Outemu Maple Leaf vs. TKC Tangerine
An in-depth look at the Outemu Maple Leaf and the TKC Tangerine switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Outemu Maple Leaf, a tactile switch, with the TKC Tangerine, a linear switch, it is evident that they each offer unique advantages to enhance your typing experience. The Maple Leaf is best known for its tactile feedback, providing a satisfying bump with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Tangerine stands out for its incredibly smooth feel, thanks to its UHWMPE housings, which are not commonly found in other mechanical switches. While the Maple Leaf offers a tactile experience, the Tangerine excels in providing a frictionless and buttery feel with a high-pitched clack sound. Each switch has its own strengths, catering to different preferences and typing styles. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
2.30 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
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
UHWMPE
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
UHWMPE
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold coated spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Maple Leaf and the TKC Tangerine, it is clear that they each offer unique sound profiles based on their construction. The Maple Leaf's nylon top housing provides a deeper and fuller sound, creating a duller and rounder typing experience. In contrast, the Tangerine's UHWMPE top housing offers a bright sound signature with resonant clacks, providing a more lively typing sound. While both materials impact the overall sound of the switch, the Maple Leaf's nylon offers a softer and more absorbent quality compared to the Tangerine's UHWMPE.
Similarly, the bottom housing materials of the Maple Leaf and Tangerine also contribute distinct sound profiles to the typing experience. The Maple Leaf's nylon bottom housing, like its top housing, provides a deeper and fuller sound with a softer plastic that absorbs more sound. On the other hand, the Tangerine's UHWMPE bottom housing offers a bright sound signature with resonant clacks, creating a more lively typing sound. Despite their differences, both housing materials play a significant role in determining the overall sound and feel of the switch when pressed.
Overall, the contrasting characteristics of the Outemu Maple Leaf and TKC Tangerine housing materials showcase how different materials can impact the typing experience. While the Maple Leaf's nylon provides a deeper and duller sound profile, the Tangerine's UHWMPE offers a brighter and more resonant sound. Despite these differences, both materials contribute to the overall typing sound and feel, with the bottom housing affecting the bottom-out sound and feel while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key. By understanding the unique qualities of each housing material, users can choose a switch that best suits their preferences for typing sound and feel.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch and the TKC Tangerine linear switch, there are some noticeable differences. The Maple Leaf has a higher actuation force of 55 grams compared to the Tangerine, which has a none specified force, making the Maple Leaf slightly heavier. However, when it comes to the bottom out force, the Maple Leaf requires 65 grams compared to the Tangerine's 62 grams, making the Tangerine slightly lighter in this aspect. Overall, the Maple Leaf offers a medium-heavy typing experience, while the Tangerine provides a medium feel. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Tangerine may be the better choice, while those looking for a bit more resistance may prefer the Maple Leaf. Ultimately, both switches offer different levels of force that cater to individual preferences.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch and the TKC Tangerine linear switch, we find that the Maple Leaf has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Tangerine has a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Tangerine has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Maple Leaf. The 4.0mm travel distance of the Tangerine falls into the more traditional range, while the 3.3mm of the Maple Leaf is on the shorter side. Gamers who prefer faster response times may lean towards the Maple Leaf due to its shorter travel distance, while those who enjoy a deeper keypress experience may opt for the Tangerine with its longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Outemu Maple Leaf comes in at $3.10, whereas the TKC Tangerine comes in at $6.30.
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 switch is known for being relatively quiet with a subtle tactile bump. On the other hand, the TKC Tangerine linear switch has a reputation for producing a high-pitched clack with each keystroke. This difference in sound profile can significantly impact the overall typing experience, with the Maple Leaf offering a more subdued acoustic experience compared to the Tangerine's sharper and crisper sound.
In terms of feel, the Maple Leaf switch lacks a specific descriptor, making it difficult to directly compare with the Tangerine switch. However, the Tangerine switch is praised for its frictionless, buttery, and polished feel. The UHWMPE housings used in the Tangerine switch contribute to its exceptionally smooth keystrokes, providing a typing experience that is effortless and enjoyable. The lack of resistance or friction in the Tangerine switch sets it apart from the Maple Leaf in terms of tactile feedback and typing comfort.
Overall, the choice between the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch and the TKC Tangerine linear switch ultimately comes down to personal preference. If you prefer a quieter typing experience with a subtle tactile bump, the Maple Leaf may be the better option for you. However, if you enjoy a high-pitched clack and a frictionless, buttery feel while typing, the Tangerine switch could be the ideal choice. Both switches offer unique qualities that can enhance your typing experience, so it is essential to consider your sound and feel preferences before making a decision.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch or the TKC Tangerine linear switch, it really comes down to your preference in terms of typing experience. If you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force and are looking for a tactile switch option, the Maple Leaf may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother and more effortless typing experience with a medium bottom out force, the Tangerine linear switch may be the better option. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so it's important to consider what aspects of sound and feel are most important to you when making your decision.
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