Outemu Maple Leaf vs. TTC Silent Red

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Maple Leaf and the TTC Silent Red offer unique typing experiences for users. The Outemu Maple Leaf is a tactile switch, known for its distinctive feel and feedback during typing. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Red is a linear switch, prized for its smooth and quiet operation, making it ideal for environments where noise is a concern. The Maple Leaf switch is best known for its None feature, while the Silent Red is best known for its buttery, mild, muted, and polished attributes. If you're seeking a switch that provides a satisfying tactile click with every keystroke, the Maple Leaf may be the right choice for you. However, if you prioritize a seamless and silent typing experience, the Silent Red switch might better suit your needs. Nevertheless, 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

TTC Silent Red Linear

$3.10 per 10

$5.28

$4.38 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The Outemu Maple Leaf and TTC Silent Red switches both utilize different housing materials for their top and bottom parts, with the Maple Leaf featuring nylon for both and the Silent Red utilizing polycarbonate for the top and nylon for the bottom. The Maple Leaf's nylon top housing creates a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition, absorbing more sound and resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Silent Red's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, as polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic that leads to a more clear and resonant sound. Despite these differences, both switches emphasize the importance of housing material in sound production, showcasing how nylon and polycarbonate can alter the sound profile of a switch significantly.

In terms of their bottom housing materials, both the Maple Leaf and Silent Red switches utilize nylon, which results in a similar deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. Nylon's softer plastic composition allows for more sound absorption, creating a rounder and duller sound that is consistent across both switches. However, the choice to use polycarbonate for the top housing in the Silent Red switch adds a sharpness and clarity to the sound profile that sets it apart from the Maple Leaf's more uniform nylon construction. This contrast highlights the impact that different housing materials can have on the overall sound experience of a switch, demonstrating how even subtle material changes can result in noticeable differences in sound quality.

Overall, the housing materials used in both the Outemu Maple Leaf and TTC Silent Red switches play a crucial role in shaping the sound profiles of each switch. While both switches feature nylon bottom housings that create a deeper and fuller sound profile, the decision to use polycarbonate for the Silent Red's top housing offers a distinct sharpness and clarity not found in the Maple Leaf. This difference showcases how material choices, even within the same switch, can lead to unique sound characteristics that cater to different preferences. Whether it be the softer, duller sound of nylon or the crisper, sharper sound of polycarbonate, both housing materials bring their own distinctive qualities to the typing experience, emphasizing the importance of housing material in switch design and customization.

Weight

When comparing the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch and the TTC Silent Red linear switch, one noticeable difference is in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Maple Leaf has a slightly heavier actuation force of 55 grams compared to the Silent Red's 45 grams. However, both switches have a similar bottom out force, with the Maple Leaf at 65 grams and the Silent Red at 63.5 grams. This means that while the Maple Leaf may require a bit more force to register a keystroke, the overall typing experience in terms of bottoming out is quite comparable between the two. The weight of the switches can play a significant role in how comfortable typing feels for different users. Some may prefer the lighter actuation force of the Silent Red for extended typing sessions, while others may appreciate the slightly heavier actuation force of the Maple Leaf for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.

Travel distance

The Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the TTC Silent Red linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm. This makes the TTC Silent Red the longer travel distance of the two switches. For those who prefer a shorter travel distance, the Outemu Maple Leaf would be the better option as it offers a slightly more responsive feel. Gamers, in particular, may appreciate the shorter travel distance for faster response times during gameplay. On the other hand, those who prefer a more substantial key press may lean towards the TTC Silent Red with its longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the type of typing or gaming experience the user desires.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch is not known for any specific sound properties, while the TTC Silent Red linear switch is best known for its muted sound profile. A muted switch like the Silent Red produces a softer and quieter sound, perfect for environments where noise levels need to be kept to a minimum. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard chassis and keycaps used.

In terms of feel, the Outemu Maple Leaf switch does not have any specific descriptions, while the TTC Silent Red linear switch is known for its buttery, mild, and polished feel. A buttery switch like the Silent Red offers a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, providing a seamless and effortless typing sensation. Additionally, the mild characteristic ensures a gentle typing experience that is approachable to most users, while the polished finish results in reduced friction and smooth key travel.

Overall, if you're seeking a quieter typing experience, the TTC Silent Red linear switch would be the preferred choice with its muted sound profile. Additionally, the smooth and polished feel of the Silent Red switch ensures a comfortable and consistent typing experience. While the Outemu Maple Leaf switch may not have as much information available, you can expect a similar level of quietness and smoothness in typing based on the descriptions of the Silent Red switch's qualities. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on personal preference for sound and feel.

Conclusion

In closing, when deciding between the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch and the TTC Silent Red linear switch, consider the factors that matter most to you. If you prioritize a smooth and quiet typing experience, especially for use in an office or shared living space, the Silent Reds are the optimal choice with their muted sound profile and padded bottom-out feel. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force and are looking for a unique typing experience, the Maple Leaf may be the better option for you. Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference and your specific needs for a mechanical keyboard switch.

Mentioned in this article

Outemu Maple Leaf Tactile

$3.10 per 10

Learn more

TTC Silent Red Linear

$5.28

$4.38 per 10

Learn more