Keygeek Keygeek Raw vs. KTT Laurel
An in-depth look at the Keygeek Keygeek Raw and the KTT Laurel switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Keygeek Raw and the KTT Laurel each offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Keygeek Raw stands out for its blend of Nylon, UMPE, and Silicon, creating a creamy yet lightweight switch that provides a slightly textured feel straight out of the box. On the other hand, the KTT Laurel is praised for its medium-light linear design with a full POM housing, short travel, and long pole for a balance of responsiveness and comfort. While the Keygeek Raw is categorized as 'Textured', 'Mild', 'Neutral', 'Subtle', the Laurel switch falls under 'Low-pitched', 'Snappy'. 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
N/A
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
57.5g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon & UPE blend
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
UMPE & Si blend
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
22m spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Keygeek Keygeek Raw and the KTT Laurel are both designed to enhance the overall typing experience, but they do so in slightly different ways. The Keygeek Raw features a Nylon & UPE blend top housing, while the Laurel utilizes a POM top housing. The Nylon & UPE blend top housing of the Keygeek Raw is exclusive to this switch, offering a unique feel and sound when typing. In contrast, the POM top housing of the Laurel creates a deeper and more muted sound profile. While both materials aim to improve the overall typing experience, their distinct properties result in different sound and feel characteristics.
On the bottom housing side, the Keygeek Raw incorporates a UMPE & Si blend, whereas the Laurel utilizes a POM bottom housing. The UMPE & Si blend of the Keygeek Raw provides a different tactile experience compared to the POM bottom housing of the Laurel. The bottom housing material plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel of a key press. This means that the material used in the bottom housing can greatly impact the overall typing experience, offering a more tactile or softer feel depending on the material used.
While the housing materials of the Keygeek Keygeek Raw and the KTT Laurel differ in their composition, they both aim to enhance the typing experience in their own unique ways. The exclusive blends of Nylon & UPE and UMPE & Si in the Keygeek Raw provide a different feel and sound compared to the POM housing of the Laurel. However, both switches offer a pleasing and satisfying typing experience, with each material contributing to the overall sound profile and tactile feedback of the keys. In the end, choosing between the two switches may come down to personal preference in terms of sound, feel, and typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the Keygeek Raw linear switch and the KTT Laurel linear switch, it is evident that the Laurel switch is lighter in terms of actuation force and bottom out force. The Keygeek Raw has a higher bottom out force of 57.5 grams compared to the Laurel's 50 grams, making it slightly heavier. However, the Keygeek Raw does not have a specified actuation force, while the Laurel requires 43 grams to trigger a keystroke. This makes the Laurel switch a lighter option overall. For those who prefer a more substantial typing experience, the Keygeek Raw may be the better choice due to its higher bottom out force. On the other hand, users looking for a lighter typing feel may gravitate towards the Laurel switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
The Keygeek Raw linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the KTT Laurel linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.5 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are increasingly popular among gamers for their quicker response times. The Keygeek Raw offers a slightly shorter travel distance, making it a suitable choice for those seeking a more responsive feel. On the other hand, the Laurel switch provides a touch more depth in its travel, which may be preferred by those who find shorter distances too abrupt. Overall, while the Keygeek Raw is slightly shorter in travel distance compared to the Laurel, both switches offer a similar experience in terms of responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Keygeek Keygeek Raw has an MSRP of $5.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Keygeek Raw for $3.51.
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 Keygeek Raw and KTT Laurel switches offer different auditory experiences. The Keygeek Raw provides a neutral sound profile, with a moderate actuation force requirement suitable for various purposes. On the other hand, the Laurel switch presents a low-pitched sound profile, featuring a more bass-heavy and mellow tone. When considering sound quality, it's essential to take into account additional factors such as the keyboard's construction and keycaps used.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the Keygeek Raw offers a textured sensation with a slightly scratchy feel out of the box, which can be preferred by some users. The switch also provides a mild typing experience, falling in a safe, middle-ground zone suitable for most users. Additionally, the Keygeek Raw switch has a subtle resistance and a sound signature that is not resonant, making it ideal for shared spaces. In contrast, the KTT Laurel switch is described as snappy, offering a super responsive typing experience possibly due to longer or dual-staged springs, providing a more lively feel during use.
Considering the subjective qualities of sound and feel between the Keygeek Raw and KTT Laurel switches, it's evident that each switch offers a unique typing experience tailored to different preferences. While the Keygeek Raw excels in providing a textured feel and a neutral sound profile, the KTT Laurel stands out with its snappy response and low-pitched sound. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing feel and sound characteristics in a mechanical keyboard setup. If these qualities are not a deciding factor, both switches can deliver similar results in terms of performance and reliability.
Conclusion
In summary, when considering the Keygeek Raw linear switch, you should opt for it if you value a slightly textured feel and a creamy yet lightweight typing experience. These switches are ideal for enthusiasts who prefer to hand-lube their switches and are looking for a switch with a moderate actuation force. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother typing experience and enjoy a low-pitched sound profile, then the KTT Laurel linear switch is the better choice for you. The Laurel switch offers a snappier and more responsive typing experience, making it perfect for those who seek a balance of responsiveness and comfort with a light actuation force. Ultimately, your decision between these two switches will depend on your personal preference for feel, sound, and actuation force.
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