Outemu Maple Leaf vs. Everglide Sakura Pink
An in-depth look at the Outemu Maple Leaf and the Everglide Sakura Pink switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Maple Leaf, a tactile switch, and the Everglide Sakura Pink, a linear switch, offer unique features to consider. The Maple Leaf switch is best known for its tactile feedback, making it a favorite among typists who prefer a more pronounced clicky feel. On the other hand, the Sakura Pink switch stands out for its incredibly light 35g actuation force, providing a smooth and effortless typing experience perfect for those who prefer a lighter touch. While the Maple Leaf switch is known for its tactile bump and audible click, the Sakura Pink switch offers a quieter and more subtle 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
35g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
45g
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
Polycarbonate
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Outemu Maple Leaf and the Everglide Sakura Pink both offer unique housing materials that contribute to the overall sound profile of the switch. The Maple Leaf's nylon top and bottom housings provide a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer nature of nylon, which absorbs more sound and creates a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Sakura Pink's polycarbonate top and bottom housings create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile because of polycarbonate's stiffer nature, leading to a more clear and resonant sound. While both switch housings offer different sound profiles, they also offer different aesthetic qualities with the Maple Leaf's nylon housing being opaque and the Sakura Pink's polycarbonate housing being clear, allowing for RGB lighting effects.
In terms of typing experience, the housing materials of the Maple Leaf and Sakura Pink switches play a significant role in the sound and feel when pressing down on the keys. The nylon housing of the Maple Leaf impacts the bottom-out sound and feel, providing a deeper and fuller typing experience. On the other hand, the polycarbonate housing of the Sakura Pink affects the sound when releasing a key, resulting in a sharper and crisper sound profile. Both housing materials cater to different preferences in typing sound and feel, with the choice between nylon and polycarbonate depending on whether a user prefers a duller and rounder sound or a clearer and resonant sound.
Overall, while the nylon and polycarbonate housing materials of the Outemu Maple Leaf and Everglide Sakura Pink switches offer different sound profiles and typing experiences, they both serve to enhance the overall performance and aesthetics of the switches. The choice between the two housing materials ultimately comes down to personal preference in typing sound and feel, as well as the desired aesthetic effects such as RGB lighting. Whether opting for the deeper and fuller sound of nylon or the sharper and crisper sound of polycarbonate, both the Maple Leaf and Sakura Pink switches provide quality housing materials that contribute to an enhanced typing experience.
Weight
The Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch has a higher actuation force of 55 grams and a heavier bottom out force of 65 grams, making it medium-heavy in terms of weight. In contrast, the Everglide Sakura Pink linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 35 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it a lighter option. Those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing sessions or gaming may lean towards the Sakura Pink switch, while those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience may prefer the Maple Leaf switch for its heavier forces. Both switches provide a different typing experience based on the actuation and bottom out force, with lighter forces leading to easier keystrokes and heavier forces providing a more tactile feedback.
Travel distance
The Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, making it a shorter option compared to the Everglide Sakura Pink linear switch, which has a travel distance of 4 mm. The Maple Leaf offers a slightly quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance, making it a popular choice among gamers looking for faster key presses. On the other hand, the Sakura Pink switch provides a more substantial depth with its longer travel distance, appealing to those who prefer a more tactile experience when typing or gaming. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference regarding travel distance and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Everglide Sakura Pink has an MSRP of $6.86 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sakura Pink for $3.89.
The Outemu Maple Leaf comes in at $3.10 per 10 switches.
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 switch does not have a specific descriptor attached to it, making it difficult to determine its sound profile without further information. On the other hand, the Everglide Sakura Pink switch is known for its muted sound, which produces a softer and quieter typing experience compared to other mechanical switches. The Sakura Pinks offer a unique poppy sound, akin to bubble wrap being popped, adding a fun element to your typing sessions.
Regarding the feel of the switches, the Maple Leaf lacks a specific descriptor to give insight into its tactile feel. On the other hand, the Everglide Sakura Pink switch is described as buttery, creamy, easy-to-press, and frictionless. These qualities indicate that the Sakura Pink switch provides a smooth and effortless typing experience, with minimal resistance and a comfortable feel that reduces finger fatigue during extended use. The frictionless operation of the Sakura Pink switch ensures a fluid and seamless typing sensation.
In conclusion, the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch and the Everglide Sakura Pink linear switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Maple Leaf lacks specific descriptors for sound and feel, the Everglide Sakura Pink switch stands out for its muted sound and buttery, creamy, easy-to-press, and frictionless feel. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preference for sound and typing experience, as both switches have their own distinct characteristics that cater to different typing styles and preferences.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when deciding between the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch and the Everglide Sakura Pink linear switch, consider your typing preferences and needs. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and are looking for a versatile switch without specific standout features, the Maple Leaf may be a suitable choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a light bottom out force and value a smooth and effortless typing experience with a playful sound, the Sakura Pink could be the perfect option. Ultimately, choosing between these two switches comes down to personal preference in terms of force, sound, and feel. Make sure to test out both switches to determine which one aligns best with your typing style and preferences.
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