Outemu Maple Leaf vs. Gazzew U4Tx
An in-depth look at the Outemu Maple Leaf and the Gazzew U4Tx switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Maple Leaf and the Gazzew U4Tx both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Maple Leaf is best known for its tactile feedback, providing a satisfying bump with each key press. On the other hand, the U4Tx stands out for marrying the best of both worlds, offering a refined sound profile with a combination of deep thock and quiet topping out. While the Maple Leaf is categorized as tactile, the U4Tx falls under bassy, muted, and sharp. Choosing between these switches will ultimately come down to personal preference and typing style. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can 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
62.5g
Pre-travel
2.30 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
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 Korean spring
Housing materials
The Outemu Maple Leaf and Gazzew U4Tx switches both feature a nylon top housing material that contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile during typing. The nylon material is softer, absorbing more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Similarly, the U4Tx uses a proprietary Gazzew blend top housing, known as "boba plastic," which also provides a rich and deep sound profile due to its softness. In terms of sound, both switches offer a pleasant typing experience with their top housing materials.
Moving on to the bottom housing, the Maple Leaf utilizes nylon material that works in conjunction with the top housing to create a deeper and fuller sound profile during typing. The U4Tx, however, features its proprietary Gazzew blend bottom housing, maintaining consistency with the top housing material. This bottom housing also contributes to the rich and deep sound profile of the U4Tx switch, enhancing the overall typing experience. While the bottom housing materials differ between the two switches, they both aim to provide a satisfying sound and feel to users.
The combination of different housing materials in the Outemu Maple Leaf and Gazzew U4Tx switches highlights how each component plays a role in shaping the typing experience. The bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch, while the top housing impacts the sound when releasing a key. Despite their differences, both switches aim to deliver a pleasant typing experience, with the Nylon and Gazzew blend materials providing unique characteristics to the overall sound profile. Users can expect similar results in terms of sound quality and typing feel from both the Outemu Maple Leaf and Gazzew U4Tx switches, making them desirable options for those seeking a satisfying typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch and the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch, it is clear that the Maple Leaf is the heavier of the two. The Outemu Maple Leaf has an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, providing a medium-heavy typing experience. In contrast, the Gazzew U4Tx has a lower actuation force of None grams and a bottom out force of 62.5 grams, making it a medium switch. Both switches offer a tactile feel, but the Maple Leaf requires a slightly heavier touch to activate the keystroke compared to the U4Tx. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience for extended periods of time, the U4Tx may be the preferred choice. However, those who enjoy a more substantial typing feel may lean towards the Maple Leaf. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
The Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. In this case, the Gazzew U4Tx has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Outemu Maple Leaf. The difference may not be significant for some users, but for those who have a preference for a specific travel distance, it could make a difference in the typing or gaming experience. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are becoming more popular as they provide faster response times. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for travel distance and the tactile feedback provided by each switch.
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 U4Tx 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 tactile switch is known for a sound profile that is not specified. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch is celebrated for marrying the best of both worlds with a cleaner, refined sound profile. The U4Tx switches offer a deep, resonant "thock" when bottoming out, along with a whisper-quiet topping out sound. This provides a luxurious typing experience that is both acoustically pleasing and tactile. The U4Tx switches are described as having a bassy sound profile, offering a deeper and richer tone during key presses, while also being muted to minimize overall noise on your typing.
In terms of feel, the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch does not have a specific description. However, the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch is known for its sharp tactile feedback. The U4Tx provides a strong and crisp tactile bump with each keypress, offering a distinct and intense feedback experience. This sharp tactile sensation adds to the overall typing experience, making each keystroke more satisfying and engaging.
Taking all the available information into account, the Outemu Maple Leaf and Gazzew U4Tx tactile switches offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Maple Leaf's sound and feel characteristics remain unspecified, the U4Tx switches stand out for their refined sound profile, combining bassy tones with muted sound output, as well as sharp tactile feedback that enhances the typing experience. Depending on your personal preferences for sound and feel, both switches offer distinct advantages that cater to different typing styles and preferences. Ultimately, choosing between the two will depend on your individual preferences for sound, feel, and overall typing experience.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding between the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch and the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch, you should consider your preference for bottom out force. If you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force, the Maple Leaf with 65 grams may be the better option for you. However, if you enjoy a medium bottom out force, the U4Tx with 62.5 grams could be more suitable. Additionally, if you value a refined sound profile with a mix of deep "thock" and quiet topping out, the U4Tx may be the ideal choice for a luxurious typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch that offers a unique sound profile, such as a bassy or muted sound, the U4Tx may be better suited for you. Ultimately, both switches have their own strengths, so it's important to consider your preferences in both sound and feel when making your decision.
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