Outemu Maple Leaf vs. Jerrzi Salt Ice

Overview

When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Outemu Maple Leaf, a tactile switch, and the Jerrzi Salt Ice, a linear switch, offer unique characteristics to suit different preferences. The Maple Leaf is known for its None, providing a subtle tactile bump and quiet typing experience. On the other hand, the Salt Ice switches are celebrated for their exceptionally bright and clacky characteristics, coupled with a light touch that results in vibrant feedback and effortless actuation. While the Maple Leaf offers a more subdued typing feel, the Salt Ice switch appeals to those seeking a more energetic and responsive 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

Outemu Maple Leaf Tactile

Jerrzi Salt Ice Linear

$3.10 per 10

$2.79

$2.30 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

Both the Outemu Maple Leaf and the Jerrzi Salt Ice feature different housing materials for their top and bottom components, with the Maple Leaf utilizing nylon for both and the Salt Ice using polycarbonate. The nylon top housing of the Maple Leaf creates a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, the polycarbonate top housing of the Salt Ice produces a sharper, higher-pitched sound with clear and resonant characteristics, making it ideal for RGB lighting setups. While they both aim to enhance sound quality, the different materials offer distinct auditory experiences for users.

In terms of the bottom housing, both the Maple Leaf's nylon and the Salt Ice's polycarbonate materials contribute to the overall sound profile and feel of the switch. The nylon bottom housing of the Maple Leaf provides a deeper and fuller sound profile similar to its top housing, delivering a consistent typing experience with a dull and round sound. On the other hand, the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Salt Ice creates a sharper and crisper sound profile, emphasizing clarity and resonance. Despite the differences in material, both switches aim to enhance the typing experience by offering unique sound profiles based on their housing components.

While the housing materials of the Outemu Maple Leaf and the Jerrzi Salt Ice differ in nylon and polycarbonate respectively, the impact on sound production is evident in both switches. The combination of the top and bottom housing materials influences the overall sound profile and typing experience, with the bottom housing affecting the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing impacts sound upon key release. Both switches prioritize sound quality and user experience through their choice of housing materials, with nylon providing a deeper and fuller sound in the Maple Leaf and polycarbonate offering a sharper and crisper sound in the Salt Ice. Ultimately, the selection of housing materials plays a crucial role in defining the auditory characteristics of each switch.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch and the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch, it can be seen that the Maple Leaf is on the heavier side compared to the Salt Ice. The Maple Leaf has an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, providing a medium-heavy typing experience. In contrast, the Salt Ice has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, but the bottom out force is unknown. If both switches had the same bottom out force, users can expect similar results in terms of typing experience. The weight of a switch is crucial as it affects how long one can comfortably type for. Some prefer a lighter switch for extended typing sessions, while others may opt for a heavier switch for a more substantial typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between the Maple Leaf and Salt Ice switches would depend on individual preferences in typing experience.

Travel distance

The Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are becoming increasingly popular among users seeking quicker response times. Gamers, in particular, tend to prefer switches with shorter travel distances for improved gaming performance. However, the slight difference in travel distance between the two switches may not be very noticeable in practical use. Ultimately, whether you choose the Maple Leaf or Salt Ice switch will depend on your personal preference for a slightly shorter or slightly longer travel distance experience.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch and the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch offer different experiences. The Maple Leaf switch is known for its relatively quieter operation, providing a subtle tactile bump without producing loud noise. On the other hand, the Salt Ice switch is praised for its bright and clacky sound, which adds a tactile feedback element to each keystroke. Depending on your preference for keyboard sound, the Maple Leaf may be more suitable for those who prefer a quieter typing experience, while the Salt Ice may appeal to users who enjoy a more audible feedback.

Moving on to the feel of these switches, the Maple Leaf tactile switch and the Salt Ice linear switch also offer distinct tactile sensations. The Maple Leaf switch is appreciated for its tactile bump that provides feedback to the user, enhancing the typing experience with a noticeable actuation point. In contrast, the Salt Ice switch is characterized by its smooth linear action, offering a consistent keystroke without any tactile bump. This difference in feel caters to different typing preferences, with the Maple Leaf appealing to those who enjoy a tactile response and the Salt Ice appealing to users who prefer a smoother keystroke.

Overall, the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch and the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch provide unique typing experiences in terms of sound and feel. While the Maple Leaf offers a quieter operation and tactile feedback, the Salt Ice stands out with its loud and clacky sound, along with a smooth linear action. Depending on your personal preferences for keyboard sound and tactile feel, both switches offer distinct qualities that can enhance your typing experience. Whether you choose the Maple Leaf for its subtle feedback or the Salt Ice for its energetic typing feel, you'll be able to achieve satisfying results based on your individual preferences.

Conclusion

To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch or the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch, you should opt for the Maple Leaf if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and are looking for a switch with a particular feature (fill in the blank if known). On the other hand, if you enjoy an energetic and responsive typing experience with a light touch and vibrant feedback, the Salt Ice may be the better choice for you. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will come down to your personal preferences in terms of typing feel, sound, and the specific qualities that each switch offers.

Mentioned in this article

Outemu Maple Leaf Tactile

$3.10 per 10

Learn more

Jerrzi Salt Ice Linear

$2.79

$2.30 per 10

Learn more