Outemu Maple Leaf vs. Outemu Silent Grey
An in-depth look at the Outemu Maple Leaf and the Outemu Silent Grey switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Outemu Maple Leaf and the Outemu Silent Grey mechanical keyboard switches, it is important to note that both are tactile switches offering a different typing experience. The Maple Leaf switch is best known for its unique characteristics, while the Silent Grey switch is renowned for its quiet and highly tactile typing experience. The Maple Leaf switch falls under the category of tactile switches, whereas the Silent Grey switch falls under the same category. The Silent Grey switches provide a satisfying and silent typing experience with a pronounced bump and smooth keystroke, making them ideal for those who prioritize a quiet environment. On the other hand, the Maple Leaf switch offers a different tactile feel, making it suitable for users looking for a unique typing experience. 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
65g
Pre-travel
2.30 mm
Pre-travel
1.60 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
In comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Maple Leaf and the Outemu Silent Grey switches, we see that the Maple Leaf features a nylon top and bottom housing, while the Silent Grey has a polycarbonate top and a nylon bottom housing. The nylon top housing of the Maple Leaf produces a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, absorbing more sound and creating a duller tone. In contrast, the polycarbonate top housing of the Silent Grey results in a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, providing a more clear and resonant tone. The combination of nylon and polycarbonate in the top and bottom housings of these switches offers users a unique typing experience with varying sound profiles.
Despite the differences in top and bottom housing materials between the Outemu Maple Leaf and the Outemu Silent Grey switches, both switches utilize nylon in their bottom housing components. This commonality means that users can expect a similarly deep and full sound profile from both switches when bottoming out a keystroke. The softer nature of nylon in the bottom housing of these switches allows for sound absorption and a duller, rounder tone, contributing to a satisfying typing experience. While the top housing material may vary between the Maple Leaf and Silent Grey switches, the nylon bottom housing provides consistency in sound and feel for users who prefer a deeper and fuller typing experience.
When considering the impact of top and bottom housing materials on switch sound and feel, it is important to note that the qualities of each material are split between the top and bottom of the switch. The bottom housing plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel, influencing the overall typing experience when pressing down on a key. Conversely, the top housing has a greater impact on the sound produced when releasing a key, affecting the overall sound profile of the switch. By incorporating different housing materials in the top and bottom components, the Outemu Maple Leaf and Outemu Silent Grey switches offer users a diverse range of sound profiles and tactile experiences to suit their preferences.
Weight
When comparing the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch and the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch, it is evident that both switches have a medium-heavy bottom out force of 65 grams. However, the Maple Leaf has a slightly higher actuation force of 55 grams compared to the Silent Grey's 50 grams. This means that the Maple Leaf requires a slightly heavier touch to trigger a keystroke than the Silent Grey. Weight is an important factor to consider when choosing between these switches, as a lighter actuation force may be preferred for extended typing or gaming sessions, while a heavier actuation force provides a more substantial typing experience. In this case, the Silent Grey may be a better choice for those who prefer a lighter touch, while the Maple Leaf would be more suitable for those who prefer a slightly heavier actuation force. Ultimately, both switches offer a similar bottom out force, so the overall typing experience may not vary significantly between the two.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch and the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch, it is evident that the Silent Grey has a longer travel distance of 4 mm, while the Maple Leaf has a shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. The Silent Grey offers a slightly deeper key press experience compared to the Maple Leaf. Gamers looking for faster response times may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Maple Leaf, while those who prefer a more deliberate key press may opt for the Silent Grey. Both switches offer unique advantages based on their respective travel distances, catering to the preferences of different users. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference and typing style.
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 Silent Grey.
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 Maple Leaf switch from Outemu is known for its unique characteristics, offering a tactile typing experience without the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Grey switch is specifically designed to provide a quiet typing experience while still maintaining a highly tactile feel. When it comes to sound, the Maple Leaf switch is silent, while the Silent Grey switch offers a quiet typing experience. In terms of feel, the Maple Leaf switch provides a tactile sensation, but the exact details are unknown. The Silent Grey switch, on the other hand, offers a smooth keystroke with a pronounced bump, providing a satisfying and quiet typing experience.
In conclusion, while the Maple Leaf and Silent Grey switches have their differences in terms of sound and feel, they both cater to individuals looking for a quieter typing experience. The Maple Leaf switch offers a silent operation, while the Silent Grey switch combines this feature with a highly tactile feel. Depending on your preference for sound and feel, both switches can provide a satisfying typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to whether you prioritize a completely silent operation or a balance of tactile feedback and quiet typing.
Conclusion
Ultimately, when choosing between the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch and the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch, you should consider your preference for sound and feel. If you are looking for a quiet and highly tactile typing experience, the Silent Grey switch would be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prioritize a different feature or do not mind a bit more sound, the Maple Leaf switch may be more suitable for your needs. Both switches offer a bottom out force of 65 grams, making them medium-heavy switches, so you can be assured of a consistent typing experience in that regard. Consider what factors are most important to you in a mechanical keyboard switch when making your decision.
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