Outemu Maple Leaf vs. Wuque Studio WS Jade
An in-depth look at the Outemu Maple Leaf and the Wuque Studio WS Jade switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When looking at mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Outemu Maple Leaf and the Wuque Studio WS Jade. The Maple Leaf is a tactile switch, while the WS Jade is a linear switch. The Maple Leaf is best known for its tactile feedback, providing a satisfying physical response when pressed. On the other hand, the WS Jade stands out for its unique metallic insert in the stem base, creating a distinct bright and resonant sound profile along with a mesmerizing RGB display. The typing experience with the Maple Leaf is described as smooth and creamy, while the WS Jade offers a rock-solid bottom-out feeling. If you prefer a tactile typing experience, the Maple Leaf may be the best choice for you. If you enjoy a linear switch with a unique sound and feel, the WS Jade could be the perfect fit. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.30 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
pom
Stem material
UPE
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
18mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
The Outemu Maple Leaf and the Wuque Studio WS Jade both use classic switch housing materials, with the Maple Leaf featuring a nylon top and bottom housing while the WS Jade uses a POM top and bottom housing. Nylon is known for its softer plastic properties, absorbing more sound to create a deeper and fuller sound profile. In contrast, POM housings create a unique and pleasing sound that is on the deeper side and relatively more muted. While both materials offer a similar effect in terms of sound profile, the specific characteristics of each material will contribute to a slightly different typing experience for users of these switches.
The distinction between the nylon and POM materials in the top and bottom housings of the Maple Leaf and WS Jade switches respectively, reveals how these housing materials impact the overall typing experience. The bottom housing, whether nylon or POM, plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch when pressed down. On the other hand, the top housing material, whether nylon or POM, has a greater influence on the sound when releasing the key. This split between top and bottom housing materials allows for a varied typing experience that caters to different preferences in sound and feel for mechanical keyboard users.
Ultimately, the choice between the Outemu Maple Leaf and the Wuque Studio WS Jade will depend on the individual's preference for sound and feel while typing. Both switches offer a unique and pleasing sound profile, with the Maple Leaf providing a deeper and fuller sound due to its nylon housing, while the WS Jade offers a more muted and deeper sound experience with its POM housing. Whether one prefers a softer, rounder sound profile or a deeper, more unique sound, both switches deliver high-quality typing experiences that cater to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community.
Weight
The Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Jade linear switch both have similar actuation and bottom out forces, with the Maple Leaf being slightly heavier. The Maple Leaf requires an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, while the WS Jade has an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the WS Jade may be the better option, as it requires less force to actuate and bottom out. On the other hand, the Maple Leaf provides a more substantial typing experience with its slightly heavier forces. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing feel and weight.
Travel distance
The Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, making it shorter than the Wuque Studio WS Jade linear switch with a travel distance of 3.6 mm. The Maple Leaf's shorter travel distance may appeal to gamers looking for faster response times, while the WS Jade's longer travel distance may provide a more substantial feel for those who prefer more depth when pressing down on a key. Both switches offer different tactile experiences based on their travel distances, so ultimately the choice between the two will depend on personal preference for responsiveness versus depth.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Outemu Maple Leaf comes in at $3.10, whereas the Wuque Studio WS Jade comes in at $4.30.
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 relatively unknown in terms of its specific sound characteristics. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Jade switch is well-known for its unique metallic insert in the stem base, creating a bright and resonant sound profile. Descriptors such as "clacky," "marbly," and "resonant" are used to characterize the sound of the WS Jade, indicating a sharp, clean, and immersive auditory experience. Keep in mind that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors like the keyboard's build and keycaps.
Moving on to the feel, the Outemu Maple Leaf switch lacks specific descriptors for its tactile feel. In contrast, the Wuque Studio WS Jade switch is described using terms like "silky" and "creamy," highlighting an exceptionally smooth and buttery typing experience. The creamy sensation suggests a feeling of gliding effortlessly across the keys with each keystroke, enhancing the overall typing comfort. The tactile feel of a switch is crucial in determining the typing satisfaction for users.
In conclusion, while the Outemu Maple Leaf and the Wuque Studio WS Jade switches offer different qualities in terms of sound and feel, it's important to consider personal preferences when choosing a mechanical keyboard switch. Both switches provide unique characteristics that cater to diverse typing preferences. Whether you prefer a quieter, smoother typing experience with the Maple Leaf, or a bright, resonant sound paired with creamy smoothness from the WS Jade, you can achieve satisfying results based on your individual preferences and needs. Ultimately, experimenting with different switches will help you find the perfect fit for your ideal typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Jade linear switch, consider the factors of bottom out force, sound, and feel. If you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force and are looking for a switch known for its smooth typing experience without any specific sound profile, the Maple Leaf may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a medium bottom out force, value a clacky and resonant sound profile with an RGB display, and prioritize a silky and creamy typing feel, the WS Jade could be the ideal switch for you. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will come down to your personal preferences in terms of key feel, sound profile, and aesthetics.
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