Outemu Maple Leaf vs. Outemu Red
An in-depth look at the Outemu Maple Leaf and the Outemu Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the Outemu Maple Leaf and the Outemu Red. The Maple Leaf switch is known for its tactile feedback, providing a clicky sensation with each keypress. On the other hand, the Red switch is a linear switch, offering a smooth and consistent keystroke without any tactile bump. The Maple Leaf switch is categorized as a tactile switch, while the Red switch falls into the linear switch category. Each switch has its own unique feel and benefits, making them suitable for different preferences and typing styles. 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
46g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
2.30 mm
Pre-travel
2.10 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
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 Red switches both offer unique sound profiles but differ in their composition. The Maple Leaf features a nylon top housing, which absorbs more sound due to its softer nature, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. In comparison, the Red's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper and crisper sound profile, thanks to its stiffer plastic composition. While both materials contribute to enhancing the sound of typing on these switches, the nylon top housing of the Maple Leaf provides a duller and rounder sound, while the polycarbonate top housing of the Red delivers a more clear and resonant sound.
The bottom housings of the Outemu Maple Leaf and Outemu Red switches share the same nylon composition, offering a similar deeper and fuller sound profile when compared to other harder plastics. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a rounder sound quality that adds to the typing experience. Despite the similarity in material, the differentiation in the top housing of these switches impacts the overall sound profile differently. While the bottom housing may contribute more to the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch, the top housing will have a greater impact on the sound when releasing a key.
In conclusion, the housing materials of the Outemu Maple Leaf and Outemu Red switches play a crucial role in defining their sound profiles. The contrast between the nylon top housing of the Maple Leaf and the polycarbonate top housing of the Red showcases how different materials can influence the typing experience. Both switches offer unique characteristics based on their housing materials, with the softer nylon providing a deeper and fuller sound in the Maple Leaf, while the stiffer polycarbonate offering a sharper and crisper sound in the Red. Ultimately, understanding the impact of housing materials on sound profiles is essential for selecting the switch that best suits individual preferences.
Weight
When comparing the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch and the Outemu Red linear switch, it is evident that the Maple Leaf has a heavier actuation force and bottom out force compared to the Red. The Maple Leaf has an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, while the Red has an actuation force of 46 grams and a bottom out force of 62 grams. The Maple Leaf provides a more substantial typing experience with its medium-heavy forces, while the Red offers a lighter touch with its medium forces. Both switches offer a different typing experience, with the Maple Leaf being more suitable for those who prefer a heavier push feel, and the Red being ideal for those who like a lighter touch for longer typing sessions or gaming. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on the individual's preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, which is shorter compared to the Outemu Red linear switch with a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Maple Leaf switch offers a slightly shorter distance for key presses compared to the Red switch. For those who prefer a quicker and more responsive typing experience, the Maple Leaf switch might be the better option. On the other hand, the Red switch provides a bit more depth and may be preferred by those who enjoy a more pronounced key press feeling. Both switches offer good options depending on personal preferences, with the Maple Leaf offering a shorter travel distance and the Red offering a longer one.
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 Red.
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
In terms of sound, the Maple Leaf tactile switch is often described as having a subtle and quiet sound profile, making it suitable for those who prefer a more subdued typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Red linear switch is known for its smooth and consistent keystrokes without any tactile feedback, resulting in a relatively quiet typing experience. Ultimately, the sound produced by both switches can be influenced by factors such as the keyboard case material and keycap material.
Moving on to the feel, the Maple Leaf tactile switch is praised for its tactile bump, providing a noticeable bump when the key is actuated, helping typists to feel when the keystroke has been registered. In contrast, the Outemu Red linear switch offers a smooth and consistent keystroke with no tactile feedback, allowing for faster and more fluid typing experience without any tactile interference. Depending on personal preference, typists may enjoy the feedback of the Maple Leaf or the smoothness of the Red switch.
In conclusion, the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch and the Outemu Red linear switch offer distinct characteristics in terms of sound and feel. The Maple Leaf provides a quiet and tactile typing experience, while the Red switch delivers a smooth and linear keystroke with no tactile feedback. Understanding the differences between these switches can help newcomers make an informed decision based on their typing preferences. Ultimately, both switches offer quality performance and durability, ensuring a reliable typing experience regardless of the choice made.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when deciding between the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch and the Outemu Red linear switch, consider the characteristics that suit your preferences. If you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force of 65 grams and enjoy a tactile typing experience, the Maple Leaf switch may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force of 62 grams and a smooth, linear typing experience, the Red switch could be the ideal option. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to personal preference in terms of typing feel and force required. Consider trying out both switches to determine which one aligns best with your typing style and needs.
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