Outemu Maple Leaf vs. KTT Sea Salt Lemon
An in-depth look at the Outemu Maple Leaf and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Maple Leaf and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon offer unique typing experiences that cater to different preferences. The Maple Leaf is a tactile switch, known for its classification, while the Sea Salt Lemon stands out as a linear switch with low-pitched, neutral, mild characteristics. Those seeking a satisfying tactile feedback may lean towards the Maple Leaf, while the Sea Salt Lemon's smooth and consistent keystrokes may appeal to those who prefer a linear feel. Let's dive a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
53g
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
No
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
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
13mm progressive spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Maple Leaf and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon, there is a notable difference in the top housings. The Maple Leaf utilizes nylon for its top housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer nature of nylon that absorbs more sound. On the other hand, the Sea Salt Lemon opts for a polycarbonate top housing, creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The translucent nature of polycarbonate also makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting, offering a visually appealing option for those looking for aesthetics in addition to performance.
In contrast, when examining the bottom housings of these two switches, both the Maple Leaf and the Sea Salt Lemon utilize nylon. This classic switch housing material provides a deeper and fuller sound profile, as the softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound than harder plastics. As a result, both switches offer a similar typing experience in terms of sound and feel, showcasing the consistency of nylon as a reliable housing material for switches. Despite the differences in their top housings, the shared use of nylon in the bottom housing ensures a comparable performance in terms of sound profile and typing experience.
Overall, while the top housings of the Outemu Maple Leaf and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon offer contrasting sound profiles with nylon and polycarbonate respectively, the shared use of nylon in the bottom housings results in a similar typing experience in terms of sound and feel. The choice between nylon and polycarbonate for the top housing ultimately comes down to personal preference in sound profile, with nylon offering a deeper and fuller sound while polycarbonate provides a sharper and crisper sound. Both switches showcase the importance of housing material in determining the overall typing experience, demonstrating how even subtle differences can have a significant impact on sound and feel.
Weight
The Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch has a heavier actuation force and bottom out force compared to the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch. The Maple Leaf requires 55 grams of force to actuate and 65 grams to bottom out, while the Sea Salt Lemon only needs 45 grams to actuate and 53 grams to bottom out. The Maple Leaf provides a more substantial typing experience with its medium-heavy forces, ideal for those who prefer a stronger push feel. On the other hand, the Sea Salt Lemon offers a lighter typing experience with its medium-light forces, making it suitable for longer typing sessions or gaming sessions where fatigue can be a concern. Both switches have their strengths based on the weight preference of the user, ensuring that typing comfort is optimized for individual needs.
Travel distance
The Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, making it shorter than the KTT Sea Salt Lemon 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, which may appeal to gamers looking for faster input. On the other hand, the Sea Salt Lemon switch provides a deeper feel with its longer travel distance, potentially offering a more satisfying typing experience for those who prefer more depth to their keystrokes. Both switches offer different travel distances, catering to the preferences of individuals who may prioritize speed or tactile feedback in their typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and typing feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Outemu Maple Leaf comes in at $3.10, whereas the KTT Sea Salt Lemon comes in at $2.80.
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 tactile switch does not have a specific reputation in the community while the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch is described as having a low-pitched and neutral sound profile. The low-pitched characteristic offers a bass-heavy and mellow tone, making it a soothing option for typists. On the other hand, the neutral sound profile means that these switches have a moderate actuation force requirement and sound profile suitable for a wide range of users, whether beginners or advanced typists.
As for the feel, the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch also lacks a distinct reputation, while the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch is known for providing a mild typing experience. This mild feel offers a gentle typing sensation without pronounced characteristics, making it comfortable for extended typing sessions. The switches' qualities fall in a safe middle-ground zone, appealing to a broad audience seeking a pleasant typing experience.
In conclusion, while the subjective qualities of the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch are not as widely known as those of the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch, it is evident that the Sea Salt Lemon switch offers a unique typing experience with a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, along with a mild and gentle feel. Both switches provide smooth typing experiences, making them suitable for various typing preferences. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on individual preferences regarding sound, feel, and typing style.
Conclusion
In sum, when choosing between the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch, consider your preference for typing force and sound profile. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and a neutral sound profile, the Maple Leaf may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-light bottom out force and a low-pitched, buttery smooth typing experience, the Sea Salt Lemon would be a better fit. Ultimately, your decision should come down to personal preference and the typing experience you are looking for in a mechanical keyboard switch.
Mentioned in this article
