Outemu Maple Leaf vs. Outemu Milk Blue
An in-depth look at the Outemu Maple Leaf and the Outemu Milk Blue switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Outemu Maple Leaf, a tactile switch, and the Outemu Milk Blue, a clicky switch. The Maple Leaf switch is known for its tactile feedback, providing a satisfying bump when pressed. On the other hand, the Milk Blue switch is known for its clicky sound, making it ideal for those who enjoy auditory feedback when typing. Both switches offer a unique typing experience, but the choice between the two ultimately comes down to personal preference. 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
55g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.30 mm
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
pom
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
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
In comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Maple Leaf and the Outemu Milk Blue, one can see clear differences in the sound profiles they create. The Maple Leaf's nylon top and bottom housing provides a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic that absorbs more sound. On the other hand, the Milk Blue's polycarbonate top and nylon bottom housing creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, thanks to the stiffer nature of polycarbonate. This results in a more clear and resonant sound compared to the Maple Leaf.
While both switches feature nylon bottom housing, the differences in their top housing materials make for distinct typing experiences. The Maple Leaf's nylon bottom housing contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, emphasizing a duller and rounder sound when pressed. Meanwhile, the Milk Blue's nylon bottom housing, combined with a polycarbonate top housing, offers a crisper and more pronounced sound upon key release. This differentiation in sound profiles showcases how the housing materials play a significant role in determining the overall typing feel and sound of a switch.
Overall, the varying housing materials of the Outemu Maple Leaf and the Outemu Milk Blue demonstrate the impact different plastics can have on sound profiles and typing experiences. While the Maple Leaf's nylon housing provides a softer and fuller sound, the Milk Blue's combination of polycarbonate and nylon creates a sharper and crisper sound output. Understanding how each housing material affects the sound profiles can help keyboard enthusiasts choose the switch that best suits their preferences, whether they prefer a deeper and fuller sound or a sharper and more resonant typing experience.
Weight
Comparing the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch and the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch, the actuation force of the Maple Leaf is slightly heavier at 55 grams compared to the Milk Blue's 50 grams. The Maple Leaf also has a bottom out force of 65 grams, while the Milk Blue's bottom out force is unknown. The Maple Leaf switch provides a medium-heavy typing experience with a slightly heavier actuation force and a known bottom out force. In contrast, the Milk Blue switch offers a lighter actuation force, which may be preferred for longer typing sessions, but lacks information on its bottom out force. Both switches cater to different preferences, with the Maple Leaf offering a more substantial typing experience, while the Milk Blue provides a lighter touch for extended typing sessions. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on whether a heavier or lighter typing experience is preferred.
Travel distance
The Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. The Maple Leaf has a shorter travel distance compared to the Milk Blue. The shorter travel distance of the Maple Leaf may be preferred by gamers who value faster response times, while the longer travel distance of the Milk Blue may provide a more hearty and substantial feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the type of typing or gaming experience desired.
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 Maple Leaf and Milk Blue.
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 Maple Leaf tactile switch and the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Maple Leaf switch is known for a subtle tactile bump with a quiet operation, making it ideal for those who prefer a more discreet typing experience. On the other hand, the Milk Blue switch is recognized for its distinct clicky sound, providing a satisfying auditory feedback with each keypress. The tactile feedback of the Maple Leaf switch offers a smooth and responsive feel, while the Milk Blue switch provides a more pronounced tactile bump along with the audible click, giving a satisfying typing experience for those who enjoy the tactile and auditory feedback. Both switches can provide a similar level of performance and durability, allowing users to achieve their desired typing experience with either option. Ultimately, the decision between the Maple Leaf and Milk Blue switches comes down to personal preference in sound and feel, as well as the user's typing style and environment.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch and the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch, you should opt for the Maple Leaf if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force of 65 grams and a tactile typing experience. The Maple Leaf is best known for its tactile bump and smooth keystrokes, making it a great option for those who enjoy a tactile response while typing. On the other hand, if you prefer a clicky typing experience and do not mind a slightly lighter bottom out force, the Milk Blue switch would be the better choice for you. The Milk Blue switch is best known for its audible click sound and crisp feedback, providing a satisfying typing experience for those who enjoy clicky switches. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for bottom out force, typing experience, and sound level when selecting between these two switches.
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