TTC Bluish White vs. KTT Laurel
An in-depth look at the TTC Bluish White and the KTT Laurel switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
We are pleased to offer two distinct mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Bluish White and the KTT Laurel, each catering to different preferences and typing styles. The Bluish White is a tactile switch, known for delivering a satisfyingly poppy typing experience with a snappy sound profile. Its attributes include a 'Buttery', 'Mild', 'Stepped', 'Subtle', 'Polished', and 'Low-pitched' feel. On the other hand, the Laurel is a linear switch that strikes the perfect balance between responsiveness and comfort. With its full POM housing, short travel, and long pole design, the Laurel offers a medium-light typing experience and a subtly low-pitched sound profile. While these general descriptions provide an initial understanding, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities to help you make the best decision for your typing needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
42g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
50g
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
Partial box
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
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22m spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the TTC Bluish White and the KTT Laurel differ in terms of their composition and resulting sound profiles. The Bluish White utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate's stiffness, which enhances clarity and resonance. Additionally, the polycarbonate top housing's translucency makes it ideal for RGB lighting. In contrast, the Laurel features a POM top housing that produces a pleasing but relatively muted sound profile with deeper tones. The POM material creates a unique sound experience that distinguishes it from the Bluish White.
In terms of their bottom housings, the Bluish White employs a nylon material, which generates a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softness of nylon allows it to absorb more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder tone. On the other hand, the Laurel features a POM bottom housing that complements its POM top housing, creating a deep yet muted sound profile. The bottom housing plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch when pressed.
While the two switches differ in their top and bottom housing materials, they both incorporate unique characteristics that contribute to their sound profiles. The Bluish White's polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing work in harmony to create a clear and resonant sound with deep tones. Similarly, the Laurel's POM top and bottom housing materials combine to produce a distinct sound that leans towards deeper, more muted tones. Regardless of these differences, both switches offer pleasing sound experiences that can enhance the typing or gaming experience for users.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the TTC Bluish White tactile switch and the KTT Laurel linear switch, we can see that they both have a bottom out force of 50 grams, which means that the amount of force required to completely press the keys down is the same for both switches. This is ideal for users who prefer a consistent typing experience in terms of key travel and feel. However, when it comes to actuation force, the TTC Bluish White requires slightly less force at 42 grams, while the KTT Laurel linear switch has an actuation force of 43 grams. Although this difference in actuation force is minimal, it might be noticeable for users who have a preference for a lighter or heavier initial key press. It is important to note that while the TTC Bluish White is lighter in terms of actuation force, both switches provide a relatively light typing experience overall. Therefore, users who prefer a lighter switch that allows them to type for longer periods of time may find both options suitable, whereas those who desire a slightly stronger push feel may lean towards the KTT Laurel linear switch.
Travel distance
The TTC Bluish White and KTT Laurel switches have the same travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that when you press down on a key with either of these switches, you will feel the same distance traveled from the top to the bottom. Therefore, in terms of travel distance, you can expect similar results from both switches. Neither one is shorter or longer in terms of travel distance, as they both have an equal distance of 3.5 mm.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Bluish White has an MSRP of $6.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Bluish White for $4.63.
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
In terms of sound, both the TTC Bluish White and the KTT Laurel switches have a low-pitched sound profile. Low-pitched switches typically have 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.
When it comes to feel, the Bluish White switch offers a buttery, mild, stepped, subtle, and polished typing experience. A buttery switch implies a smooth and fluid keystroke, providing a seamless and effortless typing sensation. The mild characteristics of the switch make it approachable to most users, as it falls in a safe middle-ground zone. The stepped feature of the switch adds a slight pre-travel and/or post-travel, giving the typing experience a more mild feel. The subtlety of the switch means it has a gentle resistance, maintaining a light typing feel, and its sound signature is not resonant, making it suitable for shared spaces. Lastly, the polished finish of the switch ensures reduced friction and smooth key travel.
On the other hand, the Laurel switch is described as snappy, offering a super responsive typing experience. This responsiveness is likely due to the longer or dual-staged springs used in the switch design. While the sound profile of the Laurel switch is not explicitly described, it is mentioned to have a subtly low-pitched sound.
In conclusion, both the TTC Bluish White and the KTT Laurel switches provide positive subjective qualities. They both have a low-pitched sound profile and offer a satisfying typing experience. The Bluish White switch focuses on a buttery, mild, stepped, subtle, and polished feel, while the Laurel switch emphasizes its snappy and responsive nature. If you are seeking a poppy and somewhat mellow typing experience, the Bluish White switch is a great option. If you prefer a super responsive typing experience, the Laurel switch fits the bill. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the specific typing experience one desires. However, it is important to keep in mind that individual results may vary based on factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you're looking for a satisfyingly poppy typing experience with a light bottom out force, the TTC Bluish White tactile switch is a great choice for you. These switches offer a snappy sound profile and a buttery, mild, stepped, subtle, and polished feel. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-light linear switch with a low-pitched sound profile, the KTT Laurel is the switch for you. It provides a balance of responsiveness and comfort, with a snappy feel. Both switches have a bottom out force of 50 grams, making them light and easy to type on. Overall, it ultimately comes down to your personal preference in terms of the typing experience you desire.
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