Everglide Bamboo Green vs. KTT Laurel
An in-depth look at the Everglide Bamboo Green and the KTT Laurel switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Everglide Bamboo Green and the KTT Laurel. The Bamboo Green switch is known for its clacky sound signature and its crisp and sparkling tactility. On the other hand, the Laurel is a medium-light linear switch that strikes a perfect balance between responsiveness and comfort, thanks to its full POM housing, short travel, and long pole design. While the Bamboo Green has a high-pitched and accented sound profile, the Laurel offers a subtly low-pitched and snappy experience. Choosing between these two switches will ultimately depend on your personal preference and typing style. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
43g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
PBT
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
PBT
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
22m spring
Housing materials
The Everglide Bamboo Green and the KTT Laurel differ in terms of their housing materials, specifically in the tops and bottoms of the switches. The Bamboo Green features a PBT top housing, which offers a neutral sound profile that is neither crisp nor dull. In contrast, the Laurel has a POM top housing, resulting in a unique and pleasing sound profile that leans towards the deeper side and is relatively more muted. While they differ in sound characteristics, both materials offer their own advantages and can enhance the overall typing experience.
Moving onto the bottom housings, the Bamboo Green and the Laurel also differ in this aspect. The Bamboo Green utilizes a PBT bottom housing, which again provides a neutral sound profile. This bottom housing material plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch. On the other hand, the Laurel employs a POM bottom housing, contributing to its distinct sound profile, known for being pleasing and unique. The POM bottom housing is responsible for a deeper and relatively more muted sound when compared to the Bamboo Green.
Despite these differences, it is worth noting that the top and bottom housing materials play crucial roles in the sound production and typing experience of both the Bamboo Green and the Laurel switches. With the Bamboo Green, the combination of PBT top and bottom housing creates a cohesive sound profile that is neither too crisp nor too dull. Similarly, the Laurel's utilization of POM for both the top and bottom housing materials results in a consistent and satisfying sound quality, characterized by its unique and deep tones. In summary, while they may have dissimilar housing materials, both switches deliver comparable results in terms of overall sound profile and typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch and the KTT Laurel linear switch, some similarities and differences arise. Both switches share the same actuation force of 43 grams, meaning that the force required to trigger a keystroke is identical. Consequently, users can expect similar responsiveness when typing or gaming with either switch. However, when it comes to the bottom out force, distinctions emerge. The Bamboo Green switch boasts a bottom out force of 62 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. On the other hand, the Laurel switch offers a lighter bottom out force of 50 grams, which may be preferred by individuals who value a lighter typing experience for extended periods of use. Therefore, those seeking a heavier switch should opt for the Bamboo Green, while those desiring a lighter switch might find the Laurel more suitable.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch and the KTT Laurel linear switch, it is evident that the Bamboo Green has a longer travel distance of 4 mm, while the Laurel has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. In terms of traditional travel distances, the Bamboo Green falls within the expected range, while the Laurel offers a shallower experience. However, the preference for shorter travel distances has become more prevalent, especially among gamers who appreciate the faster response times it offers. If you prioritize a more responsive typing experience, the shorter travel distance of the Laurel would be a suitable choice. On the other hand, those who prefer a more substantial and deeper keypress might find the Bamboo Green with its longer travel distance more satisfying.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Everglide Bamboo Green has an MSRP of $9.67 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Bamboo Green for $7.19.
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.
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 Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch is known for its high-pitched and resonant profile. Pressing these switches result in a sharp and crisp sound that provides an immersive typing experience. On the other hand, the KTT Laurel linear switch has a subtly low-pitched sound profile. These switches offer a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. However, it is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch can be described as stepped, accented, sharp, and polished. These switches have a mild tactile feel with some pre-travel and/or post-travel, providing a medium level of tactility. The sharp and crisp tactile bump of the Bamboo Green switch offers a high feedback intensity with each keypress. Furthermore, the polished finish of the switch ensures reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the KTT Laurel linear switch is known for being snappy. These switches are super responsive, possibly due to longer or dual-staged springs, resulting in a lively typing experience.
In conclusion, the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch offers a clacky sound signature with a crisp and sparkling tactility. It provides a stepped, accented, sharp, and polished feel with a medium level of tactility and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the KTT Laurel linear switch features a subtly low-pitched sound profile and a snappy feel. While they have different sound and feel characteristics, both switches offer unique experiences for keyboard enthusiasts. Depending on your personal preferences, either switch can provide a satisfying typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch and the KTT Laurel linear switch, consider your preferences for bottom out force, sound, and feel. If you prefer a medium bottom out force, the Bamboo Green with 62 grams is a great option, while the Laurel with 50 grams offers a lighter touch. The Bamboo Green is best known for its clacky sound signature and crisp tactility, providing a vibrant typing experience. On the other hand, the Laurel switch offers a subtly low-pitched sound profile, creating a more bass-heavy and mellow tone. In terms of feel, the Bamboo Green is described as stepped, accented, sharp, and polished, offering a mild tactile sensation with a high feedback intensity and smooth key travel. Conversely, the Laurel switch is described as snappy, providing super responsiveness and a lively typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches depends on your personal preferences for bottom out force, sound, and feel. Consider your desired typing experience and select the switch that aligns with your preferences.
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