Outemu Maple Leaf vs. Outemu Silent Yellow Jade

Overview

When it comes to choosing mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Maple Leaf and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade both present appealing options for users who appreciate tactile feedback. The Maple Leaf switch offers a unique feel that many typists enjoy, though it stands out less distinctly in the realm of specific features or sound characteristics. On the other hand, the Silent Yellow Jade is recognized for its quiet yet satisfying tactile typing experience, characterized by a "thocky" sound that many users find soothing. Additionally, this switch boasts a factory-lubed design and a vibrant translucent jade yellow housing, contributing to a more refined keystroke. While the Maple Leaf may be ideal for those who prioritize a basic tactile response, the Silent Yellow Jade caters to users seeking a quieter experience without sacrificing tactile feedback. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.

By the numbers

Outemu Maple Leaf Tactile

Outemu Silent Yellow Jade Tactile

$3.10 per 10

$3.10 per 10

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Housing materials

The Outemu Maple Leaf and Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switches are notable for their use of nylon as the material for both the top and bottom housings. This choice of nylon displays striking similarities in terms of acoustic properties and tactile feedback, contributing to a deeper and fuller sound profile during typing. The inherent characteristics of nylon allow these switches to absorb sound more effectively than harder plastics. As a result, users can expect a softer and rounder typing experience, which minimizes vibration and enhances overall key feel. The uniformity in housing material across both switches leads to a consistent auditory experience that can appeal to typists seeking a muted and refined sound.

However, if the housing for the top and bottom were to differ between the Maple Leaf and Silent Yellow Jade, the potential impact on performance could lead to noticeably different outcomes in terms of sound and feel. The bottom housing primarily affects the bottom-out sensation when a key is pressed, while the top housing influences the sound produced upon releasing a key. Hence, despite both the Maple Leaf and Silent Yellow Jade employing nylon for their housings, any differences in design or housing shapes would lead to diverging tactile and auditory experiences. In the case of these two specific switches, the shared nylon composition guarantees that the performance and sound absorption characteristics remain consistent.

In summary, the Outemu Maple Leaf and Silent Yellow Jade switches, despite being similar in housing materials, provide a high degree of compatibility in terms of sound profile and overall performance. This synergy is a result of their collective use of nylon. For typists looking for a harmonious and muted sound experience, either option is likely to deliver comparable results. Thus, the choice between the two can be determined more by personal aesthetic or tactile preference rather than material differences, as both switches would create a late and rounder acoustic emergence during typing.

Weight

When comparing the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch with the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch, there are some notable differences in their actuation forces, while their bottom out forces remain the same. The Maple Leaf requires a slightly heavier actuation force of 55 grams compared to the 50 grams needed for the Silent Yellow Jade. This difference means that the Maple Leaf will provide a more substantial push feel, appealing to users who prefer a stronger typing experience. However, both switches share the same bottom out force of 65 grams, indicating that users will experience similar resistance when pressing the keys all the way down, regardless of the actuation force. Thus, while the Silent Yellow Jade is the lighter option overall, both switches cater to medium-heavy preferences, making them suitable for different typing styles depending on user preference for actuation weight.

Travel distance

Both the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch share an identical travel distance of 3.3 mm. This means that users can expect a similar pressing experience when using either switch, as both require the same amount of travel from the top to the bottom. Since they are equal in this regard, those seeking tactile feedback in their keyboard will find comparable results in terms of how far they need to press down on the keys with either switch.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch remains relatively unknown, lacking a distinct characteristic that sets it apart in this aspect. In contrast, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switch is recognized for its quiet yet satisfying "thocky" sound. This third iteration of Outemu's silent tactile lineup is engineered to minimize noise, providing a more discreet typing experience that many users appreciate, especially in shared or quieter environments. As always, it's important to note that the audible quality of a switch can also be heavily influenced by the choice of keyboard case and keycaps.

Regarding feel, the Maple Leaf's tactile qualities are similarly undetermined, leaving users to wonder what unique sensations this switch offers during typing. On the other hand, the Silent Yellow Jade switch delivers a punchy tactile bump that adds to the tactile experience, allowing for a satisfying feedback feel with each keystroke. This tactile feedback, combined with the lubrication applied during manufacturing, contributes to smoother actuation and an overall pleasurable typing sensation.

In sum, the Outemu Maple Leaf may not stand out in terms of sound or feel, presenting an enigma for newcomers exploring its unique characteristics. Meanwhile, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switch shines with its quiet operation and tactile responsiveness, making it an appealing choice for those seeking a refined typing experience. If a newcomer is looking to balance both sound and feel, they may find that while the two switches might deliver contrasting experiences, both can ultimately lead to a rewarding mechanical keyboard experience depending on one's personal preferences and typing environment.

Conclusion

To conclude, the choice between the Outemu Maple Leaf and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switches hinges on your specific preferences regarding sound and typing feel. If you prefer a switch that offers a more pronounced tactile feedback without special sound dampening features, the Maple Leaf may serve you well, offering a solid typing experience suitable for both gaming and general use. However, if you’re in an environment where noise levels are a concern, the Silent Yellow Jade is an excellent option, providing a satisfying tactile bump paired with a muted sound profile thanks to its factory-lubed design and built-in dampening features. This allows for an enjoyable typing experience without the disruptive noise typical of mechanical switches. Ultimately, both switches share a similar bottom out force, so your decision should be guided by whether you prioritize quiet operation or a more energetic typing experience.

Mentioned in this article

Outemu Maple Leaf Tactile

$3.10 per 10

Learn more

Outemu Silent Yellow Jade Tactile

$3.10 per 10

Learn more