Outemu Maple Leaf vs. Outemu Milk Peach
An in-depth look at the Outemu Maple Leaf and the Outemu Milk Peach 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 Peach, a linear switch. The Maple Leaf switch is known for its tactile feedback, providing a satisfying bump when pressed, while the Milk Peach switch offers a smooth and consistent keystroke without the tactile bump. The Maple Leaf switch falls under the tactile category, providing a tactile response with each press, while the Milk Peach switch falls under the linear category, offering a straight keystroke without any tactile feedback. Depending on personal preference, one might choose the Maple Leaf switch for its tactile feedback, which can enhance typing accuracy and comfort, or the Milk Peach switch for its consistent keystrokes, which can be beneficial for fast-paced gaming. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.30 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
The housing materials of the Outemu Maple Leaf and Outemu Milk Peach switches differ in their top housing material. The Maple Leaf uses nylon for its top housing, which creates a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer nature of nylon. This results in a duller and rounder sound when typing on the Maple Leaf switch. In contrast, the Milk Peach features a polycarbonate top housing, which produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic that leads to a more clear and resonant sound profile. Aesthetically, the clear polycarbonate top housing of the Milk Peach allows for RGB lighting effects, providing a unique visual element to the switch.
On the other hand, both the Maple Leaf and Milk Peach switches utilize nylon for their bottom housing. This classic switch housing material contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing on both switches. The relatively softer nature of nylon allows it to absorb more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound overall. Despite having the same bottom housing material, the switches may still exhibit subtle differences in sound and feel due to other factors such as stem design and spring weight.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in switches plays a significant role in the sound and feel of mechanical keyboards. While the Outemu Maple Leaf and Outemu Milk Peach switches both feature nylon bottom housings, their top housing materials set them apart in terms of sound profile and aesthetics. The Maple Leaf's nylon top housing creates a deeper sound profile, while the Milk Peach's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper and crisper sound. Understanding the impact of housing materials on switch performance can help keyboard enthusiasts make informed decisions when customizing their setups.
Weight
The Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch has a heavier actuation force of 55 grams compared to the Outemu Milk Peach linear switch which has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams. In terms of bottom out force, the Maple Leaf requires 65 grams of force to fully press down, while the Milk Peach force is unknown. The Maple Leaf offers a more substantial typing experience with its medium-heavy actuation and bottom out forces, making it suitable for those who prefer a stronger push feel. On the other hand, the Milk Peach's lighter actuation force may be more ideal for those looking for a switch that allows for longer typing sessions without fatigue. Both switches provide different tactile experiences due to their varying actuation and bottom out forces, so choosing between the two would depend on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
Both the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch and the Outemu Milk Peach linear switch have the same travel distance of 3.3 mm. This means that pressing down on a key equipped with either of these switches will result in a comparable tactile feedback and typing experience. The similarity in travel distance ensures that users will get consistent results in terms of keypress feel and actuation point, making it a matter of personal preference between the two switches based on their unique characteristics rather than the distance traveled when typing.
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 Peach.
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 Maple Leaf tactile switch is known for a crisp and satisfying click with a hint of tactility. On the other hand, the Outemu Milk Peach linear switch is known for a smooth and quiet typing experience, making it great for environments where noise is a concern. Both switches offer unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences, so the choice between them ultimately boils down to personal preference and the overall typing experience you are looking for.
Moving on to the feel, the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch is praised for its pronounced tactile bump that provides feedback to the user during typing. This makes it a popular choice for those who enjoy a tactile typing experience that helps with accuracy and overall typing speed. Conversely, the Outemu Milk Peach linear switch offers a smooth keystroke with no tactile bump, providing a seamless typing experience that some find more comfortable for longer typing sessions. The difference in feel between these two switches is significant and can greatly impact the overall typing experience for the user.
In conclusion, the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch and Outemu Milk Peach linear switch offer distinct sound and feel profiles that cater to different preferences. Whether you prefer a tactile switch with a satisfying click or a linear switch with a smooth keystroke, both switches have their own strengths and can enhance your typing experience in different ways. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches comes down to personal preference and the type of typing experience that best suits your needs. Regardless of your choice, both switches provide high-quality performance that is sure to enhance your typing experience on your mechanical keyboard.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch and the Outemu Milk Peach linear switch, consider your preference for bottom out force. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force, the Maple Leaf would be a suitable choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with no specified bottom out force, the Milk Peach may be the better option for you. Additionally, think about the characteristics you value in a switch such as sound and feel. The Maple Leaf and Milk Peach offer different typing experiences in terms of sound and feel, so choose based on what aligns best with your preferences. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on your personal typing preferences and what you prioritize in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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