Gateron Ink Yellow vs. KTT Laurel
An in-depth look at the Gateron Ink Yellow and the KTT Laurel switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
Introducing the Gateron Ink Yellow and the KTT Laurel, two popular linear mechanical keyboard switches with their own unique qualities. The Ink Yellow is renowned for its shorter travel, making it a great choice for those seeking a typing experience that falls between a laptop and a standard mechanical keyboard. This switch offers a delightful smoothness and clackiness, providing a satisfying tactile feedback. On the other hand, the Laurel by KTT boasts a medium-light linear design, complete with a full POM housing for enhanced responsiveness and comfort. With its shorter travel and long pole design, this switch strikes the perfect balance between both. Additionally, it offers a subtly low-pitched sound profile, adding a touch of elegance to your typing experience. While these generalities give you a glimpse into the characteristics of each switch, let's delve deeper to help you make the best decision based on your preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
60g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
1.50 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
Proprietary INK blend
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
22m spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Ink Yellow and the KTT Laurel have different housing materials, resulting in distinct sound profiles. The Ink Yellow features a proprietary INK blend top and bottom housing, while the Laurel utilizes POM housings for both its top and bottom. The Ink Yellow's INK blend top housing creates a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound that is described as clacky, providing a satisfying and sharp typing experience. In contrast, the Laurel's POM top housing produces a deeper and more muted sound, offering a unique typing sound that is not as pronounced. Therefore, users will notice a noticeable difference in the sound produced by these two switches when pressing down on the keys.
Additionally, the bottom housings of these switches also contribute to the overall sound profile. The Ink Yellow's INK blend bottom housing shares similar characteristics with its top housing, resulting in a pointed and high-pitched sound that feels clacky when bottoming out a key. Similarly, the Laurel's POM bottom housing complements its top housing, creating a deeper and relatively more muted sound when bottoming out. Therefore, both switches exhibit consistency in their sound profiles between the top and bottom housings, ensuring a cohesive typing experience.
While they have different housing materials, it is worth noting that the impact of the housings on the sound and feel of the switches also differs. The bottom housing has a more significant influence on the bottom-out sound and feel, as it directly affects the moment of impact when a key is fully pressed down. In contrast, the top housing's impact is more prominent when the key is released, dictating the sound produced when a key is let go. Therefore, while the Ink Yellow and the Laurel may have different housing materials, users can expect similar results when it comes to the actuation and release sound of the keys, as these qualities are primarily determined by the top housings in both switches.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch and the KTT Laurel linear switch, it becomes evident that these switches offer different weight options to suit varying preferences. The Ink Yellow, with an actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 67 grams, falls into the medium-heavy category. In contrast, the Laurel boasts a lighter actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it a lighter option. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Laurel would be more suitable, allowing for longer periods of comfortable typing or gaming sessions. However, if a stronger push feel and a more substantial typing experience are desired, the Ink Yellow would be the better choice. Despite their differences, both switches offer clear actuation and bottom out forces, ensuring consistent results for users seeking similar typing experiences.
Travel distance
The Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch and the KTT Laurel linear switch have the same travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that when you press down on a key, you will feel the same distance traveled for both switches. Whether you choose the Ink Yellow or the Laurel, you can expect similar results in terms of the travel distance experienced while typing.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Ink Yellow has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ink Yellow for $7.35.
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 Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch is best known for its shorter travel and offers a typing experience that falls between that of a laptop and a standard mechanical keyboard. It is characterized by a pleasant smoothness and clackiness, producing a crisp, bright, and percussive sound when pressed. On the other hand, the KTT Laurel linear switch features a full POM housing, short travel, and long pole design, providing a balance of responsiveness and comfort. It offers a subtly low-pitched sound profile, which is more bass-heavy and mellow compared to higher-pitched switches. The Ink Yellow has a mild feel, offering a gentle typing experience, and a polished finish that results in reduced friction and smooth key travel. The Laurel, on the other hand, is described as snappy, meaning it is super responsive and makes the typing experience feel more alive. Overall, while the two switches have different sound profiles and feel, both provide a smooth and refined typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a medium-heavy switch with a shorter travel, the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch is a great option for you. It provides a typing experience that falls between that of a laptop and a standard mechanical keyboard. The Ink Yellow offers a smooth and clacky sound profile, with a bottom out force of 67 grams. In terms of feel, it is described as mild and polished, providing a gentle and refined typing experience.
On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter switch with a medium-light bottom out force, the KTT Laurel linear switch is worth considering. The Laurel switch strikes the perfect balance of responsiveness and comfort, with its full POM housing, short travel, and long pole design. It offers a subtly low-pitched sound profile, which is bass-heavy and mellow. The Laurel switch is described as snappy, thanks to its super responsive nature.
Ultimately, the choice between the Gateron Ink Yellow and KTT Laurel switches depends on your personal preferences. If you prefer a medium-heavy switch with a shorter travel and a smooth, clacky sound, go for the Ink Yellow. If you prefer a lighter switch with a medium-light bottom out force and a subtly low-pitched sound, the Laurel switch is the way to go. Consider your typing style, sound preferences, and desired level of responsiveness when making your decision.
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