Outemu Maple Leaf vs. Durock Sea Glass

Overview

When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Maple Leaf, a tactile switch, and the Durock Sea Glass, a linear switch, each offer their own unique qualities. The Maple Leaf is best known for its tactile feedback, providing a satisfying bump during typing. On the other hand, the Sea Glass stands out for its captivating pastel colors and smooth, frictionless typing experience. While the Maple Leaf offers a more pronounced tactile feel, the Sea Glass provides a lighter, airy typing experience with a distinct dryness. If you prefer a switch with a noticeable bump and tactile response, the Maple Leaf may be the better choice. However, for those seeking a smooth, feather-light typing experience with a unique sound profile, the Sea Glass switch could be the ideal option. 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

Durock Sea Glass Linear

$3.10 per 10

$5.80

$4.87 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The Outemu Maple Leaf and Durock Sea Glass both feature top and bottom housings made of nylon, which is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound. However, the Sea Glass sets itself apart with a top housing that includes a unique blend of Polymer nylon and UHMWPE, resulting in a slightly brighter sound profile compared to the Maple Leaf. This difference in material composition gives the Sea Glass a distinct sound characteristic that may appeal to those looking for a switch with a bit more brightness in its sound profile.

In terms of feel, the bottom housing material plays a significant role in determining the bottom-out sound and feel of a switch. With both the Maple Leaf and Sea Glass featuring nylon bottom housings, users can expect a similar impact on the typing experience in terms of how each switch feels when bottoming out keys. However, the Sea Glass's unique blend of Polymer nylon and UHMWPE in the top housing may provide a slightly different feel when typing, potentially offering a smoother or more unique tactile experience compared to the Maple Leaf.

Overall, while both switches share a common material in their bottom housing, the unique blend of Polymer nylon and UHMWPE in the Sea Glass's top housing sets it apart from the Maple Leaf. This distinction results in a switch with a sound profile that leans towards the brighter side, offering a pleasant typing experience that differs slightly from the deeper and fuller sound profile of the Maple Leaf. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches may come down to personal preference in sound and feel, with the Sea Glass offering a unique twist on the classic nylon housing material.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch and the Durock Sea Glass linear switch, it is clear that the Maple Leaf is the heavier option. The Maple Leaf has an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, making it a medium-heavy option. On the other hand, the Sea Glass is lighter, with an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 62 grams, placing it in the medium range. Both switches provide a tactile typing experience, but the Maple Leaf requires a bit more force to actuate and bottom out. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Sea Glass may be a better option, allowing for longer typing sessions without fatigue. However, for users who enjoy a more substantial push feel, the Maple Leaf may be the preferred choice. 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 compared to the Durock Sea Glass linear switch with a travel distance of 3.8 mm. The Maple Leaf offers a quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance, making it a popular choice among gamers. On the other hand, the Sea Glass provides a slightly deeper key press feel with its longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference - whether you prioritize speed and responsiveness or a more substantial key press. Both switches offer unique advantages based on their respective travel distances, catering to different user preferences.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Maple Leaf and Sea Glass switches both offer unique characteristics that can enhance the overall typing experience. The Maple Leaf switch's sound profile might be more muted compared to the Sea Glass switch due to its lack of tactile feedback. On the other hand, the Sea Glass switches produce a hollow sound that adds to the overall typing experience, creating an auditory feedback that some users may find soothing. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard housing and keycaps used.

When it comes to the feel of the switches, the Maple Leaf switch offers a different typing experience compared to the Sea Glass switches. The Maple Leaf's tactile feedback provides a unique sensation under the fingers, which can help with typists looking for confirmation of key presses. On the other hand, the Sea Glass switches are described as frictionless, mild, feathery, and easy-to-press. This means that the Sea Glass switches offer a smooth and effortless typing experience with minimal resistance, making it comfortable for extended typing sessions.

Overall, both the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch and the Durock Sea Glass linear switch offer distinct qualities that cater to different preferences. The Maple Leaf switch provides tactile feedback for typists who prefer a more pronounced feel while typing, whereas the Sea Glass switches offer a smooth and light typing experience with a unique sound profile. Depending on your personal preferences and typing style, either switch can provide a satisfying and enjoyable typing experience. Ultimately, trying out both switches in person is the best way to determine which one suits your needs and preferences the most.

Conclusion

To sum up, when considering the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch versus the Durock Sea Glass linear switch, the decision ultimately comes down to your personal preference for typing experience. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and are looking for a tactile switch without any specific standout features, the Maple Leaf may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you are drawn to the captivating pastel colors and unique typing experience offered by the Sea Glass switch series, with its smooth and weightless feel, as well as a distinct hollow sound signature, then the Durock Sea Glass linear switch may be more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, both switches have their own strengths and characteristics, so it's important to consider what you prioritize in a mechanical keyboard switch before making a decision.

Mentioned in this article

Outemu Maple Leaf Tactile

$3.10 per 10

Learn more

Durock Sea Glass Linear

$5.80

$4.87 per 10

Learn more