Huano Acacia vs. KTT Laurel
An in-depth look at the Huano Acacia and the KTT Laurel switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Huano Acacia and the KTT Laurel both offer unique characteristics suited for different typing preferences, despite being categorized as linear switches. The Acacia is renowned for its medium-light weight, generous factory lubrication, and minimal stem wobble, providing a smooth and satisfying typing experience right out of the box, making it a popular choice for users who prioritize comfort and consistency. On the other hand, the KTT Laurel features a full POM housing and a long pole design, which enhances its responsiveness while delivering a subtly low-pitched sound profile that appeals to those who enjoy a snappy feel with their keystrokes. While both switches offer an enjoyable linear typing experience, they cater to varying preferences in tactile feedback and auditory feedback. 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
45g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
22m spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Huano Acacia and the KTT Laurel switches, we can identify distinct characteristics that significantly affect the acoustic profiles and aesthetics of each switch. The Acacia employs a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for producing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This is largely due to polycarbonate's relatively stiff composition, allowing for clear resonance that enhances audio clarity. Furthermore, its translucency offers aesthetic advantages, especially for users who want to incorporate RGB lighting, as the light can effectively shine through the material. In comparison, the Laurel's top housing consists of POM (polyoxymethylene), which is characterized by its ability to generate a unique and pleasing sound profile that leans towards the muted end, creating a deeper auditory experience.
The bottom housings of the two switches present another layer of comparison. The Acacia's nylon bottom housing is a staple in mechanical switch design, known for yielding a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's softer structure allows it to absorb more sound, thereby contributing to a duller and rounder acoustic footprint. Conversely, the KTT Laurel utilizes a POM bottom housing, which similarly offers a deeper sound but carries the distinctive quality of being more muted. While both bottom materials provide a pleasurable auditory experience, the distinctions in sound characteristics and sound absorption suggest that users may perceive these switches differently when typing or gaming.
Ultimately, if the top and bottom housings differ, such as the Acacia with its polycarbonate top and nylon bottom versus Laurel's POM top and bottom, the auditory experience will be a blend of both materials' qualities. The bottom housing predominantly influences the bottom-out sound and the tactile feel of the switch, while the top housing significantly shapes the sound produced when releasing a key. Therefore, mixing materials can create a harmonious balance, merging the crispness of polycarbonate with the depth of nylon or POM, allowing enthusiasts to achieve desired auditory outcomes tailored to personal preference.
Weight
When comparing the Huano Acacia linear switch and the KTT Laurel linear switch, their actuation and bottom out forces reveal distinct characteristics that cater to different typing preferences. The Acacia has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, making it a medium-light option. In contrast, the Laurel features a lighter actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. This indicates that the Laurel switch requires slightly less force to activate, making it more suitable for users who prioritize a lighter touch for extended typing sessions or gaming marathons. Additionally, with a bottom out force of 50 grams, the Laurel also offers a gentler landing compared to the Acacia's 55 grams. Consequently, for typists who favor a more substantial feel and feedback, the heavier Acacia switch may be the better option, while those who prefer a lighter and quicker response would likely gravitate towards the Laurel. Overall, the Laurel is the lighter switch, while the Acacia is the heavier choice.
Travel distance
The travel distance of both the Huano Acacia linear switch and the KTT Laurel linear switch is identical, measuring at 3.5 mm. This equal travel distance means that users can expect similar tactile feedback when pressing down on either switch, leading to comparable typing experiences. Whether you choose the Acacia or the Laurel, the 3.5 mm distance ensures that both switches provide the same depth of actuation, making them equally suitable for those who prefer a consistent linear feel in their keyboard performance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Laurel has an MSRP of $4.42 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Laurel for $3.95.
The Huano Acacia comes in at $3.39 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 sound profile of the Huano Acacia linear switch is generally soft and subdued, allowing for a pleasant typing experience that doesn't create too much noise, making it suitable for both quiet environments and shared workspaces. In contrast, the KTT Laurel features a subtly low-pitched sound profile, characterized by a bass-heavy and mellow tone. This low-pitched quality contributes to an overall quieter typing experience, similar to the Acacia, while still providing a distinctive sound that adds personality to each keystroke. Both switches, therefore, lend themselves to a more muted acoustic environment, promoting concentration and minimizing distractions.
When it comes to feel, the Acacia switch is recognized for its smooth operation due to the generous factory lubrication and minimal stem wobble, offering a stable and pleasant typing experience right from the start. The KTT Laurel, however, stands out with its snappy responsiveness, attributed to its short travel and long pole design. This results in a typing experience that feels incredibly lively and engaging, creating a contrast to the Acacia's more refined smoothness. While both offers a medium-light weight, the KTT Laurel's snappy nature could make it feel more reactive under typing conditions.
In summary, both the Huano Acacia and KTT Laurel linear switches deliver appealing qualities for users seeking a solid typing experience. While the Acacia offers a smooth and subtly quiet output, the Laurel provides a snappy feedback loop along with a low-pitched tone. If you prefer a more lively and responsive typing experience, the Laurel may be the better choice, while the Acacia caters to those who favor smoothness and subtlety. Ultimately, both switches are designed to offer a satisfying performance that meets the expectations of conscientious typists.
Conclusion
To conclude, when you select between the Huano Acacia and KTT Laurel linear switches, consider what aspects matter most in your typing experience. If you prefer a medium-light bottom-out force of 55 grams and value generous factory lubrication, the Acacia switch could be your best bet, especially if you desire a solid typing experience with minimal stem wobble right out of the box. The Acacia's sound profile and feel may not have been provided, but its reputation suggests it offers a balanced experience suitable for various tasks, be it gaming or typing. On the other hand, if you lean towards a lighter bottom-out force of 50 grams, appreciate a notably snappy response, and desire a low-pitched sound that creates a mellow atmosphere, the KTT Laurel switch might be more aligned with your preferences. This switch's design allows for quicker actuation and a more lively typing feedback, which can enhance your productivity and comfort. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you prioritize a solid, well-lubricated typing experience or snappiness and a lower actuation force.
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