Outemu Maple Leaf vs. Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile
An in-depth look at the Outemu Maple Leaf and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Maple Leaf and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile offer unique features and benefits to cater to different preferences. The Maple Leaf is known for its none, while the WS Silent Tactile is acclaimed for Wuque's WS Silent Tactile switches, perfect for office environments. The Maple Leaf switch falls under the category of medium tactility, whereas the WS Silent Tactile switch is labeled as accented, invigorating, neutral, mild, muted. The WS Silent Tactile switches provide exceptional noise reduction without the need for silicone dampeners, resulting in a quiet yet precise typing experience. On the other hand, the Maple Leaf offers a different tactile experience. If you are looking for a switch that excels in noise reduction and tactile feedback, the WS Silent Tactile might be your best choice. However, let's delve deeper beyond generalities so you can best 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
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.30 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
15mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials used in both the Outemu Maple Leaf and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile switches are identical, with both utilizing nylon for their top and bottom housings. This means that when it comes to sound profile and feel, users can expect a similar experience from both switches. Typing on either switch will produce a deeper and fuller sound due to nylon's softer nature, which absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound overall. This consistency in housing material ensures that users can enjoy a consistent typing experience regardless of the switch they choose.
While both switches share the same nylon housing material, the impact of the top and bottom housings on the overall typing experience may differ slightly. The bottom housing of a switch typically has more influence on the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed, providing a tactile response that users can feel as they type. In contrast, the top housing plays a more significant role in the sound produced when a key is released, affecting the overall key-up sound profile. Despite this subtle difference in housing impact, users can still expect a consistent and satisfying typing experience from both the Maple Leaf and WS Silent Tactile switches thanks to their shared use of nylon housing materials.
In conclusion, the housing materials of the Outemu Maple Leaf and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile switches offer a high-quality typing experience characterized by a deeper and fuller sound profile. Both switches benefit from the sound-absorbing properties of nylon, resulting in a softer and more rounded sound compared to switches made from harder plastics. While the impact of the top and bottom housings may vary slightly in terms of the typing experience, users can expect a consistent and reliable performance from either switch. Whether it's the Maple Leaf or WS Silent Tactile, the shared use of nylon housing materials ensures that users will enjoy a satisfying typing experience with every keystroke.
Weight
When comparing the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile tactile switch in terms of actuation force and bottom out force, there are some notable differences. The Maple Leaf has an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, making it medium-heavy. In contrast, the WS Silent Tactile has an actuation force of unknown grams and a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, also classified as medium-heavy. While both switches have similar bottom out forces, the Maple Leaf requires a slightly lighter actuation force compared to the WS Silent Tactile. This means that the Maple Leaf may provide a slightly lighter typing experience, making it suitable for longer typing sessions. However, for those who prefer a more substantial typing feel, the WS Silent Tactile may be the better option due to its heavier actuation force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile tactile switch, we can see that the Maple Leaf has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the WS Silent Tactile has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.5 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are becoming increasingly popular, particularly among gamers seeking quicker response times. The shorter travel distance of the Maple Leaf may appeal to those looking for a snappier feel, while the slightly longer travel distance of the WS Silent Tactile might provide a more substantial key press experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and the desired level of responsiveness.
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 Silent 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 switch does not have a specific descriptor provided. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile switch is known for its neutral and muted sound profile, making it a suitable option for a variety of environments, especially in office settings where noise reduction is crucial. While the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used, it is clear that the WS Silent Tactile switch prioritizes a quiet typing experience without compromising tactile feedback.
In terms of feel, the Outemu Maple Leaf switch does not have a specific descriptor associated with its tactile feel. In contrast, the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile switch is described as having an accented, invigorating, and mild tactile feel. This combination creates a switch that offers a moderate to firm actuation force, pronounced feedback, and a responsive typing sensation. The medium tactile feedback provided by the WS Silent Tactile switch strikes a balance between being noticeable without being overwhelming, appealing to a wide range of users seeking a satisfying typing experience.
Overall, while the specific qualities of the Outemu Maple Leaf and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile switches differ in terms of sound and feel, both options offer unique features that cater to different preferences. If you prefer a quieter typing experience with a medium tactility, the WS Silent Tactile switch may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you are looking for a tactile switch with unmentioned qualities and want to explore the unknown, trying out the Maple Leaf switch could lead to a surprising and satisfactory typing experience. Ultimately, both switches have their strengths, and choosing between them will depend on personal preference and desired typing sensation.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile switch, you should choose the Maple Leaf if you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force and are indifferent to sound and feel characteristics. On the other hand, opt for the WS Silent Tactile if you value a silent typing experience with medium tactility and noise reduction. The WS Silent Tactile switch is especially ideal for office environments where quiet operation is essential. Overall, the choice between these two switches ultimately comes down to your personal preferences regarding typing feel, sound, and the environment in which you will be using your keyboard.
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