TTC Ice vs. KTT Laurel
An in-depth look at the TTC Ice and the KTT Laurel switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Ice and KTT Laurel are two excellent linear options that cater to different preferences and styles. The TTC Ice switches stand out with their crystal-clear transparent design, offering a smooth and responsive typing experience alongside a satisfying bottom-out sound that appeals to both gamers and casual typists alike. This makes the Ice switch an attractive choice for users who appreciate aesthetics as well as performance. In contrast, the KTT Laurel combines a medium-light linear feel with its full POM housing, short travel, and long pole design, striking a perfect balance between responsiveness and comfort. Its subtly low-pitched sound profile adds to the overall user experience, making it a fantastic option for those who prefer a quieter typing environment without sacrificing feedback. While both switches offer distinctive advantages, they ultimately serve different user needs. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
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
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
24mm single-stage spring
Spring
22m spring
Housing materials
The TTC Ice and KTT Laurel switches showcase distinct sound profiles influenced by their choice of housing materials. The Ice switch employs polycarbonate for both its top and bottom housings, leading to a pronounced sharper and crisper sound profile. This material's stiffness enhances clarity and resonance, making it an ideal choice for users who prefer a vibrant auditory feedback when typing. Additionally, the clear nature of polycarbonate allows for seamless RGB lighting integration, further accentuating visual aesthetics. In contrast, the KTT Laurel utilizes POM for both top and bottom housings, resulting in a deeper, more muted sound profile. This unique acoustic quality certainly caters to users who favor a softer and more balanced typing experience.
Examining the implications of these materials on typing experience reveals further contrasts. While the Ice’s polycarbonate contributes to an impactful bottom-out sound due to its rigidity, the Laurel's POM design results in a more subdued but pleasing auditory experience. The bottom housing plays a crucial role in the feel and sound when bottoming out the switch, with the Ice offering a more thrilling sharpness versus the Laurel’s gentle embrace. Moreover, the characteristics of the top housing add another layer; the Ice's clear polycarbonate enhances sound clarity upon releasing the key, while the Laurel's more opaque POM top keeps the tonal output rich but muted, impacting the overall auditory feedback differently.
Despite these differences, both switches can achieve similar outcomes in terms of user satisfaction depending on individual preferences. If a user appreciates the pronounced sound profile of the Ice but ends up with the Laurel, they may find that the unique sound of the POM material still offers a rewarding typing sensation, albeit with a different flavor. The overlays of characteristics from each housing material create diverse sound signatures, but both switches succeed in creating a distinct typing experience tailored to different auditory tastes. Ultimately, while the Ice and Laurel serve disparate sound profiles through different materials, they both reinforce the notion that switch preferences boil down to personal style rather than absolute superiority of one housing over the other.
Weight
The TTC Ice linear switch and the KTT Laurel linear switch exhibit notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces, which can significantly impact the typing experience. The Ice switch has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, categorizing it as a medium switch. In contrast, the Laurel switch features a lighter actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it a lighter option overall. This difference in weight can influence user preferences; those who seek a more effortless typing experience for extended periods may lean towards the KTT Laurel, while users who prefer a more substantial feel might favor the TTC Ice. Ultimately, the Ice is the heavier switch, providing a firmer push, whereas the Laurel's lighter build allows for easier keystrokes, making it ideal for prolonged use.
Travel distance
The TTC Ice linear switch features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the KTT Laurel linear switch comes in slightly shorter at 3.5 mm. This difference of just 0.1 mm may seem minimal, but it reflects the preferences of users. Gamers may favor the Laurel's shorter travel distance for its potential for quicker response times, making it more suitable for rapid gameplay. Conversely, those who prefer a more pronounced tactile feedback might lean toward the Ice switch due to its longer travel distance, which provides a feeling of depth that some users find more satisfactory. Ultimately, if users prioritize responsiveness, the KTT Laurel would be the better choice; however, for those who enjoy the sensation of depth and a slightly slower actuation, the TTC Ice would likely be more appealing.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Ice has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ice for $5.99.
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
The TTC Ice linear switch is designed to deliver a clear and resonant sound profile that enhances the typing experience, though precise decibel levels can depend on the board and keycaps used. In contrast, the KTT Laurel switch presents a subtly low-pitched tone, resulting in a bass-heavy, mellow auditory experience. While the Ice offers a satisfying bottom-out sound, the Laurel’s deeper timbre may provide a more subdued yet pleasant acoustic backdrop. Both switches, therefore, cater to different auditory preferences, with the Ice leaning towards a sharper sound and the Laurel offering a softer approach.
Regarding the tactile feel, the Ice switch is celebrated for its smooth, responsive actuation, making it an appealing choice for both gamers and typists alike. Conversely, the KTT Laurel showcases a snappy responsiveness, attributed to its medium-light design and unique spring mechanics. This allows for a lively typing experience that feels engaging without being overly taxing on the fingers. Both switches provide a satisfying experience, albeit with the Ice prioritizing smoothness and the Laurel emphasizing a quick and spirited response.
In conclusion, while the TTC Ice and KTT Laurel linear switches have distinct characteristics in terms of sound and feel, they both deliver enjoyable user experiences tailored to different preferences. The Ice excels in providing a clear auditory feedback, while the Laurel impresses with its mellow tone and snappy responsiveness. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on whether you prefer the clarity and smoothness of the Ice or the low-pitched sound and lively feel of the Laurel, both of which promise to enhance your typing or gaming sessions.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the TTC Ice linear switch and the KTT Laurel linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and usage scenarios. If you appreciate a medium actuation force and enjoy the aesthetics of a transparent design, the TTC Ice switch may be the better option for you. Its satisfying bottom-out sound and smooth feel make it an excellent choice for gamers and typists alike, providing both comfort and an engaging typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter switch with a quicker, snappier response and a low-pitched sound profile, the KTT Laurel switch would be a great fit. Its medium-light actuation force ensures easy key presses, making it ideal for prolonged typing sessions where comfort is essential. In essence, if you're looking for a switch that offers a robust tactile experience and strong visual appeal, go for the Ice; whereas if you want something lighter and more responsive, the Laurel will serve you well.
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