Outemu Maple Leaf vs. Durock Piano
An in-depth look at the Outemu Maple Leaf and the Durock Piano switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Outemu Maple Leaf, a tactile switch, to the Durock Piano, a linear switch, one can immediately see the unique characteristics that set them apart. The Maple Leaf is best known for its tactile feedback, providing a satisfying bump when pressed. On the other hand, the Durock Piano is distinguished by its proprietary material blend, offering a smooth and frictionless typing experience with a deep, creamy sound signature. While the Maple Leaf is categorized as a tactile switch, the Piano falls into the linear category, making it ideal for those seeking a smooth, consistent keystroke. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.30 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
pom
Stem material
Mystery material
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Proprietary POM blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary POM blend
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Outemu Maple Leaf and the Durock Piano both aim to provide a deep and satisfying sound profile during typing. The Maple Leaf utilizes a nylon top and bottom housing, which is known for its ability to absorb more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Durock Piano features a proprietary POM blend top and bottom housing, offering a uniquely satisfying and deep sound profile. Both housing materials bring a similar depth to the typing experience, albeit through slightly different compositions.
While the Maple Leaf's nylon housing focuses on providing a deeper and fuller sound profile through its softer plastic material, the Durock Piano's POM blend housing also aims to offer a satisfying sound experience. The specific details of the POM blend used in the Piano are not disclosed, but the overall goal is to create a deep and unique sound profile. Despite their different compositions, both housing materials contribute to a sound that is rich and fulfilling, enhancing the overall typing experience for users seeking a premium sound profile.
In terms of construction, the Maple Leaf and the Durock Piano may have differences in their top and bottom housing materials, but the ultimate goal of creating a deep and satisfying sound profile remains consistent. The split between the qualities each housing material brings to the switch results in a balanced typing experience, with the bottom housing influencing the bottom-out sound and feel while the top housing affects the sound when releasing a key. Whether it's the Nylon of the Maple Leaf or the POM blend of the Piano, users can expect a similarly premium typing experience with a focus on a rich and deep sound profile.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch and the Durock Piano linear switch, it is evident that the Maple Leaf has a lighter actuation force of 55 grams compared to the Piano, which has an unknown actuation force. However, both switches have a similar bottom out force, with the Maple Leaf at 65 grams and the Piano at 63.5 grams, both falling in the medium-heavy category. The Maple Leaf provides a slightly lighter typing experience with its lower actuation force, making it ideal for longer typing sessions, while the Piano offers a slightly heavier push feel for those seeking a more substantial typing experience. Overall, both switches offer similar results in terms of bottom out force, with the main difference lying in the actuation force, where the Maple Leaf is lighter than the Piano.
Travel distance
The Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, which is shorter than the Durock Piano linear switch with a travel distance of 4 mm. The Maple Leaf's shorter travel distance may appeal to gamers looking for a faster response time, while the Piano's longer travel distance may provide a more satisfying depth for those who prefer it. Both switches offer different experiences based on their travel distances, allowing users to choose the one that best suits their preferences. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and how it affects the typing or gaming experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock Piano has an MSRP of $6.70 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Piano for $5.57.
The Outemu Maple Leaf comes in at $3.10 per 10 switches.
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 Durock Piano linear switch is known for its deep and creamy bassy sound profile, offering a pleasant auditory experience during typing. On the other hand, the sound signature of the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch remains unknown, leaving us unsure of how it compares in terms of sound quality. It is important to note that the sound of a switch can be influenced by the keyboard and keycaps used.
In regards to feel, the Durock Piano linear switch is recognized for its frictionless and silky typing experience, providing a smooth and effortless feel when pressing the keys. In contrast, the tactile feel of the Outemu Maple Leaf switch is not specified, making it difficult to determine how it compares in terms of tactile feedback and typing comfort. Both switches aim to enhance the overall typing experience, albeit in different ways.
Overall, while the Durock Piano linear switch boasts a bassy sound profile and a smooth, frictionless typing feel, the specific qualities of the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch remain unknown. If similar results are desired in terms of sound and feel, opting for the Durock Piano linear switch may be the preferred choice for a newcomer seeking a pleasant and seamless typing experience. Ultimately, personal preference and typing style will play a significant role in determining which switch is the best fit for an individual.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch and the Durock Piano linear switch, consider the factors that are most important to you. If you prefer a switch with a slightly higher bottom out force and are looking for a tactile typing experience without any specific standout features, the Maple Leaf may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you value a smooth and frictionless typing experience with a deep and rich sound profile, the Durock Piano linear switch, with its unique material blend and silky feel, may be the more suitable option. Ultimately, choose the switch that best aligns with your typing preferences and enjoy the satisfying experience of mechanical keyboard switches.
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