Outemu Maple Leaf vs. Outemu Yellow Silver
An in-depth look at the Outemu Maple Leaf and the Outemu Yellow Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Outemu Maple Leaf and the Outemu Yellow Silver mechanical keyboard switches, you will encounter distinct characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Maple Leaf is a tactile switch, offering a noticeable bump in the keypress feedback, ideal for typists who desire a tactile typing experience. On the other hand, the Yellow Silver switch is a linear switch, providing a smooth and consistent keystroke without any tactile feedback, which can be preferred by gamers looking for quick and precise inputs. Both switches have their own strengths and appeal to different user preferences. 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
55g
Pre-travel
2.30 mm
Pre-travel
1.30 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Maple Leaf and the Outemu Yellow Silver, one can see a clear distinction in sound profiles. The Maple Leaf's nylon top and bottom housings create a deeper and fuller sound due to the softness of the material, resulting in a duller and rounder sound profile. On the other hand, the Yellow Silver's polycarbonate top and nylon bottom housings produce a sharper and crisper sound, with the polycarbonate contributing to a higher-pitched and resonant sound profile. This contrast in sound quality showcases how different housing materials can significantly impact the overall typing experience.
Despite the differences in housing materials between the Outemu Maple Leaf and Outemu Yellow Silver, both switches share the common characteristic of using nylon for the bottom housing. This means that both switches will elicit a similar deeper and fuller sound profile when typing, as nylon's softness absorbs more sound than harder plastics. However, the distinction lies in the top housing material, with the Maple Leaf utilizing nylon for a duller sound, while the Yellow Silver incorporates polycarbonate for a crisper and more resonant sound. This highlights how even subtle variations in housing materials can result in distinct sound profiles for mechanical switches.
In considering the impact of housing materials on typing experience, it is important to note that the qualities of each material are divided between the top and bottom housings of a switch. The bottom housing has a more significant influence on the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed, while the top housing affects the sound when a key is released. For the Maple Leaf and Yellow Silver switches, this means that the nylon and polycarbonate materials play complementary roles in shaping the overall sound profile and typing feel, showcasing the importance of both top and bottom housing materials in creating a unique mechanical switch experience.
Weight
The Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch has a heavier actuation force and bottom out force compared to the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch. The Maple Leaf requires 55 grams of force to actuate a keystroke and 65 grams to bottom out, making it a medium-heavy switch. In contrast, the Yellow Silver only needs 45 grams to actuate and 55 grams to bottom out, classifying it as medium-light. This means that the Maple Leaf provides a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel, while the Yellow Silver offers a lighter touch, which may be preferred for longer typing sessions or gaming. Both switches offer different options for individuals based on their preference for a lighter or heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
The Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, making it slightly shorter than the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch, which has a travel distance of 4 mm. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Yellow Silver offering a slightly deeper press. Gamers may prefer the Maple Leaf for its shorter travel distance, providing faster response times during intense gaming sessions. On the other hand, those who prefer a more substantial keypress may opt for the Yellow Silver with its longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference and typing style.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Outemu Maple Leaf comes in at $3.10, whereas the Outemu Yellow Silver comes in at $3.40.
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
The Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch is known for its unique feel that offers a tactile bump during actuation, providing a satisfying feedback for typists who prefer a more pronounced physical response when typing. On the other hand, the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch is favored for its smooth and consistent keystrokes, making it ideal for fast-paced gaming and typing sessions where a linear and uninterrupted keystroke is preferred. When it comes to sound, the Maple Leaf switch does not have a specific sound profile noted, while the Yellow Silver switch is described as having a neutral sound profile. This means that both switches can be relatively quiet compared to clicky switches, providing a more discreet typing experience. Overall, while the Maple Leaf switch offers a tactile feedback and the Yellow Silver switch provides a linear keystroke, both switches are popular choices for different preferences in typing and gaming. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on whether the user values a tactile bump or a smooth linear keystroke in their mechanical keyboard experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a mechanical keyboard switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force and are not concerned with specific attributes such as sound or feel, the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you are seeking a switch with a medium-light bottom out force, a neutral sound profile, and a preference for speediness and responsiveness, the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch would be more suitable for your needs. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will come down to your individual preferences and priorities when it comes to typing and gaming experiences.
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