Outemu Maple Leaf vs. Akko Rosewood

Overview

When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, preferences often boil down to tactile feedback versus smoothness and sound profile. The Outemu Maple Leaf switch, categorized as a tactile switch, gives users a responsive bump when pressed, making it an excellent choice for typists who enjoy the physical feedback of each keystroke. On the other hand, the Akko Rosewood switch, recognized for its linear design, excels in providing a smoother keypress experience that is both quiet and effortless, producing a deep, satisfying thocky sound due to a factory-applied lubricant. If you seek a more dynamic typing experience with noticeable feedback, the Maple Leaf might be the way to go. Conversely, if you prefer a more fluid and softer keystroke with a rich sound, the Rosewood could be ideal for you. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that fits your individual preferences and typing style.

By the numbers

Outemu Maple Leaf Tactile

Akko Rosewood Linear

$3.10 per 10

$3.89

$3.11 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The Outemu Maple Leaf and Akko Rosewood switches both feature nylon as their housing material, making them similar in terms of the resulting auditory experience and overall feel during typing. Nylon is renowned for its ability to absorb sound due to its softer plastic structure, which generates a deeper, fuller sound profile. When typing on either switch, users can expect a rounded and less harsh acoustic feedback, as both top and bottom housings are made of nylon. Consequently, whether using the Maple Leaf or the Rosewood, typists will enjoy a consistent sound experience characterized by a dampened quality that minimizes sharpness.

While both switches employ nylon for their housings, the important factor lies in their impact on the tactile experience. The top housing influences the release sound, while the bottom housing significantly contributes to the bottom-out feel. Given that both the Maple Leaf and Rosewood share identical housing materials, the typing experience will remain consistent across both switches. Whichever one a user chooses, they can anticipate similarly muffled acoustic properties, reducing typing noise while providing a more enjoyable auditory experience.

In summary, the Outemu Maple Leaf and Akko Rosewood switches are comparable in many aspects due to their shared nylon construction. This material choice leads to consistent sound characteristics, as well as a tactile experience that balances the contributions of both the top and bottom housings. Users can choose either switch with confidence, knowing that they will achieve comparable results in terms of acoustic quality and typing feel, thanks to the versatility and sound-dampening properties of nylon.

Weight

When comparing the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch and the Akko Rosewood linear switch, notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces emerge. The Maple Leaf switch requires an actuation force of 55 grams, leading to a bottom out force of 65 grams, classifying it as medium-heavy. In contrast, the Rosewood switch boasts a lighter actuation force of just 40 grams, with a bottom out force of 50 grams. Consequently, the Rosewood switch facilitates longer typing sessions and offers a more delicate feel, which may appeal to users seeking an effortless typing experience. On the other hand, those who prefer a more substantial typing sensation might gravitate toward the heavier Maple Leaf. Thus, while both switches deliver different tactile experiences tailored to varying preferences, the Maple Leaf switch is definitively the heavier option, whereas the Rosewood is the lighter, more user-friendly choice.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch and the Akko Rosewood linear switch, we find a clear distinction: the Maple Leaf has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Rosewood features a longer travel distance of 4 mm. This difference highlights the design philosophies behind each switch. The shorter distance of the Maple Leaf can appeal to gamers seeking rapid response times, making it ideal for fast-paced gameplay. Conversely, the Rosewood's 4 mm travel distance provides a more substantial feel, which some users may prefer for its pronounced feedback and a more deliberate typing experience. Therefore, if you favor a quicker, more immediate response, the Maple Leaf is the better choice, whereas if you appreciate a deeper keystroke, the Rosewood would be more suitable.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When considering the sound profile of these two switches, the Outemu Maple Leaf’s characteristics remain somewhat of a mystery, leaving enthusiasts curious about its acoustic qualities. In contrast, the Akko Rosewood switch stands out with a deep, satisfying thocky sound that contributes to a more immersive typing experience. The factory-applied thin layer of lubricant on the Rosewood helps to enhance this richness, ensuring that even beginner users can enjoy an impressive auditory feedback right out of the box. However, it's important to remember that sound can be influenced by various external factors, including the keyboard construction and keycap material.

In terms of feel, the nuances of the Outemu Maple Leaf switch are not clearly established, which may leave potential users questioning its tactile feedback. On the other hand, the Akko Rosewood switch offers a smooth linear experience that many users find pleasing, minimizing any discernible bump to provide uninterrupted keystrokes. This adds to the overall fluidity during typing or gaming sessions, allowing for quick and responsive actions without the distraction of tactile resistance.

In summary, while the Outemu Maple Leaf switch remains an enigma in both sound and feel, the Akko Rosewood switch clearly excels with its satisfying acoustic profile and smooth linear action. If you're drawn to the tactile typing experience, the Rosewood may be the better option for you. The unknown qualities of the Maple Leaf could eventually reveal themselves upon further exploration, but for those seeking immediate satisfaction in sound and feel, the Akko Rosewood switch is sure to impress.

Conclusion

To conclude, choosing between the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch and the Akko Rosewood linear switch largely depends on your typing preferences and intended use. If you prefer a switch that offers tactile feedback and a heavier actuation force—ideal for typing or gaming where you want to feel distinct key presses—the Maple Leaf with its 65 grams bottom-out force might be the better choice for you. However, if you’re looking for a smooth and lightweight experience, particularly for gaming or fast typing, the Akko Rosewood's 50 grams bottom-out force will provide a softer touch. Additionally, if sound matters to you, the Rosewood's deep “thocky” sound, enhanced by the factory-applied lubricant, makes it a pleasure for auditory feedback during use. Conversely, if you’re not particularly focused on sound or if you enjoy a more muted acoustics profile, the Maple Leaf may cater to that preference. Ultimately, your decision should align with whether you value tactile feedback and sound, or experience a smooth, responsive keystroke without the additional feedback of a tactile bump.

Mentioned in this article

Outemu Maple Leaf Tactile

$3.10 per 10

Learn more

Akko Rosewood Linear

$3.89

$3.11 per 10

Learn more