Outemu Maple Leaf vs. Outemu Milk Tea

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Maple Leaf and Outemu Milk Tea offer unique tactile experiences that cater to different preferences among typists and gamers alike. The Maple Leaf, characterized by its pronounced tactile feedback, aims to enhance the typing experience with a satisfying bump at actuation; it may favor those who appreciate a more traditional tactile feel. On the other hand, the Milk Tea switch is designed to provide a smoother tactile response while still retaining the pleasure of feeling the actuation point, making it a great option for users who transition between typing and gaming. Each switch brings its distinct personality to the table that may suit diverse needs; thus, the Maple Leaf might appeal to purists wanting a classic tactile sensation, while the Milk Tea could entice those who enjoy a nuanced variant of tactile feedback. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.

By the numbers

Outemu Maple Leaf Tactile

Outemu Milk Tea Tactile

$3.10 per 10

$3.10 per 10

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Housing materials

The Outemu Maple Leaf and Outemu Milk Tea switches present a distinct contrast in their upper housing materials, with the Maple Leaf featuring nylon and the Milk Tea utilizing a newer material described as Ly. The nylon material in the Maple Leaf's top housing delivers a deeper and fuller sound profile, contributing to an overall duller and rounder auditory experience. This is primarily due to nylon's softer nature, which absorbs sound effectively, thereby creating a more muted typing experience. Conversely, the Milk Tea's Ly top housing is designed for brightness, producing resonant clacks and a more vibrant sound when typing. This fundamental difference in the top housing materials leads to contrasting auditory feedback and tactile sensations between the two switch types.

When examining the bottom housings, both the Maple Leaf and Milk Tea switches share a common characteristic: they both utilize nylon. This similarity ensures that the bottom-out sound and feel—how the switch responds when fully pressed—will share some tonal qualities between the two models. Even though the Milk Tea has a different top housing material that affects the sound signature, the use of nylon for the bottom housing in both switches means that deeper, fuller sounds will still resonate through the bottom during typing. Therefore, while the overall aural experience differs due to the top housings, the nylon bottom housing provides a consistent foundation of sound between the two switches.

In summary, the contrasts between the Outemu Maple Leaf and Milk Tea switches primarily arise from the differences in their top housing materials. The Maple Leaf’s nylon top creates a rounded auditory profile, while the Milk Tea’s Ly top leads to a brighter, more resonant typing sound. However, the identical nylon material in the bottom housings allows for some continuity in experience, ensuring that both types deliver a familiar feel when bottoming out, despite the disparity in sound quality on release. This interplay between the diverse top and uniform bottom housing materials contributes to the unique character of each switch while evidencing the foundational influence of nylon on their combined performance.

Weight

When comparing the Outemu Maple Leaf and Outemu Milk Tea tactile switches, there's a notable difference in their actuation forces. The Maple Leaf requires an actuation force of 55 grams, which contributes to its medium-heavy feel, making it suitable for those who appreciate a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Milk Tea switch is lighter, with an actuation force of just 45 grams, appealing to users who prefer a softer touch for extended typing sessions. However, while the bottom out force for the Maple Leaf is quantified at 65 grams, the bottom out force for the Milk Tea switch is unavailable. This gap in known specifications means we can’t definitively compare their bottom out forces. Nevertheless, with one switch being lighter and more suitable for prolonged use, while the other offers a heavier sensation for a sturdier feel, users can select a switch based on their personal typing preferences.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch and the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch, we find a notable difference. The Maple Leaf has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Milk Tea features a longer travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Milk Tea offers a deeper press, which can be more satisfying for users who appreciate a more substantial key feel. In contrast, the shorter travel distance of the Maple Leaf may be more suitable for gamers seeking quicker response times, as shorter distances often allow for faster actuation. Therefore, those preferring a responsive typing experience might gravitate towards the Maple Leaf, while individuals who favor a richer, deeper feel are likely to prefer the Milk Tea. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches hinges on personal preference regarding the typing experience.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch and the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch present a unique exploration of auditory feedback within mechanical keyboards. The Maple Leaf switch is generally known for its softer, more muted sound profile, which appeals to users who prefer a quieter typing experience. In contrast, the Milk Tea switch tends to deliver a slightly crisper sound, providing a more pronounced auditory feedback upon actuation. It's important to note that the perceived sound of both switches can be influenced by various factors such as the keyboard's build quality, plate material, and keycap selection, but typically, the Maple Leaf is a quieter option while the Milk Tea offers a more traditional tactile click.

In terms of feel, the tactile feedback of the Maple Leaf switch is often described as gentle yet satisfying, striking a balance that caters to both typists and gamers alike. This softness ensures a comfortable typing experience without overwhelming resistance. On the other hand, the Milk Tea switch provides a firmer tactile bump, which can enhance engagement and make it easier for users to identify key actuation. The difference in tactile feedback may influence how users perceive their typing speed and accuracy, with the Maple Leaf offering a more laid-back feel compared to the more assertive sensation of the Milk Tea.

In summary, while both the Outemu Maple Leaf and Milk Tea tactile switches have their unique characteristics, such as sound and feel, they cater to different user preferences. The Maple Leaf is suitable for those who favor a quieter, softer experience, while the Milk Tea appeals to those who enjoy a more pronounced tactile feedback and sound. Depending on the desired typing experience and personal taste, users can choose between these two switches to create the perfect mechanical keyboard setup that meets their needs.

Conclusion

To conclude, when choosing between the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch and the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch, consider your personal typing style and preferences. The Maple Leaf, with its medium-heavy actuation force of 65 grams, provides a good tactile feedback that can be ideal for those who enjoy a more robust feel while typing, making it suitable for both typing and gaming. If you appreciate a switch that gives you a clear indication of when you’ve pressed a key, the Maple Leaf’s tactile characteristics may be more aligned with your needs. On the other hand, while the specifics for the Milk Tea switch are not available, if you’re looking for a softer touch or if you prefer a lighter typing experience, this may be a more suitable option once the specifications are properly detailed. Sound-wise, if you require a quieter environment for work or gaming, it’s worth noting the auditory feedback of the switches once you can get your hands on the Milk Tea to see how it compares. Ultimately, evaluate your usage context—if you favor a firmer, more tactile response in a variety of settings, go for the Maple Leaf; if you lean towards a gentler experience with lower actuation forces, keep an eye out for the properties of the Milk Tea once they’re available.

Mentioned in this article

Outemu Maple Leaf Tactile

$3.10 per 10

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Outemu Milk Tea Tactile

$3.10 per 10

Learn more