Outemu Gold vs. Outemu Maple Leaf
An in-depth look at the Outemu Gold 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 Outemu Gold and Outemu Maple Leaf are two popular options worth considering. The Gold switch is a clicky switch, recognized for its distinct auditory feedback and tactile feel. On the other hand, the Maple Leaf switch falls under the tactile category, offering a quieter typing experience with a slight bump in the keystroke. If you prioritize the audible click and feedback in your typing experience, the Outemu Gold may be the better choice for you. However, if you prefer a quieter yet still tactile typing experience, the Outemu Maple Leaf could be the ideal switch. 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
45g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
1.80 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 Gold and Outemu Maple Leaf switches both feature different materials for their top and bottom housing components. The Gold switch utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile thanks to the relatively stiff nature of polycarbonate. On the other hand, the Maple Leaf switch uses nylon for its top housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer nature of nylon that absorbs more sound. Both materials offer distinct auditory experiences, with polycarbonate providing a clear and resonant sound while nylon creates a duller and rounder sound.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the Outemu Gold and the Outemu Maple Leaf switches make use of nylon material. This choice of material once again contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon's softer nature absorbs more sound than harder plastics. The bottom housing of a switch plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel, making the nylon material a key factor in the overall typing experience of both switches. Despite having different top housing materials, the use of nylon as the bottom housing material ensures that both the Gold and Maple Leaf switches deliver a similar tactile response and sound quality when pressed.
Overall, the Outemu Gold and Outemu Maple Leaf switches showcase how different housing materials can influence the sound and feel of mechanical keyboard switches. While the Gold switch features polycarbonate top housing for a sharper sound profile, the Maple Leaf switch opts for a nylon top housing to produce a deeper and fuller sound. However, both switches share the use of nylon for their bottom housing, resulting in a consistent typing experience in terms of tactile response and sound quality. Whether it's the stiffer polycarbonate material of the Gold switch or the softer nylon material of the Maple Leaf switch, each offers a unique typing experience tailored to different preferences.
Weight
The Outemu Gold clicky switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch, which requires 55 grams to actuate. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Gold switch has a lower force of 60 grams compared to the Maple Leaf switch's 65 grams. Both switches fall into the medium actuation force category, but the Maple Leaf switch leans towards the heavier side when it comes to bottoming out. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may find the Outemu Gold switch more suitable for longer typing sessions, while those who enjoy a more substantial push for typing may lean towards the slightly heavier Outemu Maple Leaf switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Outemu Gold clicky 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 Gold switch has a longer travel distance compared to the Maple Leaf switch. The Gold switch may appeal to those who prefer a deeper key press, providing a more pronounced tactile feedback. On the other hand, the Maple Leaf switch with its shorter travel distance may be preferred by users looking for a quicker response time, such as gamers. Both switches offer different experiences in terms of key press depth, with the Gold switch offering a longer travel distance and the Maple Leaf switch offering a shorter one. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference in terms of key press feel and responsiveness.
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 Gold 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, the Outemu Gold clicky switch is known for its satisfyingly loud and crisp click with each key press, providing a tactile and audible feedback that some users find extremely enjoyable. On the other hand, the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch is known for its quiet and subtle tactile bump, making it a good choice for those who prefer a quieter typing experience. Keep in mind that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors like the keyboard's build and the keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Outemu Gold clicky switch offers a light and smooth keystroke with a noticeable tactile bump, giving users a responsive and tactile typing experience. Conversely, the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch is praised for its pronounced tactile bump and relatively heavier actuation force, providing users with a more deliberate and tactile typing feel. Both switches offer distinct tactile feedback, but the Gold is lighter in actuation force while the Maple Leaf requires a bit more force to press.
In conclusion, the Outemu Gold clicky switch and the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Gold provides a loud and crisp click with a lighter actuation force, perfect for those who enjoy a tactile and audible typing experience. On the other hand, the Maple Leaf offers a quiet and subtle tactile bump with a heavier actuation force, catering to users who prefer a more deliberate and tactile typing feel. Depending on your preferences, you can achieve similar results with both switches, but it ultimately comes down to personal preference in terms of sound and feel.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when deciding between the Outemu Gold clicky switch and the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch, consider the characteristics of each switch carefully. If you prefer a lighter bottom out force of 60 grams and enjoy a clicky sound, then the Gold switch may be the better option for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force of 65 grams and enjoy a tactile bump without the clicky sound, then the Maple Leaf switch would be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for typing experience and sound feedback.
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