Outemu Maple Leaf vs. Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile
An in-depth look at the Outemu Maple Leaf and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Maple Leaf and Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile are two popular options to explore. The Maple Leaf is a tactile switch that stands out for its unique features, while the WS Light Tactile, another tactile switch, offers a different set of characteristics. The Maple Leaf is best known for its smoothness, while the WS Light Tactile switches are praised for maintaining a snappy and perceptible tactile bump, along with a neutral sound signature. The Maple Leaf falls into the category of smooth switches, while the WS Light Tactile is categorized as stepped, neutral, and easy-to-press. Each switch has its own strengths and qualities that cater to different preferences and typing styles. 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
50g
Pre-travel
2.30 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
15.4mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Maple Leaf and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile, one key difference lies in the materials used for the top housing. The Maple Leaf utilizes nylon for its top housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer plastic absorbing more sound. On the other hand, the WS Light Tactile features a polycarbonate top housing, which produces a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile thanks to the stiffer nature of polycarbonate. This contrast in material choice leads to different acoustic experiences for users of each switch.
On the flip side, when it comes to the bottom housing, both the Maple Leaf and the WS Light Tactile opt for nylon. This choice results in a similar sound profile for both switches, as the softer plastic of the nylon absorbs more sound and creates a deeper and fuller typing experience. While the top housings of the switches offer differing sound profiles due to the use of nylon and polycarbonate, the nylon bottom housing maintains consistency in sound and feel for both switches. This shared choice of material for the bottom housing ensures a familiar typing experience regardless of the switch being used.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in switches plays a crucial role in determining the sound and feel of typing on mechanical keyboards. By selecting different materials for the top and bottom housings, manufacturers like Outemu and Wuque Studio can offer users varying sound profiles and tactile experiences. While the Maple Leaf and WS Light Tactile differ in their top housing materials, their shared use of nylon for the bottom housing ensures some level of consistency in the typing experience. Whether one prefers the deeper, fuller sound of nylon or the crisper, higher-pitched sound of polycarbonate, there are options available to suit individual preferences in mechanical keyboard switches.
Weight
The Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile tactile switch differ in terms of actuation force and bottom out force. The Maple Leaf has a higher actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, making it medium-heavy. In contrast, the WS Light Tactile has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. This difference in weight can impact the typing experience significantly. Those who prefer a lighter touch may opt for the WS Light Tactile for longer typing sessions or gaming, while those who enjoy a more substantial push feel may lean towards the Maple Leaf. Both switches offer unique features, but ultimately the lighter weight of the WS Light Tactile may be preferred for those looking for a smoother typing experience.
Travel distance
The Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. This makes the WS Light Tactile switch the longer option compared to the Maple Leaf switch. The 3.3 mm travel distance of the Maple Leaf switch falls on the shorter side of the spectrum, making it a preferred choice for those looking for a faster response time, such as gamers. On the other hand, the 4 mm travel distance of the WS Light Tactile switch provides a deeper key press, which may be preferred by individuals who enjoy a more substantial key feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and key press 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 Light Tactile comes in at $4.20.
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 does not have a specific reputation in terms of sound profile. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile switch is well-regarded for its neutral sound signature. This means that the WS Light Tactile switch has a moderate actuation force requirement and a moderate sound profile, making it suitable for a wide range of users and settings. Keep in mind that the sound produced by a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard's construction and the type of keycaps used.
In the realm of feel, the Outemu Maple Leaf switch does not have a defined tactile feel. In contrast, the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile switch is known for its stepped and easy-to-press nature. A stepped switch like the WS Light Tactile provides a two-stage tactile experience, with discernible pre-travel and post-travel sensations. Additionally, being easy-to-press, this switch requires minimal force for actuation, resulting in a comfortable and effortless typing experience. These qualities contribute to reduced finger fatigue during extended typing sessions, enhancing overall typing comfort and efficiency.
In conclusion, while the Outemu Maple Leaf and Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile switches differ in their subjective qualities of sound and feel, they each offer unique advantages to users. The neutral sound profile of the WS Light Tactile switch makes it a versatile choice for various environments, while its stepped and easy-to-press tactile feel provides a comfortable and responsive typing experience. Depending on your preferences and typing needs, both switches can deliver satisfactory results, ensuring a pleasant mechanical keyboard experience overall.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile switch, consider the factors of bottom out force, sound, and feel. If you prefer a medium-heavy switch with a tactile bump that is best known for its qualities of None, the Maple Leaf might be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force and a switch that is best known for its smoothness, snappy tactile bump, and neutral sound signature, then the WS Light Tactile switch would be more suitable. Additionally, the WS Light Tactile switch offers a stepped and easy-to-press feel, making typing effortless and comfortable. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches depends on your personal preferences and typing style.
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