Outemu Maple Leaf vs. Gateron Weightlessness

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switches can significantly impact your typing experience, and two popular options to consider are the Outemu Maple Leaf and the Gateron Weightlessness, both tactile switches that cater to different preferences. The Maple Leaf switch is recognized for its unique tactile feedback, offering a distinct sensation with each keystroke, which many users find enhances their typing efficiency and accuracy. In contrast, the Gateron Weightlessness provides a subtle to moderate tactile feel, allowing for a smoother typing experience that is complemented by a balanced sound profile. While the Maple Leaf may appeal to those who enjoy a more pronounced tactile response, the Weightlessness caters to users looking for a gentler touch without sacrificing feedback. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.

By the numbers

Outemu Maple Leaf Tactile

Gateron Weightlessness Tactile

$3.10 per 10

$6.10

$5.50 per 10

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Housing materials

The Outemu Maple Leaf and Gateron Weightlessness share a notable similarity in their housing materials, both featuring nylon for the top and bottom housings. Nylon is recognized as a classic choice for mechanical switches due to its softer composition, which contributes to a deeper, fuller sound profile when typing. This shared material allows both switches to maintain a comparable auditory experience, as the sound absorption properties of nylon reduce the resonance associated with harder plastics. Consequently, users can expect an overall satisfying typing experience, characterized by a duller and rounder sound that promises to enhance the tactile enjoyment of each keystroke.

Despite the identical use of nylon in both models, the impact of each housing on the typing experience can vary slightly based on their construction and design. While both the Maple Leaf and Weightlessness utilize nylon in their housings, the overall acoustic outcome—particularly in terms of the bottom-out sound and felt response—may differ due to factors such as production quality, tolerances, and internal switch mechanics. Although the nylon material inherently creates a softer and more sound-dampening environment, the differing designs could lead to distinctive feel and sound nuances that typists may appreciate differently.

In summary, while both the Outemu Maple Leaf and Gateron Weightlessness feature nylon top and bottom housings, the subtleties and differences in their switch construction may yield a slightly varied typing experience. The foundational qualities of nylon will indeed provide a similar sound profile across both switches; however, the specifics of how each model executes its design—especially in terms of bottom-out feel and sound—will ultimately shape the unique performance characteristics of each switch. Users can confidently expect pleasant experiences from either switch due to their shared housing material, yet they might also be inclined to explore the distinct nuances that each can provide.

Weight

When comparing the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch, there are notable differences in their actuation forces that may influence a user's typing experience. The Outemu Maple Leaf has a measured actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, categorizing it as medium-heavy. In contrast, the Gateron Weightlessness features a lighter actuation force of 50 grams, making it a more suitable option for those who prefer less resistance while typing. However, the bottom out force for the Weightlessness switch remains unknown, leaving a gap in our understanding of how it feels when pressed fully down. While the Maple Leaf provides a more substantial push feel due to its heavier bottom out force, the Gateron Weightlessness may offer a lighter experience overall, appealing to users who prioritize comfort during long typing sessions. Consequently, those who enjoy a heavier switch experience would lean towards the Outemu Maple Leaf, while those seeking a lighter touch may find the Gateron Weightlessness more to their liking.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch, there is a slight difference between the two. The Maple Leaf has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Weightlessness features a travel distance of 3.4 mm. This makes the Maple Leaf the shorter option and the Weightlessness the longer one. For users who favor a more responsive and swift keypress, the Maple Leaf may be the preferred choice due to its slightly shallower travel. Conversely, those who appreciate a more substantial feel when pressing down may find the Weightlessness to be more satisfying with its deeper travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences regarding responsiveness versus depth.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The sound profile of the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch is not explicitly known, leaving a gap in understanding its auditory characteristics. In contrast, the Gateron Weightlessness switch is recognized for its balanced sound, which complements the tactile feedback it provides. This makes the Weightlessness a potentially more versatile option if you're concerned about noise, as its subtle to moderate sound could suit environments where quiet operation is preferred, provided that the overall sound will also be influenced by the keyboard's construction and keycap materials.

When it comes to the tactile feel, the Maple Leaf switch's characteristics are unknown, presenting an opportunity for discovery regarding how it engages the fingertips during typing. The Gateron Weightlessness, however, is known for offering a subtle to moderate tactile feedback, which is designed to provide an enjoyable typing experience without overwhelming the user. This balance means that the Weightlessness can satisfy those who appreciate tactile switches without being excessively pronounced, allowing for a pleasant user experience.

In summary, while the Outemu Maple Leaf switch's qualities are largely unknown, the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch stands out with its subtle to moderate tactile feedback and a balanced sound profile. For those seeking a known experience, the Weightlessness is likely to meet their expectations in terms of sound and feel, while the Maple Leaf remains a mystery waiting to be explored. If you're considering both, keep in mind that the performance can also be affected by external factors such as the keyboard's build and the chosen keycaps, meaning that similar results could be achieved through careful selection.

Conclusion

To conclude, when considering the choice between the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch, it ultimately boils down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a medium-heavy actuation with a firm bottom-out force of 65 grams, the Maple Leaf is likely your best bet. This weight can enhance your typing accuracy and provide a more satisfying feedback, making it ideal for those who enjoy a more pronounced tactile response in their keyboard experience. On the other hand, if you value a subtle to moderate tactile feedback with a balanced sound profile, the Gateron Weightlessness switch might be more suitable for you. The Weightlessness is designed for those who appreciate a gentler typing experience without the clack that often comes with heavier switches, making it an excellent choice for quieter environments. Ultimately, your decision should reflect whether you prioritize the pronounced tactile feel of the Maple Leaf or the smooth, more subdued feedback of the Weightlessness.

Mentioned in this article

Outemu Maple Leaf Tactile

$3.10 per 10

Learn more

Gateron Weightlessness Tactile

$6.10

$5.50 per 10

Learn more