Outemu Maple Leaf vs. TTC Venus
An in-depth look at the Outemu Maple Leaf and the TTC Venus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Maple Leaf, a tactile switch, and the TTC Venus, a linear switch, offer distinct qualities to cater to different preferences. The Maple Leaf is best known for its tactile feedback, providing a satisfying bump sensation with each key press. In contrast, the TTC Venus stands out for its unique internal design, offering a smooth and frictionless typing experience with a matte texture that adds a touch of resistance for tactile feedback. While the Maple Leaf is categorized for its tactile response, the Venus is categorized as having a "buttery" and muted sound signature. Both switches have their own strengths and appeal, with the Maple Leaf being ideal for those who prefer a tactile feeling, and the TTC Venus for those who enjoy a smoother typing 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
45g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
52g
Pre-travel
2.30 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
3.80 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
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Lengthened 20.5mm spring
Housing materials
The Outemu Maple Leaf and TTC Venus both feature unique housing materials that contribute to the sound profile of the switches. The Maple Leaf's nylon top housing provides a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic nature, absorbing more sound for a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, the Venus's POM top housing creates a more muted sound with a deeper tone. While both materials aim to enhance the typing experience, the Nylon top housing may offer a slightly different sound compared to the POM top housing of the Venus.
In terms of the bottom housing, the Maple Leaf's nylon material offers a similar deep and fuller sound profile as the top housing, creating a consistent typing experience. On the other hand, the Venus's polycarbonate bottom housing brings a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This contrast in sound profiles between the bottom housings of the two switches highlights the impact of different materials on the overall typing experience. Despite this difference, both switches aim to provide a satisfying sound and feel while typing.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in the Outemu Maple Leaf and TTC Venus switches reflects their commitment to delivering a unique typing experience. While the Maple Leaf uses nylon for both top and bottom housing, creating a deeper and fuller sound, the Venus combines POM for the top housing and polycarbonate for the bottom housing for a more unique and muted sound profile. Both switches prioritize sound quality and aim to provide users with a satisfying typing experience, whether it be a deeper, rounder sound or a sharper, crisper sound. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches may come down to personal preference in sound profile and typing feel.
Weight
In comparing the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch and the TTC Venus linear switch, the actuation force and bottom out force play a significant role in determining the typing experience. The Maple Leaf has a higher actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, offering a medium-heavy feel. On the other hand, the Venus has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 52 grams, providing a medium-light touch. The difference in weights between these two switches caters to different preferences - the Maple Leaf is better suited for those who prefer a more substantial typing experience with a heavier push feel, while the Venus is ideal for users who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing sessions. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces, as well as the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.3mm, which is shorter than the 3.8mm travel distance of the TTC Venus linear switch. The Maple Leaf offers a quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance, making it a popular choice among gamers looking for faster feedback. On the other hand, the Venus switch provides a deeper keypress experience with its longer travel distance, which may be preferred by those who enjoy a more substantial feel while typing. While both switches offer unique characteristics, the choice between them ultimately comes down to individual preference for travel distance and keypress feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Venus has an MSRP of $7.99 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Venus for $5.09.
The Outemu Maple Leaf comes in at $3.10 per 10 switches.
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 remains a mystery with no specific descriptors provided. On the other hand, the TTC Venus linear switch is described as having a low-pitched, muted, neutral, subdued, and thocky sound profile. This means that the Venus switch offers a quieter and more bass-heavy typing experience compared to the average mechanical switch, with a satisfyingly dampened and subtle sound signature that will resonate with those seeking a more mellow typing experience.
In terms of feel, the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch does not have any specific descriptors available to discuss. However, the TTC Venus linear switch is described as having a buttery, gummy, frictionless, mild, and polished feel. This implies that the Venus switch provides a smooth, effortless keystroke experience with minimal resistance, offering a gentle and approachable typing sensation that is enhanced by its polished finish for a sleek and refined feel.
Taking all the available information into account, it is evident that the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch and the TTC Venus linear switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Maple Leaf switch remains a bit of a mystery, the Venus switch stands out for its unique Q-texture design that provides a smooth and engaging typing experience with a muted and pleasing sound profile. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound and feel, with both switches offering a unique and enjoyable typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch and the TTC Venus linear switch, consider your preferences in terms of bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and are looking for a switch with a neutral sound profile and feel, the Outemu Maple Leaf may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force, a low-pitched and muted sound profile, and a buttery or frictionless typing feel, the TTC Venus linear switch could be more suitable for your typing preferences. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on your personal typing style and what characteristics you prioritize in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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