Outemu Maple Leaf vs. Bsun Tomcat

Overview

When selecting a mechanical keyboard switch, the choice often comes down to the experience you desire while typing or gaming. The Outemu Maple Leaf is a tactile switch that provides a pronounced feedback with a noticeable bump, ideal for typists who appreciate the tactile response that can enhance their typing accuracy and efficiency. On the other hand, the Bsun Tomcat is a linear switch, renowned for its smooth and consistent keypresses, thanks to its advanced Ly stems, making it a popular choice among gamers who prioritize fast and fluid keystrokes without any tactile interruption. While the Maple Leaf offers a satisfying tactility that can aid in typing, the Tomcat's resonance and smoothness lend themselves well to fast-paced gaming scenarios. 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

Bsun Tomcat Linear

$3.10 per 10

$2.99 per 10

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Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Maple Leaf and the Bsun Tomcat switches, a clear distinction can be observed in their top housing configurations. The Maple Leaf features a nylon top housing, which is known for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is attributed to the softer nature of nylon, which absorbs sound rather than reflecting it, resulting in a duller and rounder auditory experience. In contrast, the Bsun Tomcat utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which is stiffer and contributes to a sharper, crisper sound profile. This distinction means that while both switches can have distinct auditory experiences based on their tops—deeper for the Maple Leaf and more resonant for the Tomcat—they cater to different user preferences in sound quality.

Interestingly, both switches share the same material for their bottom housing: nylon. This commonality in the bottom housing means that both the Maple Leaf and Tomcat switches will exhibit similar characteristics in terms of feel and sound when bottoming out. The nylon material's inherent softness allows for a fuller sound that resonates while typing, irrespective of the top housing material. Such consistency ensures that users who opt for either switch will experience a relatively cohesive bottom-out experience, enhancing overall typing satisfaction. Therefore, despite the differences in top housing materials and resulting sound profiles, both switches provide a familiar and enriching tactile response at the bottom of the stroke.

Ultimately, the construction variances between the Maple Leaf and the Tomcat switches illustrate how different materials can lead to unique auditory characteristics while maintaining a sense of continuity at the bottom of the switch. The Maple Leaf’s softer nylon top creates a mellow and rounded sound whereas the Tomcat’s polycarbonate top heightens a sharper, clearer sound, reflecting the qualities of their respective top housings. As the performance is split between the materials, each switch presents a distinct character, yet harmonizes through the shared nylon bottom housing, enabling users to appreciate the specific sound and feel catering to their typing preferences.

Weight

The Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch and the Bsun Tomcat linear switch offer distinct tactile experiences due to their differing actuation and bottom out forces. The Maple Leaf has an actuation force of 55 grams, requiring a firmer press to trigger a keystroke, while the Tomcat features a much lighter actuation force of 45 grams, making it easier to press and ideal for extended typing or gaming sessions. In terms of bottom out force, the Maple Leaf's force measures 65 grams compared to the Tomcat's 54 grams, further emphasizing that the Maple Leaf requires more effort to press down fully. As a result, the Maple Leaf provides a heavier, more substantial typing experience, whereas the Tomcat caters to those who favor lighter feedback. Ultimately, users will prefer one over the other based on their individual typing preferences and comfort levels during prolonged use.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch and the Bsun Tomcat linear switch, the differences are quite clear. The Maple Leaf has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Tomcat features a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that if you choose the Maple Leaf, you'll experience a shorter and potentially quicker response, making it suitable for gamers or those who prefer a more immediate actuation. On the other hand, the Tomcat's longer travel distance may appeal to users who appreciate a more robust, traditional feel while typing or gaming. Thus, if you're seeking responsiveness, the Maple Leaf is the better option, whereas the Tomcat might be preferable for a deeper keystroke experience.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch is known for its unspecified sound characteristics, making it difficult to provide a clear comparison in this regard. On the other hand, the Bsun Tomcat linear switch is noted for producing a resonant sound profile, suggesting that it may offer a more defined auditory feedback compared to the Maple Leaf. Typically, the sound of any mechanical keyboard switch can also vary greatly depending on additional factors such as the keyboard's construction, the type of plate used, and the keycap material. Thus, while the Tomcat's resonant sound adds a certain acoustic quality to the typing experience, the Maple Leaf's qualities remain unknown.

When it comes to feel, the Outemu Maple Leaf switch does not have a defined tactile characteristic reported. In contrast, the Bsun Tomcat features Ly stems, which are designed for a super smooth typing experience. This smoothness is deeply appreciated by users who favor linear switches, as it allows for quiet, uninterrupted keystrokes. The tactile feedback of the Maple Leaf is uncertain, which may make it less engaging for users seeking pronounced tactile responses while typing.

In summary, the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch remains an enigmatic option in terms of both sound and feel, whereas the Bsun Tomcat linear switch is well-regarded for its unique resonant sound and exceptionally smooth typing experience. Although the Maple Leaf may not deliver the same definitive qualities, or at least they aren't clearly articulated, both options can potentially yield satisfying results depending on personal preferences. As always, personal trial and experimentation with various keyboard setups will help users find the ideal switch and overall typing experience tailored to their needs.

Conclusion

To sum up, your choice between the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch and the Bsun Tomcat linear switch ultimately depends on your typing preferences and usage scenarios. If you prefer a more tactile feel and a medium-heavy resistance, the Maple Leaf would suit you well, especially if you enjoy the satisfaction of felt feedback while typing or gaming. Its 65-gram bottom-out force may provide a sense of stability and control that some users find comforting, particularly when executing precise movements. On the other hand, if you lean towards a smoother, more fluid typing experience with less resistance, the Tomcat switch might be more to your liking. Weighing in at only 54 grams, it allows for quick, effortless keystrokes and is ideal for fast typists or gamers seeking speed and responsiveness. Additionally, the Tomcat's renowned Ly stems contribute to a remarkably smooth actuation, making it a top choice for those who value seamless transitions between keys. Therefore, when considering the sound and feel of each switch, the Maple Leaf provides a distinct tactile feedback suited for those who enjoy a bit of resistance, while the Tomcat's smoother linear action is perfect for a quiet, swift typing experience. Ultimately, your decision should reflect your typing style and gaming habits, ensuring that you choose the switch that enhances your overall experience.

Mentioned in this article

Outemu Maple Leaf Tactile

$3.10 per 10

Learn more

Bsun Tomcat Linear

$2.99 per 10

Learn more