TTC Gold Silver vs. KTT Laurel
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Silver and the KTT Laurel switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the TTC Gold Silver and the KTT Laurel mechanical keyboard switches, it all comes down to your personal preference and priorities. The TTC Gold Silver is perfect for those who prioritize rapid responsiveness and a satisfying bottom-out feel with every keystroke. With its shortened travel and smooth journey, this linear switch offers a seamless blend of speed, sound, and fluidity. On the other hand, the KTT Laurel is ideal for users who value a medium-light linear switch that strikes a balance between responsiveness and comfort. With its full POM housing and subtly low-pitched sound profile, the Laurel provides a snappy typing experience. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
1.40 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
NPI
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
18mm spring
Spring
22m spring
Housing materials
The TTC Gold Silver and KTT Laurel switches have contrasting housing materials that significantly impact the sound and feel of the switches. The Gold Silver features a polycarbonate top housing, which provides a sharp, higher-pitched, and crisp sound profile due to its stiffness. In comparison, the Laurel utilizes a POM top housing, offering a deeper and relatively more muted sound. This contrast in sound profiles highlights the different qualities that polycarbonate and POM bring to the switches.
On the other hand, when it comes to the bottom housing material, both the Gold Silver's nylon and the Laurel's POM contribute to a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound and creates a duller and rounder sound, while POM produces a pleasing and unique deep sound profile. Despite the difference in the top housing materials, the bottom housing materials of both switches contribute to a similar result in terms of sound profile, showcasing the importance of the bottom housing in determining the overall sound of a switch.
Overall, the contrasting housing materials of the TTC Gold Silver and KTT Laurel provide a unique sound experience for users. While the Gold Silver offers a sharper and crisper sound with its polycarbonate top housing, the Laurel delivers a deeper and more muted sound with its POM top housing. However, both switches share a similar deep and full sound profile attributed to their nylon and POM bottom housings. This demonstrates how different materials can impact the overall sound and feel of mechanical switches, providing users with a variety of options to suit their preferences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the TTC Gold Silver linear switch and the KTT Laurel linear switch, it is evident that they both have lightweight actuation forces, with the Laurel being slightly lighter at 43 grams compared to the Gold Silver's 45 grams. However, the bottom out force of the Laurel is 50 grams, providing a bit more resistance compared to the Gold Silver, which has an unknown bottom out force. This means that the Laurel switch may offer a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel, while the Gold Silver may be more suitable for those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. Both switches provide a different tactile experience due to their slight variations in actuation and bottom out forces, catering to individuals with different preferences.
Travel distance
The TTC Gold Silver linear switch and the KTT Laurel linear switch both have the same travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that when you press down on a key using either of these switches, you will feel the key travel the same distance from the top to the bottom. Therefore, in terms of travel distance, both switches will provide a similar typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Gold Silver has an MSRP of $6.11 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gold Silver for $2.90.
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 TTC Gold Silver switch is best described as having a thocky and low-pitched sound profile, providing a deep and satisfying tone with each keystroke. On the other hand, the KTT Laurel switch offers a more subtly low-pitched sound, creating a mellow and bass-heavy typing experience. While both switches offer a unique sound signature, the Gold Silver leans towards a more resonant and decisive sound, while the Laurel provides a smoother and gentler auditory experience.
When it comes to feel, the TTC Gold Silver switch is often praised for its polished and silky typing experience, which results in a smooth and refined key travel. The switch also offers a mild and subtle resistance, creating a comfortable and approachable typing feel. Conversely, the KTT Laurel switch is known for its snappy response, offering a super responsive typing experience that feels alive and dynamic. While the Gold Silver focuses on providing a polished and mild typing experience, the Laurel delivers a snappier and more responsive touch.
In conclusion, both the TTC Gold Silver and KTT Laurel switches offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Gold Silver excels in providing a thocky and low-pitched sound with a polished and silky typing feel, emphasizing precision and fluidity in each keystroke. On the other hand, the Laurel switch leans towards a subtly low-pitched sound and a snappy typing experience, prioritizing responsiveness and comfort. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and typing dynamics, but both switches are sure to deliver a satisfying and enjoyable mechanical keyboard experience.
Conclusion
In closing, overall, the TTC Gold Silver linear switch would be the optimal choice for you if you prioritize rapid responsiveness and precision in your typing experience. The Gold Silver switch's shortened travel, solid bottom-out, and resonant sound signature create a seamless blend of speed and fluidity in every keystroke. On the other hand, the KTT Laurel linear switch would be more suitable if you prefer a medium-light switch that strikes a balance between responsiveness and comfort. With its full POM housing, short travel, and long pole design, the Laurel switch provides a snappy typing experience with a subtle low-pitched sound profile. Consider your preferences for key feel and sound when deciding between these two switches to find the perfect match for your typing style.
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