Outemu Green vs. Outemu Maple Leaf
An in-depth look at the Outemu Green and the Outemu Maple Leaf switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Green and Outemu Maple Leaf stand out as popular choices among enthusiasts. The Outemu Green switch is a clicky type switch, providing an audible click sound and tactile feedback with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Outemu Maple Leaf switch falls into the tactile category, offering a satisfying bump in the keypress without the loud click noise. While the Green switch may be preferred for its audible feedback, the Maple Leaf switch is favored for its tactile sensation. 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
65g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
80g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.20 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
When comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Green and the Outemu Maple Leaf switches, we can see clear differences in their composition and resulting sound profiles. The Green switch features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its relatively stiffer plastic construction. In contrast, the Maple Leaf switch utilizes a nylon top housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile as nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound. While polycarbonate produces a more resonant and clear sound, nylon tends to create a duller and rounder sound overall.
Moving on to the bottom housing, both the Green and Maple Leaf switches use nylon for this component, resulting in a similar deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's softness and sound absorption qualities play a significant role in the overall sound and feel of the switches when typing. However, the differences between the top and bottom housing materials will influence how the sound is experienced during key presses. The characteristics of the bottom housing will impact the bottom-out sound and feel, while the qualities of the top housing will affect the sound when releasing a key.
Overall, while the Outemu Green and Maple Leaf switches utilize different materials for their top housings, resulting in varying sound profiles, the shared use of nylon for the bottom housing creates some similarities in the sound experience. Both switches offer unique characteristics based on their housing materials, with polycarbonate providing a sharper sound and nylon offering a deeper tone. Understanding the impact of housing materials on sound profiles can help users choose the switch that best suits their preferences for typing or gaming experiences.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Green clicky switch and the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch, we can see that the Green switch is heavier overall. The Green switch has an actuation force of 65 grams and a bottom out force of 80 grams, making it a heavier option. On the other hand, the Maple Leaf switch has a lighter actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, making it a medium-heavy option. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Maple Leaf switch would be the better choice, as it requires less force to actuate and bottom out. However, for those who enjoy a more substantial typing feel, the Green switch provides a stronger push and heavier typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Outemu Green clicky switch and the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch, it is evident that the Green switch has a longer travel distance of 4 mm, while the Maple Leaf switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. The difference in travel distance may provide a different typing experience for users. Gamers who prioritize faster response times may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Maple Leaf switch, while those who enjoy a more substantial keypress may opt for the Green switch with its longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
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 Green 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 Green clicky switch is well-known for its crisp audible click with each press. The sound produced by the Green switch is often described as satisfyingly loud and distinct, which can be both a pro and a con depending on personal preference. On the other hand, the Maple Leaf tactile switch is known for its tactile bump without an audible click, providing a quieter typing experience. The lack of audible feedback in the Maple Leaf switch can be appealing for those who prefer a more subtle typing sound.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the Green clicky switch is often praised for its tactile feedback and actuation force. Typists who enjoy a more pronounced tactile response and firm actuation force tend to prefer the Green switch. On the contrary, the Maple Leaf tactile switch offers a smooth tactile bump without the loud click, providing a gentler typing experience for users who prefer a lighter touch. The feedback and actuation force of the Maple Leaf switch cater to a different typing preference compared to the Green switch.
In conclusion, if you are looking for a clicky switch with a loud and distinct typing sound, the Outemu Green switch would be a suitable choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile switch with a smooth bump and quieter operation, the Outemu Maple Leaf switch would be more suitable for your typing style. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, so ultimately the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference in sound and feel.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Outemu Green clicky switch and the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch, you should opt for the Green if you prefer a heavier bottom out force of 80 grams and enjoy the loud clicky sound it produces. The Green switch is best suited for typists who enjoy the satisfying feedback of a clicky switch. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly lighter bottom out force of 65 grams and a more subtle tactile feedback, then the Maple Leaf switch would be a better choice for you. The Maple Leaf switch is ideal for typists who prefer a quieter typing experience without sacrificing the tactile feel. Ultimately, your choice between the Outemu Green and Maple Leaf switches will depend on your personal preference for typing experience, whether you prioritize a heavy, clicky switch or a lighter, tactile switch.
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