Outemu Maple Leaf vs. KTT Rose
An in-depth look at the Outemu Maple Leaf and the KTT Rose switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Maple Leaf and the KTT Rose offer distinctive typing experiences. The Maple Leaf is a tactile switch, known for its specific mechanisms that provide feedback when pressed. On the other hand, the KTT Rose is a linear switch that offers a smooth keystroke without any additional tactile feedback. While the Maple Leaf may appeal to those who prefer a more pronounced typing experience, the Rose stands out for its unique progressive springs that offer a balanced and pleasant 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
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
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Progressive spring
Housing materials
The Outemu Maple Leaf and the KTT Rose both feature nylon bottom housing, which is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic that absorbs more sound. While the Maple Leaf has a nylon top housing, resulting in a duller and rounder sound, the Rose's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This contrast in top housing materials affects the overall sound experience of each switch, making the Maple Leaf more suitable for those seeking a softer sound and the Rose ideal for those preferring a clearer and more resonant sound.
In terms of aesthetics, the KTT Rose stands out with its polycarbonate top housing, offering a translucent look that is perfect for showcasing RGB lighting. On the other hand, the Outemu Maple Leaf's nylon top housing provides a classic and understated appearance. Despite their differences in appearance, both switches share the same nylon bottom housing, which contributes to their similar deep and fuller sound profile when typing. This common bottom housing material ensures that users will experience a consistent typing feel across both switches, regardless of the top housing material used.
The divide between the nylon bottom housing and the different top housing materials of the Outemu Maple Leaf and the KTT Rose showcases the unique sound profiles each switch offers. The impact of the bottom housing can be felt when pressing down on a key, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch. In contrast, the top housing plays a more significant role in the sound produced when releasing a key, making the choice of housing materials crucial for achieving the desired typing experience. Whether you prefer the duller and rounder sound of nylon or the sharper and crisper sound of polycarbonate, both the Maple Leaf and the Rose cater to different preferences in sound and aesthetics.
Weight
The Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch has a slightly lighter actuation force of 55 grams compared to the KTT Rose linear switch, which has an unknown actuation force. However, both switches have a similar bottom out force, with the Maple Leaf requiring 65 grams and the Rose requiring 63.5 grams. This means that while the actuation force may differ slightly between the two switches, the overall typing experience in terms of bottoming out will be quite similar. Those who prefer a lighter touch may lean towards the Maple Leaf, while those who prefer a slightly heavier feel may opt for the Rose. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will come down to personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
The Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, which is shorter than the 4 mm travel distance of the KTT Rose linear switch. The Maple Leaf offers a quicker key press response due to its shorter travel distance, making it a popular choice among gamers looking for faster reaction times. On the other hand, the Rose switch provides a deeper key press feel with its longer travel distance, appealing to those who prefer a more pronounced keystroke. Both switches have their own advantages based on travel distance preferences, with the Maple Leaf being the shorter option and the Rose being the longer option. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on individual preferences for key press depth and responsiveness.
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 Rose comes in at $3.01.
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 known for its unspecified sound profile, while the KTT Rose linear switch is described as having low-pitched tones that resemble bassy raindrops. The Rose switch offers a more mellow and bass-heavy typing experience, which can be appealing to those who enjoy a deeper, more soothing sound while typing. Keep in mind that the sound of a switch can be influenced by various factors such as the keyboard's construction and keycaps used.
Moving on to feel, the Maple Leaf switch lacks a specific description of its tactile feel, whereas the KTT Rose linear switch is characterized by a mild and approachable typing experience that falls within a safe, middle-ground zone. Additionally, the Rose switch is noted for its polished finish, resulting in smooth key travel and reduced friction during typing. This enhanced smoothness can contribute to a more comfortable and refined typing experience for users.
In conclusion, the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch and the KTT Rose linear switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Maple Leaf's sound profile and tactile feel remain unspecified, the Rose switch is praised for its low-pitched tones and polished finish, providing users with a unique typing experience that is both soothing and refined. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on personal preference and typing style, but either option is likely to deliver a satisfactory result in terms of sound and feel.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch and the KTT Rose linear switch, consider the bottom out force that best suits your typing preference. If you prefer a slightly higher bottom out force, the Maple Leaf with 65 grams may be the better option for you. On the other hand, if you're looking for a unique typing experience with progressive springs and a slightly lower bottom out force of 63.5 grams, the Rose switch could be more appealing. Additionally, take into account the sound and feel characteristics of each switch to determine which one aligns better with your typing style and preferences. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preference and the typing experience you are looking for.
Mentioned in this article
