Outemu Maple Leaf vs. Outemu Ocean
An in-depth look at the Outemu Maple Leaf and the Outemu Ocean switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Maple Leaf and the Outemu Ocean both offer a tactile experience for users. The Maple Leaf switch is known for its unique tactile feedback, providing a satisfying bump with each key press. On the other hand, the Ocean switch also offers tactile feedback but with a different feel compared to the Maple Leaf. Both switches fall under the tactile category, making them ideal for those who prefer a more pronounced key feel while typing. 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
55g
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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Outemu Maple Leaf and the Outemu Ocean switches offer distinct characteristics that impact the sound profile and feel of typing. The Maple Leaf features a nylon top housing, which provides a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer plastic composition that absorbs more sound. In contrast, the Ocean's polycarbonate top housing delivers a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, thanks to its stiffer plastic that results in a clear and resonant sound. The choice between these two housing materials ultimately comes down to personal preference in sound and typing experience.
While both the Maple Leaf and Ocean switches share a nylon bottom housing, the differences in their top housing materials create unique typing experiences. The nylon bottom housing of both switches contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon's softer plastic composition absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Despite the similarities in the bottom housings, it is the top housing material that plays a significant role in shaping the overall sound and feel of typing on these switches. Whether you prefer the softer and absorbing qualities of nylon or the crisper and resonant characteristics of polycarbonate, the decision between the Maple Leaf and Ocean switches comes down to individual preferences in sound and typing feedback.
Overall, the choice between the Outemu Maple Leaf and the Outemu Ocean switches boils down to the desired sound profile and typing experience. While the Maple Leaf's nylon top and bottom housings offer a deep and fuller sound, the Ocean's polycarbonate top housing provides a sharper and crisper sound profile. Both switches have a nylon bottom housing, which contributes to a consistent deeper sound profile. Understanding how the top and bottom housings influence the typing experience can help you determine which switch best suits your preferences in sound and feel. Ultimately, whether you opt for the Maple Leaf or Ocean switch, you can expect a unique and customized typing experience based on the housing materials chosen.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch and the Outemu Ocean tactile switch, there are some notable differences. The actuation force of both switches is the same at 55 grams, providing a consistent typing feel when initially pressing a key. However, the bottom out force sets them apart. The Maple Leaf requires a force of 65 grams to fully bottom out, giving it a slightly heavier feel compared to the Ocean switch, where the bottom out force is unknown. The difference in bottom out force makes the Maple Leaf switch ideal for those who prefer a more substantial typing experience, while the Ocean switch may appeal to users looking for a lighter touch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for typing feel and force feedback.
Travel distance
The Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, which is shorter than the Outemu Ocean tactile switch with a travel distance of 4 mm. The Maple Leaf offers a quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance, making it a popular choice among gamers. On the other hand, the Ocean switch provides a deeper keystroke with its longer travel distance, appealing to those who prefer a more substantial feel when typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference, with the Maple Leaf offering a faster response and the Ocean providing a more tactile typing experience.
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 Ocean.
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 its quiet and subtle typing experience, making it a great option for those who prefer a more discreet keyboard. On the other hand, the Outemu Ocean tactile switch produces a slightly louder and crisper sound with each key press, providing a more satisfying auditory feedback for some users. However, it is essential to remember that the sound of a switch can be influenced by various factors like the keyboard's build quality and keycaps used.
Moving onto the feel, the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch is praised for its smooth and consistent tactile bump, offering a responsive typing experience without any unwanted wobbliness. In contrast, the Outemu Ocean tactile switch provides a slightly more pronounced tactile bump, giving users a more distinct feedback with each keystroke. Both switches offer a comfortable typing experience, but the subtle differences in tactile feedback make each switch unique in its own way.
Considering all available information, if you prefer a quieter typing experience with a smooth tactile bump, the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a slightly louder typing sound with a more defined tactile feedback, the Outemu Ocean tactile switch may be more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, both switches offer reliable performance and durability, so you can expect similar results in terms of overall quality and longevity regardless of your choice.
Conclusion
To sum up, when it comes to choosing between the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch and the Outemu Ocean tactile switch, it ultimately boils down to personal preference and what you prioritize in a mechanical keyboard switch. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force of 65 grams and are looking for a switch best known for its unique features, the Outemu Maple Leaf may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you are looking for a switch with no specified bottom out force and are more concerned with a different aspect of keyboard switches, the Outemu Ocean might be the way to go. Consider your typing preferences, desired sound and feel, and overall keyboard usage when making your decision between these two switches. Ultimately, the choice is yours to make based on your individual needs and preferences.
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