KTT Laurel vs. Zuoce Lavender
An in-depth look at the KTT Laurel and the Zuoce Lavender switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The KTT Laurel and Zuoce Lavender are both linear mechanical keyboard switches with their own unique characteristics that set them apart. The Laurel is praised for its medium-light actuation force, short travel, and long pole design, providing a perfect blend of responsiveness and comfort. Its low-pitched sound profile adds to the overall typing experience. On the other hand, the Lavender is known for its exceptional smoothness due to its proprietary Ly blend, making each keystroke feel satisfying with a crisp and clacky sound signature. While the Laurel is categorized as 'Snappy' and 'Low-pitched', the Lavender is categorized as 'Easy-to-press' and 'Clacky'. Both switches have their strengths and appeal to different preferences, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference. 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
43g
Actuation force
48g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Z1 (Ly blend)
Top housing material
POM
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22m spring
Spring
21mm double-staged spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the KTT Laurel and Zuoce Lavender switches are both made of POM, creating a pleasing and unique sound with a deeper and more muted profile. This results in a consistent sound experience across both switches, providing a similar typing experience for users. However, if the top and bottom housings are different for a switch, the qualities brought by the housing material will be divided between the top and bottom of the switch, affecting the sound and feel in different ways.
The POM top housing of the Laurel and Lavender switches contributes to the overall sound profile, adding a deeper and more muted tone to the typing experience. This results in a more subdued sound when pressing down on the keys, creating a satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the POM bottom housing of both switches also plays a significant role in the overall sound and feel of the switch. The bottom housing impacts the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the keys, enhancing the overall typing experience.
While both the KTT Laurel and Zuoce Lavender switches feature POM housing materials that create a pleasing and unique sound profile, the slight differences in the top and bottom housings can affect the overall typing experience. The bottom housing of the switch has more impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key. Overall, both switches offer a consistent and enjoyable typing experience with their POM housing materials, providing users with a satisfying sound and feel while typing.
Weight
The KTT Laurel linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Zuoce Lavender linear switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 48 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams. The Laurel switch is better suited for those who prefer a lighter touch, making it ideal for extended typing or gaming sessions. On the other hand, the Lavender switch provides a slightly more substantial typing experience due to its heavier actuation and bottom out forces. Both switches offer a smooth linear feel, but the Laurel is lighter, while the Lavender is slightly heavier. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference for typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
The KTT Laurel linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Zuoce Lavender linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are becoming more popular for their faster response times, especially among gamers. The Laurel switch offers a slightly longer travel distance, which may provide a more substantial feeling when pressed compared to the Lavender switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference for either a slightly longer or shorter travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
The Zuoce Lavender has an MSRP of $2.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Lavender for $1.99.
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
Overall, the KTT Laurel linear switch offers a more low-pitched sound profile compared to the Zuoce Lavender linear switch, which has a distinctively clacky sound signature. The Laurel switch provides a snappy feel due to its responsiveness, while the Lavender switch is known for being easy-to-press, offering gentle resistance and a comfortable typing experience. Both switches are linear, offering a smooth keystroke without any tactile feedback. If you prefer a quieter, low-pitched sound with a snappy feel, the Laurel switch would be the ideal choice. On the other hand, if you enjoy a more pronounced, clacky sound with an easy-to-press feel, the Lavender switch would suit your preferences. Ultimately, choosing between these switches would depend on your personal preference for sound and feel in a mechanical keyboard switch.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the KTT Laurel linear switch and the Zuoce Lavender linear switch, consider the following guidelines. If you prioritize a light bottom out force and a subtly low-pitched sound profile, the Laurel switch may be the ideal choice for you. Its medium-light feel combined with its snappy response can provide a comfortable and responsive typing experience. On the other hand, if you value exceptional smoothness and a crisp, clacky sound signature, the Lavender switch with its medium-light bottom out force and easy-to-press feel may be more suitable for your preferences. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize a low-pitched sound and snappy feel or a clacky sound and easy-to-press experience. Choose the switch that aligns best with your typing preferences and enjoy a satisfying mechanical keyboard experience.
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