Outemu Crystal vs. KTT Laurel
An in-depth look at the Outemu Crystal and the KTT Laurel switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Outemu Crystal and the KTT Laurel are two mechanical keyboard switches that offer unique experiences for typing enthusiasts. The Crystal, a linear switch, provides a fairly elastic and medium-light feel, resulting in a distinct typing experience. Additionally, it produces a neutral sound profile while typing. On the other hand, the Laurel, also a linear switch, boasts a full POM housing, short travel, and long pole design, offering both responsiveness and comfort. Its subtly low-pitched sound profile adds to the overall typing experience. While these general pointers highlight the characteristics of each switch, let's dive deeper into their features to help you make the best decision according to your preferences.
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
4.00 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22m spring
Housing materials
The Outemu Crystal and KTT Laurel keyboards have different housing materials for both their top and bottom housings. The Crystal features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate's stiffness, which results in a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the transparency of polycarbonate is advantageous for users planning to utilize RGB lighting. On the other hand, the Laurel's top housing is made of POM, producing a deeper and relatively more muted sound profile. While both materials result in unique sound profiles, the Crystal's polycarbonate provides a brighter and more transparent tone, while the Laurel's POM delivers a deeper and more subdued tone.
Similarly, the bottom housings of the Crystal and the Laurel keyboards differ in material. The Crystal employs polycarbonate, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, similar to its top housing. As mentioned earlier, the stiffness of polycarbonate contributes to a clearer and more resonant sound. Conversely, the Laurel incorporates a POM bottom housing, creating an incredibly pleasing and unique sound that leans towards the deeper end of the spectrum and is relatively more muted. Therefore, the bottom-out sound and feel experience when pressing down on these switches will reflect the qualities of their respective bottom housings.
Although the housing materials for the top and bottom of the switches vary in the Outemu Crystal and KTT Laurel keyboards, it is important to note that when pressing down on a key, the sound and feel will predominantly be influenced by the bottom housing. This means that the Crystal's polycarbonate bottom housing emphasizes the sharper and crisper characteristics, while the Laurel's POM bottom housing highlights the deeper and more muted tones. Conversely, the impact on the sound when releasing a key is primarily determined by the top housing. Therefore, the Crystal's polycarbonate top housing provides a brighter and more resonant sound, while the Laurel's POM top housing delivers a unique and pleasing sound that leans towards the deeper end.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Crystal linear switch and the KTT Laurel linear switch, there are a few notable differences. The Crystal switch has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, which can be considered medium-light. On the other hand, the Laurel switch has a slightly lighter actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it even lighter.
For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Laurel switch would be the better option as it requires less force to trigger a keystroke and to bottom out. This can be advantageous for individuals who need to type for extended periods of time, such as during work or long gaming sessions. The lighter actuation and bottom out forces of the Laurel switch will result in less strain on the fingers and hands, allowing for increased comfort and reduced fatigue.
In contrast, the Crystal switch offers a slightly heavier actuation and bottom out force. This can provide a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. The slightly heavier forces may be desired by individuals who value a greater sense of tactile feedback while typing.
Both switches offer unique advantages based on personal preferences. While the Laurel switch is lighter overall, allowing for longer typing sessions, the Crystal switch provides a bit more resistance and feedback, appealing to those who prefer a stronger keystroke feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on an individual's typing style, preferences, and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The Outemu Crystal linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the KTT Laurel linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. Both switches have relatively similar travel distances, with the Crystal being slightly longer. With 4.0mm being a more traditional travel distance and 3.5mm being on the shallower side, both switches should provide a satisfactory typing experience. However, if you are a gamer looking for faster response times, the Laurel with its shorter travel distance may be the better option. On the other hand, if you prefer a deeper and more substantial feel when typing, the Crystal with its longer travel distance may be more suitable. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference for travel distance and typing experience.
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 Outemu Crystal comes in at $3.40 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 Outemu Crystal linear switch is known for its unique, elastic feel and medium-light weight, providing a distinct linear typing experience. When typing on these switches, users can expect a neutral sound profile, which means that the sound produced is not particularly high-pitched or low-pitched. On the other hand, the KTT Laurel linear switch is praised for its medium-light weight and features a full POM housing, short travel, and long pole design, offering a balance of responsiveness and comfort. The Laurel switch produces a subtly low-pitched sound profile, characterized by a more bass-heavy and mellow tone. It is worth noting that the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
In terms of sound, the Outemu Crystal switch is described as having a chirpy and high-pitched characteristic. Chirpy switches have a slight squeak to them, giving them a unique acoustic signature. High-pitched switches produce a sharp and crisp sound when pressed, ideal for those who prefer a less rich and bassy sound profile. On the other hand, the KTT Laurel switch is described as having a low-pitched sound profile. Low-pitched switches tend to have a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. The specific sound produced by both switches will also be influenced by the keyboard board and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Outemu Crystal switch is described as polished, indicating a smooth and refined finish. This results in a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the KTT Laurel switch is described as snappy, meaning it is highly responsive. This responsiveness can be attributed to longer or dual-staged springs, making the typing experience feel more lively. The feel of a switch is a crucial factor for many users, as it directly affects the overall typing experience and comfort.
In conclusion, the Outemu Crystal linear switch and the KTT Laurel linear switch have distinct subjective qualities. The Crystal offers an elastic feel and medium-light weight, along with a neutral sound profile. It provides a polished typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Laurel switch strikes a balance between responsiveness and comfort with its full POM housing, short travel, and long pole design. It produces a subtly low-pitched sound profile characterized by a more bass-heavy and mellow tone. Ultimately, both switches offer unique experiences and cater to different preferences. It is important to consider personal preferences in terms of sound and feel when selecting a switch, while also considering factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used to achieve the desired results.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a unique linear typing experience with a medium-light weight and a neutral sound profile, the Outemu Crystal linear switch would be the ideal choice for you. These switches have a fairly elastic type feel and provide a polished, smooth key travel experience. On the other hand, if you prioritize responsiveness and comfort, the KTT Laurel linear switch would be the better option. With its full POM housing, short travel, and long pole design, the Laurel switch strikes the perfect balance and offers a snappy typing experience. Additionally, the Laurel switch produces a subtly low-pitched sound profile, while the Crystal switch is known for its chirpy and high-pitched sound. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches comes down to your preferences in terms of typing experience and sound profile. Regardless of your choice, both switches provide an enjoyable and satisfying mechanical keyboard experience.
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