Outemu Maple Leaf vs. HMX Sunset Gleam

Overview

When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Maple Leaf and the HMX Sunset Gleam offer distinct experiences that cater to different user preferences. The Outemu Maple Leaf, recognized for its tactile feedback, provides a noticeable bump upon actuation that can enhance typing accuracy and make it ideal for writers and gamers who favor precise keystrokes. In contrast, the HMX Sunset Gleam, a linear switch, is celebrated for its smooth keypress and silent operation, appealing to those who prefer a fluid typing experience without the tactile interruption. With the Sunset Gleam's well-crafted materials and excellent factory lubrication, it delivers an enriched sound profile while maintaining a satisfying feel. Each switch has its own merits: the Maple Leaf for tactile enthusiasts and the Sunset Gleam for linear aficionados. 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

HMX Sunset Gleam Linear

$3.10 per 10

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Maple Leaf and the HMX Sunset Gleam, we see a distinct contrast between their top housings. The Maple Leaf utilizes a nylon top housing, renowned for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile. This characteristic is attributed to nylon's softer nature, which allows it to absorb sound effectively, resulting in a duller and rounder auditory experience. In stark contrast, the Sunset Gleam is equipped with a polycarbonate top housing, which is stiffer and enables the creation of a sharper, more resonant sound. Polycarbonate’s rigidity allows for clearer acoustic properties, making it an appealing choice for those seeking crisp sound profiles, especially in environments where RGB lighting is implemented due to its translucent qualities.

However, when it comes to the bottom housings of both switches, they align in their use of nylon material. This creates a cohesive element in their designs, as both the Maple Leaf and the Sunset Gleam deliver a similar bottom-out sound and feel. The nylon bottom housing preserves the qualities typical of a softer plastic, producing that deeper and fuller sound profile which is consistent across both models. Consequently, users of either switch can anticipate a comparable tactile experience at the point of actuation, thereby influencing the overall auditory feedback while typing. This emphasizes how crucial the bottom housing is in determining the feel and sound when keys are pressed down completely.

In summary, the key differences between the Outemu Maple Leaf and the HMX Sunset Gleam lie primarily in their top housings, while their bottom housings maintain a unified experience thanks to both being crafted from nylon. The Maple Leaf’s nylon top produces a softer, more muted sound, contrasting with the clear and bright tones of the polycarbonate top in the Sunset Gleam. Yet, when it comes to the overall user experience during key presses and the resultant bottom-out sound, the nylon bottom housing means that both switches share similar outcomes. Therefore, even with distinct top housing materials, players can achieve satisfying acoustic properties when engaging with these switches, showcasing how housing materials affect sound and feel within mechanical keyboards.

Weight

When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch and the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switch, clear distinctions emerge. The Maple Leaf features a heavier actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, making it ideal for those who prefer a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Sunset Gleam is significantly lighter, with an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams. This lighter feel can be advantageous for users who type for extended periods or engage in lengthy gaming sessions, as it requires less effort to actuate. Therefore, the Maple Leaf is better suited for those who enjoy a robust tactile feedback, while the Sunset Gleam accommodates users favoring a gentler touch. Overall, these differences in weight result in varied typing experiences, appealing to different preferences in keystroke force.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch and the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switch, the Maple Leaf features a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Sunset Gleam has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that if you are looking for a switch that offers quicker responsiveness due to less travel distance, the Maple Leaf would be the better choice. Conversely, if you prefer a more substantial key press and a greater depth when typing or gaming, the Sunset Gleam would cater to those preferences better with its longer travel distance. Ultimately, the difference in travel distance could influence your typing or gaming experience significantly, depending on your personal preferences for responsiveness or depth.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Outemu Maple Leaf switch remains somewhat of a mystery, as its auditory characteristics aren’t well-documented. On the other hand, the HMX Sunset Gleam switch stands out with its satisfying clack and subtle top-out, a result of HMX's careful material selection and excellent factory lubrication. These features combine to deliver a pleasant auditory experience that many users find appealing. However, it's important to remember that the final sound produced by any switch can vary significantly depending on the keyboard's construction and the choice of keycaps.

In terms of feel, the Maple Leaf switch does not have detailed descriptions readily available, leaving its tactile sensation somewhat ambiguous. Conversely, the Sunset Gleam switch offers a notably smooth linear experience, characterized by its lack of tactile bump—making it ideal for those who favor a gliding keypress without interruption. This smoothness is complemented by the careful lubrication that enhances the overall feel, ensuring a comfortable typing experience that minimizes finger fatigue.

In summary, while the Outemu Maple Leaf's qualities remain largely unknown, the HMX Sunset Gleam impresses with its satisfying sound profile and smooth linear feel. If you’re looking for a switch with distinct auditory and tactile qualities, the Sunset Gleam is a standout option. For those interested in the Maple Leaf, experimenting with it on different boards and keycaps may reveal its potential, but you may find it does not deliver the same level of auditory feedback and tactile satisfaction as the Sunset Gleam.

Conclusion

To conclude, your choice between the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch and the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switch ultimately hinges on your typing preferences and usage scenarios. If you prefer a medium-heavy tactile switch that provides a pronounced feedback during your typing experience, the Maple Leaf might be the right fit for you, especially if you enjoy a more deliberate feel when pressing each key. The 65-gram bottom-out force can be great for typists who want to minimize accidental keystrokes while still being comfortable for longer sessions. However, if you favor a smoother typing experience with faster key presses, the HMX Sunset Gleam is an excellent option for you with its lighter 48-gram bottom-out force. This can be particularly ideal for fast-paced gaming or typists who prioritize speed over tactile feedback. Additionally, the subtle top-out and satisfying sound profile of the Sunset Gleam, enhanced by excellent factory lubrication, provide a unique satisfaction that might appeal to those who enjoy a quieter yet responsive switch. Ultimately, your choice should reflect your personal preferences for tactile response, sound, and the types of activities you engage in most frequently with your keyboard.

Mentioned in this article

Outemu Maple Leaf Tactile

$3.10 per 10

Learn more

HMX Sunset Gleam Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn more