Outemu Maple Leaf vs. Gateron Silent Ink Black
An in-depth look at the Outemu Maple Leaf and the Gateron Silent Ink Black switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Outemu Maple Leaf, a tactile switch, and the Gateron Silent Ink Black, a linear switch. The Maple Leaf switch is best known for its tactile feedback and satisfying click with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Silent Ink Black is loved for its silenced version, making it ideal for environments where quiet typing is necessary. The Silent Ink Black switch offers a smooth, pillow-like bottom-out feel with minimal audio feedback. While the Maple Leaf switch provides a tactile experience, the Silent Ink Black switch offers a more muted and polished 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
60g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
70g
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
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Color coated
Housing materials
In terms of their top housing materials, the Outemu Maple Leaf and the Gateron Silent Ink Black offer distinct sound profiles. The Maple Leaf's nylon top housing produces a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer plastic composition, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when typing. In contrast, the Silent Ink Black's proprietary INK blend top housing generates a pointed and higher-pitched sound that is often described as clacky. While both materials aim to enhance the typing experience, they cater to different preferences in terms of sound output.
On the other hand, the bottom housing materials of the two switches also contribute to their overall sound profile. The nylon bottom housing of the Maple Leaf provides a deeper and fuller sound, similar to its top housing, creating a consistent typing experience. Meanwhile, the INK blend bottom housing of the Silent Ink Black complements its top housing by adding a pointed and high-pitched sound to the mix. This combination of bottom and top housing materials in each switch helps to create a unique typing sound that appeals to different users.
Overall, the difference in housing materials between the Outemu Maple Leaf and the Gateron Silent Ink Black results in contrasting typing experiences. While the Maple Leaf offers a deeper and fuller sound profile with its nylon top and bottom housings, the Silent Ink Black delivers a more pointed and clacky sound with its proprietary INK blend materials. Despite these differences, both switches aim to provide an enhanced typing experience through their unique housing materials, catering to a variety of user preferences in terms of sound output.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch, it is clear that the Silent Ink Black is slightly heavier in both categories. The Maple Leaf has an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, while the Silent Ink Black has an actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams. Both switches fall into the medium-heavy category, offering a substantial typing experience. Those who prefer a lighter touch may lean towards the Maple Leaf for longer typing sessions or gaming, while those who enjoy a stronger push feel may opt for the Silent Ink Black for a more substantial typing experience. In terms of actuation force and bottom out force, the differences between the two switches are minimal, so users can expect similar results with either choice.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch is 3.3 mm, while the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. In terms of responsiveness, the Maple Leaf's shorter travel distance may appeal to gamers seeking quicker response times. On the other hand, the Silent Ink Black's longer travel distance may provide a more satisfying keystroke for those who prefer a deeper press. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches comes down to personal preference and the specific needs of the user. Both switches offer unique advantages, but the choice of a shorter or longer travel distance will impact the overall typing or gaming experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Silent Ink Black has an MSRP of $8.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Ink Black for $8.35.
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
In terms of sound, the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch is noted for its lack of significant information provided on its sound profile, while the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch is celebrated for its muted characteristics. The Silent Ink Black switch produces a softer and quieter sound, making it ideal for environments where minimal noise is preferred. It is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard's construction and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch does not have specific details available to highlight its typing experience, while the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch is described as offering a silky and polished feel. The silky smoothness of the Silent Ink Black switch enhances the overall typing experience by reducing resistance during key presses and releases. The polished finish of the switch contributes to a sleek and refined typing feel, promoting smooth key travel and minimizing friction.
In conclusion, while the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch have varying characteristics in terms of sound and feel, it is important to consider individual preferences when choosing between the two. If a quieter typing experience with a cushioned bottom-out feel is desired, the Silent Ink Black switch would be the preferred choice. However, if specific sound and feel preferences are unknown, both switches offer reliable performance that can deliver satisfying typing experiences. Ultimately, selecting the right switch comes down to personal preference and the specific requirements of the user.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch, consider your priorities. If you value a softer and quieter typing experience in a noise-sensitive environment, the Gateron Silent Ink Black switch would be a better choice for you with its cushioned bottom-out feel and minimal audio feedback. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly lighter bottom-out force and are looking for a switch with a different feel, the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch might be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences and the specific needs of your typing environment.
Mentioned in this article
