Outemu Maple Leaf vs. Outemu Red Panda
An in-depth look at the Outemu Maple Leaf and the Outemu Red Panda switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to compare and contrast are the Outemu Maple Leaf and the Outemu Red Panda. The Maple Leaf is best known for its tactile feedback, offering a satisfying sensation with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Red Panda is also a tactile switch but stands out for its unique combination of a light-medium amount of tactility, bassier bottom-out sound, and clackier top-out sound. While the Maple Leaf provides a traditional tactile experience, the Red Panda offers a more distinctive typing experience with its thocky feel and mild tactility. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.30 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
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 housing materials of the Outemu Maple Leaf and the Outemu Red Panda differ significantly in terms of the material used. The Maple Leaf features a nylon top and bottom housing, which creates a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its soft and sound-absorbing nature. In contrast, the Red Panda utilizes a polycarbonate top housing and a nylon bottom housing. The polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper, higher-pitched sound, while the nylon bottom housing maintains a deeper and fuller sound profile. This difference in housing materials results in distinct sound profiles when typing on the switches.
Despite their differences, both the Maple Leaf and the Red Panda housing materials share the common characteristic of being classic switch housing materials. Nylon is known for its ability to create a softer and fuller sound profile, while polycarbonate excels in producing a sharper and clearer sound. Both materials have their own unique qualities that contribute to the overall sound and feel of the switches. Additionally, the use of nylon in both switches ensures a consistent typing experience in terms of depth and sound resonance, even if the top housing material differs between the two.
The choice between the Outemu Maple Leaf and the Outemu Red Panda ultimately comes down to personal preference in sound profile. While the Maple Leaf's nylon housing creates a deeper and fuller sound, the Red Panda's combination of polycarbonate and nylon results in a more varied sound profile with sharper tones. Whether one prefers a duller and rounder sound or a sharper and crisper sound, both switches offer high-quality housing materials that contribute to a satisfying typing experience. Overall, the housing materials of these switches play a crucial role in determining the sound and feel of each keystroke, making them essential considerations for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
Comparing the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch and the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch, the Maple Leaf has a slightly heavier actuation force of 55 grams compared to the Red Panda's lighter 50 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Maple Leaf requires 65 grams, making it heavier than the Red Panda's 60 grams. Both switches provide a tactile typing experience, but the Maple Leaf is slightly heavier in both actuation and bottom out forces, offering a more substantial typing feel. Some users may prefer the lighter actuation force of the Red Panda for extended typing or gaming sessions, while others may appreciate the heavier actuation force of the Maple Leaf for a more satisfying typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for typing feel and force required for keystrokes.
Travel distance
The Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch and the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch both have the same travel distance of 3.3 mm. This means that when you press down on a key with either of these switches, you'll experience a similar amount of travel from the top to the bottom. Both switches offer a consistent typing experience in terms of travel distance, allowing for a familiar feel for users who prefer either switch. Overall, the travel distance of both the Outemu Maple Leaf and Outemu Red Panda tactile switches is equal, providing a consistent tactile feedback regardless of which switch is chosen.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Outemu Maple Leaf comes in at $3.10, whereas the Outemu Red Panda comes in at $3.40.
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 comparing the sound of the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch to the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch, the Maple Leaf is known for its quiet nature, lacking any distinct characteristics. On the other hand, the Red Panda is described as producing a thocky sound, which is deep, rich, and satisfying. The Red Panda's sound profile is more pronounced and enjoyable for those who appreciate a more distinct auditory experience while typing.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Maple Leaf's tactile feel is not well-known, making it hard to compare to the Red Panda. The Red Panda, however, is categorized as offering a mild tactile experience, making it gentle and approachable for most users. These switches fall into a safe middle-ground zone in terms of tactile feedback, providing a comfortable typing experience without being too intense or too light.
In conclusion, while the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch and the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch may differ in their sound and feel profiles, they both offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. If you enjoy a quiet and unobtrusive typing experience, the Maple Leaf may be the better option for you. On the other hand, if you appreciate a more pronounced and satisfying sound along with a mild tactile feel, the Red Panda would be a suitable choice. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will come down to personal preference and the overall typing experience you're looking to achieve.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch and the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch, you should consider the bottom out force preference. If you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force of 65 grams, the Maple Leaf would be a suitable choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force of 60 grams, the Red Panda would be more to your liking. Additionally, if you enjoy a bassier and clackier sound with a light-medium amount of tactility when typing, the Red Panda is the way to go. However, if you prefer a different sound profile, the Maple Leaf may be more appealing. Ultimately, your decision should also consider the feel of the switches, with the Red Panda offering a mild typing experience compared to the Maple Leaf. Choose the switch that aligns with your preferences and typing style for the best overall typing experience.
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