Outemu Maple Leaf vs. KTT Strawberry

Overview

When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts often find themselves weighing the distinct characteristics of tactile and linear options, such as the Outemu Maple Leaf and the KTT Strawberry. The Maple Leaf, although lacking notable features, can still appeal to those who enjoy a tactile feedback experience without the overemphasis on actuation noise. On the other hand, the KTT Strawberry stands out with its visually appealing pink and clear housings, earning praise for its silky-smooth actuation and polished feel, making it a favorite for users seeking a frictionless, buttery typing experience. Each switch caters to different preferences: tactile fans may favor the tactile feedback of the Maple Leaf for a more engaging typing sensation, while linear switch enthusiasts might find the smoothness and reliability of the Strawberry more satisfying for gaming or typing speed. 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

KTT Strawberry Linear

$3.10 per 10

$4.91 per 10

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Housing materials

The Outemu Maple Leaf and the KTT Strawberry mechanical switches present interesting contrasts in their housing materials that significantly affect their sound profiles and overall typist experience. The Maple Leaf features both its top and bottom housings crafted from nylon, a classic material known for its softer properties. This softness allows the nylon housings to absorb more sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller auditory experience when typing. In contrast, the KTT Strawberry employs polycarbonate for both its top and bottom housings, a stiffer plastic that produces a sharper and crisper sound profile. The inherent qualities of each material not only influence the tonal characteristics of the switches but also provide distinct tactile feedback during use.

When focusing on the top housing of each switch, the differences become even clearer. The nylon top housing of the Maple Leaf emphasizes a duller, more rounded sound that complements a sound-dampened typing experience, making it favorable for users who prefer quieter key presses. Conversely, the polycarbonate top housing of the Strawberry is designed to create higher-pitched, more resonant sounds, enhancing the auditory feedback when keys are released. Additionally, the translucency of the polycarbonate makes it especially appealing for RGB lighting setups, allowing the illumination to shine brightly through the casing and create visually stunning effects that the nylon housing cannot replicate.

Ultimately, the interplay between the top and bottom housings of the switches provides a complete experience for the user. With the two housing types in the Maple Leaf being the same material, users can expect a consistent sound profile when bottoming out the key and releasing it, maintaining that full, muted auditory quality throughout. The Strawberry, due to its polycarbonate materials, will offer a combination of high-pitched sounds upon key release and crisp feedback when bottoming out, appealing to those who appreciate a more pronounced auditory response. Therefore, while the two mechanical switches exhibit fundamental differences in material composition and acoustics, they both influence the typing experience distinctly while catering to varied preferences among users.

Weight

When comparing the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch and the KTT Strawberry linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation forces. The Maple Leaf requires a heavier actuation force of 55 grams, while the Strawberry has a lighter actuation force of 43 grams. This means that users who prefer a more cushioned typing experience for extended periods may find the Strawberry switch more comfortable. However, regarding bottom out forces, the Maple Leaf reaches a bottom out force of 65 grams, slightly higher than the Strawberry's 62 grams. Consequently, while the Strawberry switch is lighter overall due to its lower actuation force, the Maple Leaf provides a more substantial feel with a higher bottom out force. For typists or gamers who enjoy a firmer push, the Maple Leaf may be the better choice, whereas those seeking a lighter touch for longer sessions may prefer the KTT Strawberry.

Travel distance

When comparing the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch and the KTT Strawberry linear switch, we see a distinct difference in their travel distances. The Maple Leaf features a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Strawberry has a longer travel distance of 4.0 mm. This makes the Maple Leaf the shorter of the two, appealing to users who appreciate quicker response times, which is often preferred by gamers. Conversely, the KTT Strawberry, with its greater travel distance, can offer a more substantial feel during key presses, which might be favored by those who appreciate a deeper, more tactile experience. Ultimately, if you prefer a switch that feels more responsive, the Maple Leaf may be the ideal choice, whereas if you like more depth in your keystrokes, the Strawberry would be preferable.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Outemu Maple Leaf switch is relatively unknown, leaving a gap in understanding its acoustic characteristics. On the other hand, the KTT Strawberry switch is celebrated for its low-pitched sound profile. This is advantageous for users seeking a quieter typing experience, as low-pitched switches generally produce a warmer, bass-heavy tone that is less likely to disrupt a shared workspace. However, it's important to keep in mind that the overall sound of a switch can be influenced by the keyboard's construction and the type of keycaps used.

In terms of feel, the Maple Leaf switch lacks specific descriptors that would help gauge its typing experience. In stark contrast, the KTT Strawberry switch is highly praised for its frictionless and silky sensation that provides an incredibly smooth typing experience. It allows for effortless keystrokes with minimal resistance, which contributes to a buttery and polished feel. These tactile qualities make the Strawberry switch particularly appealing to typists who prioritize comfort and fluidity in their typing motion, resulting in a pleasant and refined interaction with the keyboard.

Overall, while the subjective qualities of the Outemu Maple Leaf switch remain largely uncharted, the KTT Strawberry switch offers a clear advantage in both sound and feel. With its low-pitched acoustics and exceptionally smooth typing experience, it stands out as an excellent choice for those who look for reliability and comfort in their keyboard setup. If you're considering either option and prioritize sound and feel, the Strawberry will likely provide a more satisfying experience, whereas the Maple Leaf's qualities will remain a mystery until more information becomes available.

Conclusion

To conclude, when deciding between the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch and the KTT Strawberry linear switch, you'll want to consider your typing preferences and usage scenarios. If you prefer a medium-heavy tactile switch with a bit more resistance during your key presses, the Maple Leaf might suit you, especially for typing tasks that require a bit more feedback. However, if you seek a smoother, more effortless typing experience, the KTT Strawberry is an excellent choice with its frictionless, silky, and buttery feel, making it ideal for those long hours of typing or gaming where comfort and speed are paramount. Additionally, the low-pitched sound of the Strawberry offers a subtler auditory experience, which could enhance your concentration in quieter environments. Ultimately, your selection will depend on whether you prioritize the tactile feedback of the Maple Leaf or the plush, smooth actuation of the Strawberry, so choose based on what will feel most comfortable and effective for your typing style and activities.

Mentioned in this article

Outemu Maple Leaf Tactile

$3.10 per 10

Learn more

KTT Strawberry Linear

$4.91 per 10

Learn more