Outemu Maple Leaf vs. Gazzew U4T
An in-depth look at the Outemu Maple Leaf and the Gazzew U4T switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Maple Leaf and the Gazzew U4T both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Maple Leaf is a tactile switch known for its None, while the Gazzew U4T stands out for its harmonious fusion of thockiness and sharp tactility. The Maple Leaf and U4T are both categorized as tactile switches, but they differ in their sound profiles and feedback. The U4T's bassy 'thock' sound paired with assertive tactile feedback creates a satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the Maple Leaf offers a different tactile 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
65g
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
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel 17.5mm Korean spring
Housing materials
The Outemu Maple Leaf and Gazzew U4T both use unique housing materials that contribute to their sound profiles. The Maple Leaf utilizes nylon for both its top and bottom housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softness of the plastic. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4T features a proprietary Gazzew blend for both top and bottom housing, known for its rich and deep sound profile. While both switches offer a similar typing experience with their soft housing materials, the specific blend used in the U4T may provide a slightly different sound compared to the Nylon used in the Maple Leaf.
In terms of sound production, the top housing of the switches plays a significant role in the sound when releasing a key, while the bottom housing has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when typing. The Nylon top housing of the Maple Leaf contributes to a duller and rounder sound upon key release, enhancing the overall typing experience. Likewise, the Gazzew blend top housing of the U4T provides a rich and deep sound profile due to its softness. However, the difference in housing materials between the top and bottom of the switches may lead to subtle variations in sound and typing feel.
Overall, both the Outemu Maple Leaf and Gazzew U4T offer a premium typing experience with their unique housing materials. While the Maple Leaf's Nylon housing provides a traditional softer touch and sound profile, the Gazzew U4T's proprietary Gazzew blend offers a more specialized typing experience with its rich and deep sound profile. Whether you prefer the classic feel of Nylon or the innovative blend of the U4T, both switches deliver impressive sound quality and typing satisfaction for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
The Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch has an actuation force of 55 grams, making it lighter than the Gazzew U4T tactile switch, which has an unknown actuation force. However, both switches have a bottom out force of 65 grams, placing them in the medium-heavy category. The actuation force of a switch is crucial for determining the amount of force needed to trigger a keystroke, while the bottom out force indicates the pressure required to fully press a key. Some users may prefer the lighter actuation force of the Maple Leaf for extended typing sessions, while others may opt for the heavier bottom out force of the U4T for a more substantial typing experience. Overall, the choice between the two switches ultimately depends on individual preference for typing feel and weight preference.
Travel distance
The Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Gazzew U4T tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Maple Leaf has a shorter travel distance compared to the U4T. The shorter travel distance of the Maple Leaf may appeal to those looking for faster response times, such as gamers. On the other hand, the longer travel distance of the U4T may provide a more substantial and satisfying key press for those who prefer a deeper feeling. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for travel distance and typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Outemu Maple Leaf comes in at $3.10, whereas the Gazzew U4T comes in at $6.50.
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 not being particularly distinctive in this aspect, whereas the Gazzew U4T switch offers a bassy and thocky sound profile, providing a deep and satisfying auditory experience with each keystroke. The U4T's harmonious fusion of thockiness and bass tones creates a rich sound that adds to the tactile feedback, enhancing the overall typing experience.
Moving on to feel, the Maple Leaf switch's tactile feel is unspecified, while the Gazzew U4T switch is described as offering a sharp tactile bump that provides a high intensity feedback with each key press. This strong and crisp tactile bump is distinct and easily felt, adding to the overall tactile satisfaction of typing on the U4T switch.
Overall, the Gazzew U4T switch stands out for its combination of a bassy and thocky sound profile along with a sharp tactile feedback that makes every keystroke satisfying both in terms of sound and feel. The Maple Leaf switch, on the other hand, may provide a more neutral experience both in sound and feel. Depending on personal preference, users seeking a more pronounced auditory and tactile experience may find the Gazzew U4T switch to be a more preferable option.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when deciding between the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch and the Gazzew U4T tactile switch, you should consider your preference for sound and feel. If you prefer a switch with a harmonious fusion of thockiness and sharp tactility, along with a bassy 'thock' sound profile, the Gazzew U4T would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you are looking for a medium-heavy switch without any specific standout features, the Outemu Maple Leaf could be a suitable option. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of sound and feel, so take into account what qualities matter most to you in a keyboard switch.
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