Durock Light Tactile vs. Outemu Maple Leaf
An in-depth look at the Durock Light Tactile and the Outemu Maple Leaf switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Durock Light Tactile and the Outemu Maple Leaf mechanical keyboard switches, both offer a tactile typing experience. The Light Tactile switch from Durock stands out for its gentle tactility, providing a softer and smoother keystroke compared to other more pronounced tactile switches. On the other hand, the Maple Leaf switch from Outemu lacks specific standout features but still offers a tactile typing experience. While the Light Tactile switch is categorized as 'Neutral', 'Mild', 'Polished', the Maple Leaf switch does not have a defined category. Choosing between these switches may come down to personal preference and typing style. 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
52g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.30 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
pom
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Durock Light Tactile and the Outemu Maple Leaf, one can see that both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housing. This means that when typing on either switch, users can expect a deeper and fuller sound profile due to nylon's ability to absorb sound and create a duller, rounder sound. This similarity in housing material could result in a similar typing experience in terms of sound profile between the two switches.
On the other hand, a key point of contrast between the two switches lies in their top housing material. The Light Tactile features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate's stiffness, which leads to a more clear and resonant sound. In contrast, the Maple Leaf utilizes a nylon top housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile that is characteristic of nylon's softer nature and its ability to absorb more sound. This difference in top housing material may lead to distinct sound profiles when typing on each switch.
Another point of comparison between the two switches is the use of transparent housing material in the Light Tactile. The polycarbonate top housing allows for translucency, making it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. In contrast, the Maple Leaf does not offer this feature as its nylon housing is not transparent. This difference in aesthetic design may appeal to different preferences among keyboard enthusiasts, with some favoring the customizable RGB lighting of the Light Tactile and others preferring the classic look of the Maple Leaf.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Light Tactile and Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switches, we can see some similarities and differences. The Durock Light Tactile has a lighter actuation force of 52 grams compared to the Maple Leaf's 55 grams. However, the Light Tactile has a heavier bottom out force of 67 grams as opposed to the Maple Leaf's 65 grams. Both switches fall into the medium-heavy category in terms of force required. This means that while the Light Tactile may require less force to initiate a keystroke, it will ultimately feel heavier when fully pressed compared to the Maple Leaf. This difference in weight may appeal to different preferences, with some users favoring a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions, while others may prefer the heavier feel for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual typing preferences and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The Durock Light Tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Outemu Maple Leaf switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. In terms of travel distance, the Maple Leaf is the shorter option, providing a more responsive feel preferred by gamers for faster response times. On the other hand, the Light Tactile switch offers a longer travel distance, giving a more substantial and tactile feel when pressed. Both switches offer different experiences based on individual preferences, with the shorter travel distance of the Maple Leaf providing a quick and efficient response, and the longer travel distance of the Light Tactile offering a more deliberate and pronounced keypress. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference for either speed or depth in keypress feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock Light Tactile has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Light Tactile for $4.25.
The Outemu Maple Leaf comes in at $3.10 per 10 switches.
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 Durock Light Tactile switch is known for its gentle tactility and jelly-like sound signature, providing a unique typing experience. On the other hand, there is no specific information available about the sound profile of the Outemu Maple Leaf switch. However, it is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard and keycaps being used.
When it comes to feel, the Durock Light Tactile switch is described as mild and polished, offering a gentle typing experience with smooth key travel. This makes it suitable for a wide range of users, from beginners to advanced typists. Unfortunately, there is no information provided about the feel of the Outemu Maple Leaf switch.
In conclusion, the Durock Light Tactile switch stands out for its gentle tactility, jelly-like sound, and smooth key travel, making it a versatile option for different preferences. While there is limited information available about the Outemu Maple Leaf switch, it is important to consider individual preferences and factors such as sound profile and feel when choosing between the two switches. Ultimately, both switches may offer similar results in terms of sound and feel, but the Durock Light Tactile switch provides more specific details for potential users to consider.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering whether to choose the Durock Light Tactile or the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preference and typing style. If you prefer a gentler, more subtle tactile experience with a unique jelly-like sound signature, the Durock Light Tactile may be the switch for you. On the other hand, if you are looking for a switch with a similar bottom out force but with a different sound and feel profile, the Outemu Maple Leaf may be worth considering. Ultimately, both switches have their own strengths and it's important to try them out for yourself to see which one suits your typing needs best.
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