Outemu Maple Leaf vs. Outemu Silent White
An in-depth look at the Outemu Maple Leaf and the Outemu Silent White switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Outemu Maple Leaf and the Outemu Silent White. The Maple Leaf switch is a tactile switch known for its satisfying bump feedback during key presses, while the Silent White switch is a linear switch that provides a smoother keystroke experience without any tactile feedback. Depending on personal preference, the Maple Leaf switch may be preferred by those who enjoy a more pronounced tactile response, while the Silent White switch may be favored by those who prefer a smoother and quieter 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
45g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.30 mm
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Maple Leaf and the Outemu Silent White, it is evident that they both feature nylon bottom housings which elicit a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softness of the plastic. This results in a duller and rounder sound when typing on the switches, making them both ideal for those seeking a quieter typing experience. However, where they differ is in their top housings - while the Maple Leaf boasts a nylon top housing for a similar sound profile, the Silent White features a polycarbonate top housing that produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This contrast in top housing materials provides different audio experiences for users of these switches.
The utilization of different top housing materials in the Outemu Maple Leaf and Outemu Silent White switches results in distinct sound profiles when typing. The nylon top housing of the Maple Leaf enhances the depth and fullness of the sound, creating a more muffled and rounded typing experience. In contrast, the polycarbonate top housing of the Silent White produces a clearer and more resonant sound, amplifying the sharpness and pitch of each keystroke. This difference in sound quality highlights how top housing materials play a crucial role in defining the overall typing experience of mechanical switches, catering to varying preferences of users.
Despite the differences in top housing materials between the Outemu Maple Leaf and the Outemu Silent White, both switches offer a similar typing feel due to their shared nylon bottom housing. This commonality in bottom housing materials ensures that users will experience a similar depth and fullness in the keystrokes, as the softness of nylon absorbs sound and creates a duller sound profile. While the top housing materials may impact the sound and feel of bottom-out and key release differently, the overall typing experience of these switches remains consistent in terms of the quiet and tactile feedback they provide.
Weight
Comparing the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch and the Outemu Silent White linear switch, it is evident that the Silent White requires a lighter actuation force and bottom out force compared to the Maple Leaf. The Maple Leaf has a higher actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, making it a medium-heavy switch. In contrast, the Silent White has a lower actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, categorizing it as a medium switch. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience for longer durations, the Silent White may be the better option. On the other hand, individuals who enjoy a more substantial typing feel may lean towards the Maple Leaf. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
Both the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch and the Outemu Silent White linear switch have the same travel distance of 3.3 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key with either of these switches, you will feel the same distance traveled from the top to the bottom. The travel distance in both switches is identical, resulting in a consistent typing experience regardless of which switch is used. This similarity in travel distance ensures that users will get similar results in terms of key press feel and actuation depth, making them equally suitable for different typing preferences.
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 White.
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 Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch is known for its unique sound profile, providing a distinct auditory experience with a soft and satisfying tactile bump. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent White linear switch is designed to minimize noise, offering a quiet typing experience ideal for shared workspaces or late-night gaming sessions. The Maple Leaf switch offers a noticeable tactile feedback with each keystroke, while the Silent White switch provides a smooth and consistent linear feel without any tactile bump.
Considering the subjective qualities of sound and feel, the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch caters to those who enjoy a more tactile typing experience with audible feedback, while the Outemu Silent White linear switch appeals to users seeking a quiet and linear typing feel. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, ensuring that users can find the perfect match based on their personal typing style and environment. Ultimately, whether you prefer the tactile feedback of the Maple Leaf or the silent operation of the Silent White switch, you can expect a high-quality typing experience from Outemu switches.
Conclusion
Therefore, in deciding between the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch and the Outemu Silent White linear switch, you should consider your preferences for typing feel and sound. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force with a tactile feel and a certain sound profile, the Maple Leaf switch might be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium bottom out force with a smooth linear feel and a different sound profile, the Silent White switch may be more suitable for your needs. Ultimately, your decision should come down to what type of typing experience you value most.
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