Outemu Maple Leaf vs. Outemu Silent Yellow
An in-depth look at the Outemu Maple Leaf and the Outemu Silent Yellow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Maple Leaf and the Outemu Silent Yellow offer contrasting experiences for users. The Maple Leaf switch is a tactile switch, providing feedback with a noticeable bump upon actuation, which can enhance typing accuracy and satisfaction. On the other hand, the Silent Yellow switch is a linear switch, offering a smooth and consistent keystroke without any tactile feedback, ideal for those who prefer a quieter typing experience. While the Maple Leaf switch may be preferred by those who enjoy the tactile feedback, the Silent Yellow switch may be more appealing to those who prioritize a silent 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
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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The key difference between the Outemu Maple Leaf and the Outemu Silent Yellow lies in their top housing materials. The Maple Leaf features a nylon top housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softness of nylon that absorbs more sound. In contrast, the Silent Yellow utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, thanks to the stiffness of polycarbonate creating a more clear and resonant sound. While the Maple Leaf offers a rounder sound, the Silent Yellow provides a more defined and brighter sound, highlighting the impact of the top housing material on the overall sound experience.
On the other hand, the bottom housing materials of both switches are nylon, offering a similar experience in terms of sound profile. The nylon bottom housing in both the Maple Leaf and Silent Yellow contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon's softness allows for more sound absorption compared to harder plastics. This consistency in the bottom housing material ensures that the typing experience on both switches remains consistent in terms of the sound produced, emphasizing the importance of the bottom housing in determining the overall sound profile of a switch.
Overall, the choice between the Outemu Maple Leaf and the Outemu Silent Yellow ultimately comes down to personal preference in sound profile. While the Maple Leaf's nylon top housing delivers a deeper and fuller sound, the Silent Yellow's polycarbonate top housing offers a sharper and crisper sound. However, both switches share the nylon bottom housing, providing a similar typing experience in terms of sound profile. Whether you prefer a rounder and duller sound or a clearer and more resonant sound, both switches offer distinct characteristics based on their top housing materials while maintaining consistency in sound due to their shared bottom housing material.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch, it is evident that the Maple Leaf is lighter compared to the Silent Yellow. The Maple Leaf has an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, while the Silent Yellow has an actuation force of 65 grams and a bottom out force of 80 grams. This means that the Silent Yellow requires a heavier force to trigger a keystroke and to bottom out, providing a more substantial typing experience. Some users may prefer the lighter actuation force of the Maple Leaf for longer typing sessions or gaming, while others may opt for the heavier force of the Silent Yellow for a more pronounced tactile feedback. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
The Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Maple Leaf has a shorter travel distance compared to the Silent Yellow. The difference may not seem significant, but it can affect the typing or gaming experience for some users. Gamers looking for faster response times may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Maple Leaf, while those who enjoy a more pronounced key press may lean towards the Silent Yellow with its longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on individual preferences for key feel and responsiveness.
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 Yellow.
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 often praised for its quiet and subtle click, making it a good option for those who prefer a quieter typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch is known for its nearly silent operation, making it a popular choice for those who work in shared spaces or simply prefer a silent keyboard. Ultimately, the sound produced by a switch is subjective and can be influenced by various factors such as the keyboard case, keycap material, and typing technique.
In terms of feel, the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch is known for its pronounced tactile bump, providing users with a satisfying feedback when typing. In contrast, the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch offers a smooth keystroke with no tactile bump, allowing for a more consistent typing experience. The choice between these switches ultimately comes down to personal preference, with some users enjoying the tactile feedback of the Maple Leaf switch while others prefer the smoothness of the Silent Yellow switch.
Overall, both the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. Whether you prioritize a quieter sound profile or a specific typing feel, both switches can provide a pleasant typing experience. Ultimately, it is recommended to try out both switches to determine which one best suits your typing style and preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch, it is important to consider your preferences in terms of bottom out force. If you prefer a lighter switch, the Maple Leaf with a bottom out force of 65 grams may be more suitable for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a heavier switch, the Silent Yellow with a bottom out force of 80 grams may be the better option. Additionally, consider the sound and feel of each switch to ensure it aligns with your typing preferences. Ultimately, your decision should be based on what feels most comfortable and enjoyable for you when typing.
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