar tactile experience but with a slightly softer feel, then the Outemu Maple Leaf switch would be a great option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on personal preference and the typing experience you are looking to achieve with your mechanical keyboard.
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