Outemu Maple Leaf vs. Huano Sakura

Overview

When it comes to choosing mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Maple Leaf and Huano Sakura offer two distinct experiences that cater to different preferences. The Outemu Maple Leaf is a tactile switch, providing a noticeable bump during key presses, which many typists appreciate for the added feedback and the satisfaction of knowing when a keystroke has been registered. On the other hand, the Huano Sakura is a linear switch that boasts a feather-light touch and medium acoustics, making it an excellent choice for those who engage in prolonged typing sessions and prefer a smooth, uninterrupted keypress. While Maple Leaf switches may appeal to users who enjoy tactile feedback for a more engaging typing experience, Sakura switches are often favored by gamers and professionals seeking speed and quiet operation. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities, so you can best decide on the right switch for you.

By the numbers

Outemu Maple Leaf Tactile

Huano Sakura Linear

$3.10 per 10

$3.50 per 10

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Housing materials

The Outemu Maple Leaf and Huano Sakura switches showcase distinct approaches in their housing materials, particularly when examining the top housings. The Maple Leaf utilizes nylon for its top housing, which is praised for its ability to generate a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is attributable to nylon's softer nature, which allows it to absorb sound more effectively than harder plastics. Consequently, typing on a switch with a nylon top housing results in a duller and rounder auditory experience. In contrast, the Sakura's top housing is crafted from polyketone (POK), a material known for its smoothness, durability, and ability to produce a clacky sound. The differences in acoustics and tactile feedback can be largely attributed to the inherent properties of the materials used in the construction of each switch.

When turning to the bottom housings, both switches employ nylon material for their bottom housing, leading to a similar sensory experience. The common use of nylon results in a deeper and fuller sound profile and contributes to the overall sound absorption characteristics of both switches. Despite the differences in the top housings, the shared nylon bottom housing ensures that users will encounter a comparable auditory sensation when bottoming out the switches. The use of nylon in the lower housing effectively harmonizes the acoustic profiles of the Maple Leaf and Sakura when pressed, allowing for consistency in how each switch feels and sounds at the point of actuation.

In the context of performance, while the Maple Leaf and Sakura switches diverge in their top housing materials, the similarities in their bottom housings create a unique blend of attributes that influence their sound profiles and tactile feedback. Users can expect that the bottom-out experience will resonate with the familiar deep, full sound offered by nylon, regardless of the top material's differing contributions. Ultimately, this composition means that while each switch has its distinctive properties influenced by their top housings, the nylon bottom housing unifies the switches, yielding an overall auditory and tactile experience that shares commonalities, particularly in terms of sound absorption and feedback when the keys are fully pressed.

Weight

When comparing the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch and the Huano Sakura linear switch, there is a notable distinction in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Maple Leaf requires a force of 55 grams to actuate, significantly heavier than the Sakura’s lighter 35 grams. Additionally, the bottom out force of the Maple Leaf is measured at 65 grams, compared to the Sakura's 45 grams. This difference means that the Maple Leaf offers a more substantial typing experience, appealing to those who prefer a heavier switch for tactile feedback, while the Sakura provides a lighter touch, making it ideal for prolonged typing sessions or gaming without fatigue. Overall, the Maple Leaf is the heavier option, offering more resistance, whereas the Sakura is easier to press, catering to those who enjoy a lighter keystroke.

Travel distance

The Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch features a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Huano Sakura linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. This makes the Maple Leaf the shorter option, allowing for a more responsive feel that many gamers may prefer for its quick actuation. Conversely, the Sakura's longer travel distance can provide a deeper, more substantial typing experience, which some users might appreciate for its tactile feedback. As the trend moves toward shorter travel distances for quicker responses, the Maple Leaf may cater better to competitive gaming, whereas the Sakura may appeal to those who enjoy a more pronounced keystroke. Ultimately, the choice between these switches depends on the user's preference for speed versus depth.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The sound profile of the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch is not specifically highlighted, leaving it open to uncertainty; however, it can be reasonably expected to vary based on the keyboard it is paired with and the keycap material used. In contrast, the Huano Sakura linear switch is noted for its medium acoustics, producing a balanced sound that is neither too loud nor overly muted. This makes the Sakura switch suitable for extended typing sessions, as it strikes a good balance between feedback and discretion, allowing for an enjoyable auditory experience without being distracting.

When it comes to feel, the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch lacks a defined description, making it challenging to ascertain its tactile characteristics. Meanwhile, the Huano Sakura switch is celebrated for its feather-light touch, which enhances the typing experience by providing minimal resistance while maintaining a smooth stroke typical of linear switches. This combination makes the Sakura ideal for those looking for a light and effortless typing feel, perfect for long hours of use.

In conclusion, while the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch presents an undefined quality in both sound and feel, the Huano Sakura linear switch offers a more distinct profile with its medium acoustics and light actuation force. For users seeking a defined auditory and tactile experience, the Sakura switch is likely to deliver satisfaction. If you're interested in characteristics like the Maple Leaf, one possible approach could be to test it alongside similar switches to gauge subjective preferences. Ultimately, your choice might come down to trying both options to see which fits your typing style and preferences best.

Conclusion

To conclude, your choice between the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch and the Huano Sakura linear switch hinges on your personal preferences for typing feel, sound, and force requirements. If you favor a more substantial resistance while typing—optimizing for a tactile bump and potentially reducing accidental key presses—the Maple Leaf switch with its medium-heavy bottom out force of 65 grams may be the right fit for you. This switch is ideal for those who prefer a more deliberate keystroke and enjoy a tactile experience, making it a solid choice for writing or coding. On the other hand, if you value a soft, fluid keystroke during extensive typing sessions, the Sakura switch is the better option. With a lighter bottom out force of 45 grams, the Sakura offers an effortless typing experience with medium acoustics, perfect for longer hours of use without fatigue. Therefore, consider your typing habits: opt for the Maple Leaf for a firmer feedback and tactile satisfaction, while you should choose the Sakura for a smooth, lightweight touch that allows for speed and comfort.

Mentioned in this article

Outemu Maple Leaf Tactile

$3.10 per 10

Learn more

Huano Sakura Linear

$3.50 per 10

Learn more