Outemu Maple Leaf vs. Dareu Sky V3
An in-depth look at the Outemu Maple Leaf and the Dareu Sky V3 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Maple Leaf and the Dareu Sky V3 offer unique typing experiences. The Maple Leaf is a tactile switch, providing users with a satisfying bump feedback with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Dareu Sky V3 is a linear switch, offering a smooth and consistent keystroke without any tactile feedback. Both switches have their own advantages - the Maple Leaf is ideal for those who prefer a more tactile feel and increased feedback, while the Sky V3 is perfect for users who value a quiet and smooth 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
40g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
N/A
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
Partial box
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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
Overall, the Outemu Maple Leaf and the Dareu Sky V3 both offer unique characteristics in terms of their housing materials. The Maple Leaf's nylon top and bottom housing provide a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition which absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Sky V3's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile as a result of its stiffer plastic construction, leading to a more clear and resonant sound. While the Maple Leaf focuses on creating a more muted typing experience, the Sky V3 aims to produce a more distinct and precise sound when typing.
Despite their differences in housing materials, both the Maple Leaf and the Sky V3 ultimately deliver a satisfying typing experience. The use of nylon in the bottom housing of both switches contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, enhancing the overall typing feel. Additionally, while the top housings vary between nylon and polycarbonate, both materials serve their intended purposes well. The Maple Leaf's nylon top housing provides a unique sound characteristic, while the Sky V3's polycarbonate top housing is especially beneficial for users who appreciate RGB lighting effects due to its translucency.
In terms of design and performance, the housing materials of the Maple Leaf and Sky V3 play a significant role in shaping the typing experience. The split between the bottom and top housing materials allows for a more dynamic typing feel, with each material adding its own unique qualities to the switch. Whether you prefer a softer, more muted sound profile like that of the Maple Leaf, or a sharper, clearer sound like that of the Sky V3, both switches offer a high-quality typing experience that caters to different preferences and aesthetics. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference in terms of sound profile and design.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch and the Dareu Sky V3 linear switch, it is clear that the Maple Leaf is on the heavier side while the Sky V3 is lighter. 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 Sky V3 has an actuation force of 40 grams, making it lighter than the Maple Leaf. The bottom out force for the Sky V3 is unknown, which may affect the overall typing feel for users who prefer a switch with a specified bottom out force. Both switches offer different options for users based on their preference for lighter or heavier typing experiences. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on the individual's typing style and preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, making it shorter than the Dareu Sky V3 linear switch, which has a travel distance of 4 mm. The Maple Leaf offers a quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance, which is favored by gamers looking for faster reactions. On the other hand, the Sky V3 provides a deeper keystroke feel with its longer travel distance, which may be preferred by those who enjoy a more substantial key press. Both switches offer different tactile experiences based on their travel distances, catering to individual preferences for typing or gaming. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on whether you prioritize a shorter, snappier keystroke (Maple Leaf) or a longer, more deliberate keystroke (Sky V3).
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Dareu Sky V3 has an MSRP of $7.78 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sky V3 for $4.76.
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
When it comes to sound, the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch and the Dareu Sky V3 linear switch offer different experiences. The Maple Leaf's sound characteristics are unknown, while the Sky V3 is celebrated for its neutral sound profile, making it suitable for a wide range of typing preferences. While the Maple Leaf's sound remains a mystery, the Dareu Sky V3's subdued sound signature provides a quieter and more subtle typing experience, especially when paired with the right keyboard and keycaps.
Moving on to feel, the Maple Leaf switch's tactile feedback is not specified, whereas the Dareu Sky V3 switch is known for its mild tactile characteristics. The mild nature of the Sky V3 switch offers a gentle typing experience that falls within a safe middle-ground zone, making it approachable for most users. Without details on the tactile feel of the Maple Leaf switch, it is difficult to directly compare the two switches in this aspect.
In conclusion, while the sound and feel qualities of the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch and the Dareu Sky V3 linear switch vary in terms of specifics, both switches offer unique benefits to users. The neutral sound profile and mild tactile feel of the Sky V3 make it a versatile option favored for its balance of comfort and precision. Although details on the Maple Leaf switch are limited, users can expect a similar level of versatility and performance when compared to the Dareu Sky V3 switch. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches may come down to personal preference and the specific typing experience that each individual is seeking.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch and the Dareu Sky V3 linear switch, consider your typing preferences and environment. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and a tactile typing experience, the Maple Leaf may be the better option for you. On the other hand, if you value a neutral sound profile, medium-light weight, and a more gentle typing experience, the Dareu Sky V3 could be the ideal choice. Ultimately, both switches have their own strengths and cater to different preferences, so it's important to prioritize what factors are most important to you when choosing the right switch for your mechanical keyboard setup.
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