Outemu Maple Leaf vs. Outemu Silent Ocean
An in-depth look at the Outemu Maple Leaf and the Outemu Silent Ocean 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, a tactile switch, and the Outemu Silent Ocean, a linear switch. The Maple Leaf switch is best known for its tactile feedback, providing users with a satisfying bump when the key is actuated, while the Silent Ocean switch is known for its smooth and silent keystrokes, making it ideal for those who prefer a quieter typing experience. The Maple Leaf switch falls under the tactile category, offering a more pronounced tactile bump, whereas the Silent Ocean switch is categorized as a linear switch, providing a consistent and smooth keystroke without any tactile feedback. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style. 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
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
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 the Outemu Silent Ocean switches differ in terms of their properties. The Maple Leaf features a nylon top housing, which provides a deeper and fuller sound profile thanks to its softer plastic that absorbs more sound. In contrast, the Silent Ocean utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffer plastic composition. The choice between these two materials can greatly impact the overall typing experience based on the sound preference of the user.
On the other hand, both the Maple Leaf and the Silent Ocean switches share a nylon bottom housing, which contributes to a similar deep and full sound profile due to its softer plastic composition. While the top housing material plays a significant role in determining the sound produced by the switch when pressed, the bottom housing affects the sound and feel when the key reaches the bottom of its travel. Despite having different top housing materials, the similarities in the bottom housing of these switches may lead to comparable typing experiences in terms of sound profile.
Overall, the choice between the Outemu Maple Leaf and the Outemu Silent Ocean switches ultimately depends on the user's preference for either a duller and rounder sound profile provided by the nylon housing of the Maple Leaf, or a crisper and more resonant sound profile achieved by the polycarbonate housing of the Silent Ocean. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences, highlighting the importance of housing materials in determining the overall sound and feel of a mechanical keyboard switch.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch and the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch, it is evident that the Maple Leaf has a higher actuation force of 55 grams compared to the Silent Ocean's 45 grams. However, both switches share the same bottom out force of 65 grams, making them medium-heavy in that aspect. The weight of a switch is essential as it can impact typing comfort and fatigue levels. Those who prefer a lighter touch may opt for the Silent Ocean for longer typing sessions, while those who prefer a heavier feel may lean towards the Maple Leaf for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on the individual's preference for actuation force and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. This makes the Silent Ocean the longer option compared to the Maple Leaf. The 3.3 mm travel distance of the Maple Leaf provides a shorter keystroke, ideal for gamers looking for faster response times. On the other hand, the 4 mm travel distance of the Silent Ocean offers a deeper keystroke, which may be preferred by those who enjoy a more substantial feel when typing. Both switches have their benefits depending on individual preferences, with the Maple Leaf offering a shorter distance for quick responses and the Silent Ocean providing a longer distance for a more pronounced 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 Silent 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 operation, making it a great option for those who prefer a more subdued typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch is also quiet, providing a similar level of noise reduction for those who want minimal sound while typing. The sound produced by these switches will also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard's housing and keycap material.
In regard to feel, the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch offers a tactile bump that provides feedback to the user when a key is actuated. This tactile feedback can enhance typing accuracy and make the switch feel more responsive. Conversely, the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch does not have a tactile bump, offering a smooth keystroke from top to bottom without any interruption in the keypress. The feel of these switches will ultimately come down to personal preference, with the Maple Leaf providing a tactile typing experience and the Silent Ocean offering a smoother, uninterrupted keystroke.
In conclusion, the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch and the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch offer different typing experiences based on sound and feel. The Maple Leaf is ideal for those looking for a tactile typing experience with minimal sound, while the Silent Ocean is a great option for users who prefer a smooth keystroke without any tactile feedback. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences in sound and feel, but both switches are reliable options for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch and the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch, it is important to consider your personal preferences and typing habits. If you prefer a tactile feedback and a more pronounced bump when typing, the Maple Leaf may be the better option for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth, linear typing experience with minimal noise, the Silent Ocean switch would be more suitable. Both switches have the same bottom out force of 65 grams, so the decision ultimately comes down to whether you prefer a tactile or linear switch. Make sure to test out both options if possible to see which one feels more comfortable for you. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on your individual preferences and typing style.
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