TTC Gold Pink vs. KTT Laurel
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Pink 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 TTC Gold Pink and the KTT Laurel. The Gold Pink is a linear switch with a 37g actuation force, making it one of the lightest switches available. Designed for those who value a fast and effortless typing experience, these switches are perfect for rapid typing or gaming. They provide a satisfying level of feedback with a clacky sound that adds to the overall typing experience. On the other hand, the Laurel is a medium-light linear switch that strikes the perfect balance of responsiveness and comfort. With its full POM housing, short travel, and long pole design, the Laurel offers a unique blend of smoothness and tactile feedback. Additionally, it features a subtly low-pitched sound profile. While these general pointers give an overview of the two switches, diving in deeper will help you make an informed decision on the best switch for your specific needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
37g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
45g
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
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 Gold Pink and the KTT Laurel exhibit notable differences in terms of the sound profiles they produce. The Gold Pink's polycarbonate top housing offers a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate's stiffness, which creates a clear and resonant sound. In contrast, the Laurel's POM top housing elicits a deeper and relatively more muted sound. While both materials contribute to the switch's sound, the Gold Pink's polycarbonate top housing emphasizes clarity, while the Laurel's POM top housing accentuates a deeper tone.
Moving to the bottom housing, the Gold Pink features a nylon material that elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's softer composition absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Similarly, the Laurel also incorporates a POM bottom housing, which contributes to its pleasing and unique sound. Both the Gold Pink's nylon bottom housing and the Laurel's POM bottom housing enhance the switch's sound profile by emphasizing depth.
In terms of functionality, the top and bottom housing materials play distinct roles. When pressing down on the switch, the qualities of the bottom housing are more prominent, impacting the bottom-out sound and feel. In contrast, the top housing has a greater influence on the sound when the key is released. Despite their differences, both the Gold Pink and the Laurel prioritize the overall sound experience, demonstrating the significance of housing materials in keyboard switches.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the TTC Gold Pink linear switch and the KTT Laurel linear switch, we can observe some similarities. Both switches have relatively light actuation forces, with the Gold Pink requiring 37 grams and the Laurel requiring 43 grams. Similarly, both switches have light bottom out forces, with the Gold Pink requiring 45 grams and the Laurel requiring 50 grams. Therefore, if one prefers a lighter typing experience, either switch would provide similar results.
However, it is worth noting that the Laurel switch is slightly heavier in terms of actuation force and bottom out force compared to the Gold Pink. With a 43 gram actuation force and a 50 gram bottom out force, the Laurel switch may lend itself to a slightly stronger push feel and a more substantial typing experience. This could be favored by individuals who prefer a bit more resistance or a tactile feedback while typing.
In contrast, the Gold Pink switch offers a lighter experience, which can be beneficial for those who engage in long typing sessions or prolonged gaming sessions. The lower actuation force of 37 grams and bottom out force of 45 grams allows for a smoother and potentially less fatiguing typing experience over extended periods of use.
Ultimately, the choice between these switches depends on personal preference. Those seeking a lightweight and effortless typing experience may lean towards the Gold Pink linear switch, while individuals desiring a slightly firmer and more defined keystroke may find the Laurel linear switch to be a better fit.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the TTC Gold Pink linear switch and the KTT Laurel linear switch, there is a notable difference. The Gold Pink has a travel distance of 4 mm, which is considered to be a more traditional distance. On the other hand, the Laurel has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that the Gold Pink offers a slightly deeper feeling when pressing down on a key compared to the Laurel. However, it is important to note that shorter travel distances have gained popularity, particularly among gamers who require faster response times. If you value a more responsive experience, the Laurel with its shorter travel distance may be the choice for you. However, if you prefer a more substantial feeling when typing, the Gold Pink with its longer travel distance would be the better option. Ultimately, it depends on personal preference and the desired level of depth in the typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Gold Pink has an MSRP of $4.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gold Pink for $4.28.
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, the Gold Pink switch is known for its clacky sound, providing a satisfying level of feedback. On the other hand, the Laurel switch offers a subtly low-pitched sound profile, which typically features a more bass-heavy and mellow tone. Keep in mind that the sound of a switch can also be affected by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used. As a result, if you were to use the Gold Pink or Laurel switches with different boards and keycaps, you may achieve similar sound characteristics.
Moving on to the feel, the Gold Pink switch is described as buttery, mild, feathery, subtle, and polished. It offers a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, a gentle typing sensation, light actuation force to reduce finger fatigue, a gentle resistance, and a sleek typing experience. On the other hand, the Laurel switch is described as snappy, indicating that it is super responsive and provides a lively typing experience. While some qualities of the Gold Pink and Laurel switches may overlap, each switch offers a unique feel that caters to different preferences and typing styles.
Considering all the available information, both the TTC Gold Pink and KTT Laurel switches have their own subjective qualities that make them suitable for different purposes. The Gold Pink switches excel in providing a light and lively typing experience, perfect for rapid typing or gaming, with its clacky sound and range of feel descriptors. On the other hand, the Laurel switches strike a balance between responsiveness and comfort, offering a subtly low-pitched sound and a snappy feel. Depending on your personal preferences and typing needs, you can choose between the Gold Pink and Laurel switches to achieve the desired typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you prioritize a fast and effortless typing experience, the TTC Gold Pink linear switch is the ideal choice for you. With its light bottom out force of 45 grams and a 37g actuation force, these switches are designed for rapid typing or gaming. The Gold Pinks deliver a light and lively typing experience, offering a satisfying level of feedback with their clacky sound. On the other hand, if you seek a switch that strikes the perfect balance of responsiveness and comfort, the KTT Laurel linear switch is the way to go. With a bottom out force of 50 grams, the Laurel switch provides a medium-light typing experience. It features a full POM housing, short travel, and long pole design, ensuring both responsiveness and comfort. Additionally, the Laurel switch offers a subtly low-pitched sound profile. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches depends on your preference for typing experience and sound profile. Both switches provide their unique benefits, catering to different needs and preferences in the mechanical keyboard community.
Mentioned in this article
