Outemu Maple Leaf vs. KTT Wine Red
An in-depth look at the Outemu Maple Leaf and the KTT Wine Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Maple Leaf and the KTT Wine Red offer two distinct typing experiences. The Maple Leaf is a tactile switch, known for its responsive feedback and satisfying tactile bump. On the other hand, the Wine Red is a linear switch, praised for its smooth and consistent keystrokes with a deep and rich sound profile. If you enjoy a tactile typing experience with a noticeable bump, the Maple Leaf may be the way to go. However, if you prefer a smoother and quieter typing experience, the Wine Red may be more up your alley. 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
44g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
55g
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
No
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
Polycarbonate
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Progressive spring
Housing materials
The Outemu Maple Leaf and the KTT Wine Red both offer different housing materials for their switches. The Maple Leaf features a nylon top housing, which provides a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic that absorbs more sound. On the other hand, the Wine Red comes with a polycarbonate top housing, offering a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile thanks to its stiffer plastic. While they both provide distinct sound profiles, the Maple Leaf leans towards a duller and rounder sound, while the Wine Red produces a clearer and more resonant sound. Aesthetically, the clear polycarbonate housing of the Wine Red makes it ideal for RGB lighting.
In terms of bottom housing, the Maple Leaf and the Wine Red again differ in their materials. The Maple Leaf's nylon bottom housing contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, similar to its top housing. Meanwhile, the Wine Red's polycarbonate bottom housing adds to the sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile it already offers. Just like with the top housing, the bottom housing plays a significant role in the overall sound and feel of the switch. The split between the qualities of each housing material influences the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch.
While the Outemu Maple Leaf and the KTT Wine Red have different top and bottom housing materials, they each offer unique sound profiles based on the properties of their respective plastics. The choice between nylon and polycarbonate can impact the overall typing experience, with nylon providing a softer, fuller sound, and polycarbonate offering a sharper, clearer sound. Both materials have their advantages depending on personal preferences and desired aesthetics. Whether opting for the Maple Leaf's nylon housing for a rounder sound or the Wine Red's polycarbonate housing for a crisper sound, users can expect distinct typing experiences from each switch.
Weight
The Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 55 grams compared to the KTT Wine Red linear switch with an actuation force of 44 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Maple Leaf requires 65 grams while the Wine Red only needs 55 grams. This makes the Maple Leaf switch overall heavier in both actuation and bottom out forces compared to the Wine Red switch, which is lighter in both aspects. The difference in weight between the two switches can provide a different typing experience for users. Those who prefer a lighter touch may opt for the Wine Red, which allows for longer typing sessions without fatigue, while those seeking a more substantial typing experience may lean towards the Maple Leaf for a stronger push feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, making it shorter than the KTT Wine Red linear switch, which has a travel distance of 4 mm. The Maple Leaf's shorter travel distance may appeal to gamers looking for faster response times, while the Wine Red's longer travel distance may provide a more satisfying depth for those who prefer a more substantial key press. Both switches offer a different tactile experience due to their varying travel distances, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference. If you are looking for a shorter travel distance, the Outemu Maple Leaf is the way to go, but if you prefer a longer travel distance, the KTT Wine Red may be more your speed.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Outemu Maple Leaf comes in at $3.10, whereas the KTT Wine Red comes in at $2.71.
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 is known for not having a distinctive sound profile identified, while the KTT Wine Red linear switch offers an experience described as bassy and low-pitched. Typing on the Wine Red switches will give you a deep and rich sound, reminiscent of bass tones, enhancing the overall typing experience. Keep in mind that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors like the keyboard's case material and the keycap material.
Moving on to the feel, the qualities of the Maple Leaf tactile switch in terms of typing sensation are not specified. On the other hand, the KTT Wine Red linear switch provides users with a pillowy light type of feel when typing on them. This tactile experience, combined with the satisfyingly deep sound profile, can offer a pleasant and immersive typing experience for users who prefer linear switches.
Ultimately, if you're looking for a switch with a rich and deep sound profile along with a light and cushioned typing feel, the KTT Wine Red linear switch might be the ideal choice for you. Although the specific qualities of the Maple Leaf tactile switch are not detailed, users can expect similar typing results with both switches due to their tactile nature. Consider your personal preferences and typing style when choosing between these two switches to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and are looking for a tactile typing experience without a specific key feature in mind, the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch would be a suitable option for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a medium-light bottom out force and are drawn to a smooth linear switch with an intoxicating sound profile described as bassy and low-pitched, the KTT Wine Red linear switch would be an excellent choice for a satisfyingly deep and rich typing experience. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will come down to individual preferences in terms of key features like bottom out force and sound profile.
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