Outemu Dustproof Black vs. Outemu Maple Leaf
An in-depth look at the Outemu Dustproof Black and the Outemu Maple Leaf switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to Outemu mechanical keyboard switches, the Dustproof Black and the Maple Leaf stand out as popular choices among enthusiasts. The Dustproof Black is a linear switch, providing a smooth and consistent keystroke without any tactile bump or audible click. On the other hand, the Maple Leaf is a tactile switch, offering a satisfying bump feedback when a key is actuated, enhancing typing accuracy and feedback. Each switch has its own unique characteristics that cater to different preferences and needs. The Dustproof Black is ideal for those who prefer a quiet and seamless typing experience, while the Maple Leaf is perfect for individuals who enjoy a more tactile and responsive feel. 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
60g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
80g
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
Partial box
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 Dustproof Black and Outemu Maple Leaf switches both feature a top housing made of different materials, with the Dustproof Black utilizing polycarbonate while the Maple Leaf uses nylon. The use of polycarbonate in the Dustproof Black creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, ideal for those looking for a more crisp and resonant typing experience. In contrast, the nylon top housing of the Maple Leaf results in a deeper and fuller sound profile, offering a more muffled and rounded typing sound. While both materials provide unique sound profiles, the choice between the two will ultimately depend on personal preference and the desired sound experience.
Moving on to the bottom housing of the switches, both the Dustproof Black and Maple Leaf feature a nylon bottom housing. This classic switch housing material offers a deeper and fuller sound profile, similar to the nylon top housing of the Maple Leaf switch. With both switches utilizing nylon for the bottom housing, users can expect a consistent sound experience in terms of the bottom-out sound and feel. The overall typing experience on both switches will be impacted by the qualities of the nylon bottom housing, providing a duller and rounder sound compared to switches with different bottom housing materials.
In summary, while the top and bottom housings of the Outemu Dustproof Black and Outemu Maple Leaf switches differ in material composition, the overall sound profiles are similar due to both switches featuring a nylon bottom housing. The Dustproof Black's polycarbonate top housing offers a sharper, crisper sound profile, contrasting with the Maple Leaf's nylon top housing, which provides a deeper and fuller sound. Both switches utilize nylon for the bottom housing, resulting in a consistent sound experience characterized by a duller and rounder sound. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference and the desired typing sound.
Weight
The Outemu Dustproof Black linear switch has a higher actuation force of 60 grams and a heavier bottom out force of 80 grams compared to the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch, which has a lighter actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams. This means that the Dustproof Black switch will require a stronger push to register a keystroke and to fully press down compared to the Maple Leaf switch. Those who prefer a more substantial typing experience may lean towards the Dustproof Black switch, while those looking for a lighter typing feel for longer typing sessions may opt for the Maple Leaf switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Outemu Dustproof Black linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. In this case, the Maple Leaf has a shorter travel distance compared to the Dustproof Black. The shorter travel distance of the Maple Leaf may appeal to individuals looking for faster response times, such as gamers. On the other hand, the Dustproof Black with its longer travel distance may offer a more satisfying depth for those who prefer a more pronounced key press. Both switches provide unique experiences based on their travel distances, allowing users to choose the one that best suits their preferences.
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 Dustproof Black 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
The Outemu Dustproof Black linear switch and the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch each have their own unique qualities when it comes to sound and feel. The Dustproof Black switch is known for its silence, offering a quiet typing experience with minimal noise. On the other hand, the Maple Leaf switch provides a more tactile feedback, resulting in a satisfying click sound with each keystroke. The sound produced by these switches is also influenced by the keyboard and keycaps used, so it's important to consider these factors as well.
When it comes to feel, the Dustproof Black switch is known for its smooth and consistent keystrokes, allowing for fast and accurate typing. The linear nature of the switch provides a seamless typing experience without any tactile bump. In comparison, the Maple Leaf switch offers a tactile bump that provides feedback to the user, making typing more engaging and responsive. This tactile feedback can help prevent typing errors and improve overall typing speed and accuracy.
In conclusion, the Outemu Dustproof Black linear switch and the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch cater to different preferences in terms of sound and feel. If you prefer a quiet and linear typing experience, the Dustproof Black switch would be ideal. On the other hand, if you enjoy a tactile feedback and a more audible typing sound, the Maple Leaf switch would be the better choice. Both switches offer quality and performance, so regardless of the choice, you can expect a satisfying typing experience with either option.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Outemu Dustproof Black linear switch and the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch, consider the typing experience you prefer. If you enjoy a heavier bottom out force and a smoother keystroke without any tactile bump, the Dustproof Black may be the better option for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force with a tactile bump for feedback while typing, the Maple Leaf switch would be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing preferences and the feel you are looking for in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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