Outemu Maple Leaf vs. KTT Purple Star
An in-depth look at the Outemu Maple Leaf and the KTT Purple Star switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch to the KTT Purple Star linear switch, it's essential to consider the key features of each. The Maple Leaf switch is best known for its tactile feedback, providing a satisfying bump when typing. On the other hand, the Purple Star switch stands out for its buttery smooth typing experience due to its all-POM construction, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a quieter typing experience. While the Maple Leaf switch offers a more pronounced tactile feel, the Purple Star switch caters to light typists with its easy-to-press keys and low-pitched sound profile. 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
43g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.30 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The main difference between the housing materials of the Outemu Maple Leaf and the KTT Purple Star switches lies in their top housing material. The Maple Leaf utilizes a nylon top housing, known for creating a deep and rich sound profile due to its softer plastic that absorbs more sound. On the other hand, the Purple Star features a POM top housing, which produces a unique and pleasing sound that leans towards the deeper side and is relatively more muted. While both materials offer distinct sound profiles, the nylon top housing of the Maple Leaf emphasizes a rounder and duller sound compared to the deeper and more muted sound of the POM top housing in the Purple Star.
In terms of the bottom housing material, both the Outemu Maple Leaf and the KTT Purple Star switches feature nylon and POM respectively. The nylon bottom housing of the Maple Leaf continues to contribute to its deep and full sound profile, absorbing sound and creating a rounder sound when keys are pressed. Similarly, the POM bottom housing of the Purple Star enhances its unique sound, adding to its deeper and more muted sound profile. Despite the difference in materials, both bottom housings play a crucial role in influencing the overall sound and feel of the switches.
Overall, while the Outemu Maple Leaf and KTT Purple Star switches exhibit differences in their housing materials, they ultimately provide similar results in terms of sound profiles. The nylon housing of the Maple Leaf emphasizes a deeper and fuller sound with a rounder tone, while the POM housing of the Purple Star offers a more unique and pleasing sound that leans towards the deeper and muted side. Both switches excel in creating distinct sound experiences, showcasing how housing materials can significantly impact the overall typing feel and sound quality of mechanical keyboards.
Weight
The Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch and the KTT Purple Star linear switch differ in terms of actuation force and bottom out force. The Maple Leaf has a heavier actuation force of 55 grams compared to the Purple Star's lighter 43 grams. Similarly, the Maple Leaf has a bottom out force of 65 grams, which is heavier than the Purple Star's 50 grams. The Maple Leaf provides a medium-heavy typing experience, while the Purple Star offers a lighter touch. Some users may prefer the Maple Leaf for a more substantial typing feel, while others may find the lighter Purple Star more comfortable for extended typing sessions. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the KTT Purple Star linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. Both switches fall within the category of shorter travel distances, making them ideal for those seeking faster response times, such as gamers. The slight difference in travel distance between the two switches may not be noticeable to most users, as both are considered relatively short. However, for those who prefer a slightly deeper key press, the Purple Star with a 3.5 mm travel distance may provide a more satisfying tactile experience compared to the Maple Leaf's 3.3 mm travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference and typing style.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Outemu Maple Leaf comes in at $3.10, whereas the KTT Purple Star comes in at $4.88.
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 does not have a well-known reputation, likely indicating a neutral sound profile that may not stand out in terms of pitch or tone. On the other hand, the KTT Purple Star linear switch is praised for its low-pitched sound signature, which offers a more bass-heavy and mellow tone that can be soothing to the ears. Keep in mind that the overall sound of a switch can be influenced by various factors such as the keyboard's construction and the type of keycaps used.
Moving on to the typing feel, the Outemu Maple Leaf switch does not have a defined reputation for its tactile feedback. In contrast, the KTT Purple Star switch is known for providing a mild typing experience that falls in the middle ground, appealing to a wide range of users. Additionally, the Purple Star switches offer an easy-to-press design, requiring minimal force to actuate the keys, making typing effortless and comfortable for extended periods. This light actuation force can also help reduce finger fatigue during long typing sessions.
Overall, while the subjective qualities of the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch are not widely recognized, the KTT Purple Star linear switch stands out for its smooth typing experience, neutral sound signature, and easy-to-press design. If you are looking for a switch that provides a gentle and comfortable typing feel with a low-pitched sound profile, the Purple Star switch may be the ideal choice for you. Keep in mind that personal preference plays a significant role in selecting the right switch for your mechanical keyboard setup.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a medium-heavy tactile switch with a bottom out force of 65 grams, the Outemu Maple Leaf might be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a light linear switch with a bottom out force of 50 grams and a buttery smooth typing experience, the KTT Purple Star could be the perfect fit. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your typing preferences and what feels most comfortable to you. Each switch has its own unique characteristics that cater to different needs, so make sure to consider both the typing experience and sound profile when making your decision. Happy typing!
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