KTT Laurel vs. KTT Lightning
An in-depth look at the KTT Laurel and the KTT Lightning switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The KTT Laurel and the KTT Lightning are two mechanical keyboard switches that offer unique features and advantages. The Laurel is a medium-light linear switch that strikes the perfect balance between responsiveness and comfort. With its full POM housing, short travel, and long pole design, this switch provides a smooth typing experience. Additionally, it offers a subtly low-pitched sound profile. On the other hand, the Lightning is a "speed" switch that is perfect for those moments when milliseconds can determine your success. It offers a slick type feel and a clacky sound profile, making it ideal for fast-paced typing or gaming. While both switches have their strengths and cater to different preferences, it's important to delve deeper into their characteristics to determine the best fit for your specific needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
43g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22m spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The KTT Laurel and the KTT Lightning differ in their top housing materials. The Laurel's top housing is made of POM while the Lightning's top housing is made of polycarbonate. POM is known to create a deeper and more muted sound profile, providing a unique and pleasing typing experience. On the other hand, polycarbonate offers a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic, leading to a clearer and more resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that are equipped with RGB lighting. Despite these differences, it is important to note that both materials contribute to an overall enjoyable and satisfactory typing experience.
In terms of bottom housing materials, the Laurel utilizes POM while the Lightning uses nylon. POM housings in the bottom of a switch create a deep and full sound profile, enhancing the overall typing sound. The relatively softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound profile. This means that switches with nylon bottom housings may deliver a different sound experience compared to those with POM bottom housings. The bottom housing material plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key.
When comparing the top and bottom housings of the Laurel and the Lightning, it becomes clear that both materials bring distinct qualities to the switches. While the bottom housing affects the bottom-out sound and feel, the top housing has a greater impact on the sound produced when releasing a key. The POM top housing of the Laurel provides a unique and more muted sound, while the polycarbonate top housing of the Lightning offers a sharper and more resonant sound. Similarly, the POM bottom housing of the Laurel contributes to a deeper typing sound, whereas the nylon bottom housing of the Lightning produces a duller sound profile. Despite these differences, both switches are designed to provide an enjoyable and satisfying typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Laurel linear switch and the KTT Lightning linear switch, it is evident that both switches have the same actuation force of 43 grams and bottom out force of 50 grams. This means that users can expect similar results from both switches in terms of the force required to trigger a keystroke and the pressure exerted when pressing all the way down.
Considering weight, some users may prefer a lighter option as it allows for longer typing sessions, making it ideal for work or extended gaming periods. In this case, both the Laurel and Lightning switches can fulfill this preference, as they have the same actuation and bottom out forces, resulting in a lighter overall typing experience.
On the other hand, individuals who prefer a stronger push feel for a more substantial typing experience may opt for switches with heavier forces. However, it is worth noting that both the Laurel and Lightning switches have similar actuation and bottom out forces, which are relatively light. Therefore, for those seeking a heavier typing experience, neither of these switches may meet their requirements.
In summary, the KTT Laurel and KTT Lightning linear switches have the same actuation force and bottom out force, making them suitable for users who prefer a lighter typing experience. However, for those seeking a heavier option, either switch may not fulfill their preference as both switches have relatively light forces.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the KTT Laurel linear switch and the KTT Lightning linear switch, it is evident that the Laurel has a longer travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Lightning has a shorter travel distance of 3 mm. In terms of traditional standards, the Laurel falls closer to the average travel distance of 4.0 mm, while the Lightning provides a shallower experience with its 3.0 mm travel distance. However, with the growing prevalence of shorter travel distances, the Lightning switch caters to the preferences of gamers who prioritize faster response times. On the other hand, some individuals may find the shorter travel distance to feel too abrupt, instead preferring the hearty depth offered by the Laurel's longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preferences and the desired level of responsiveness.
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 KTT Lightning comes in at $3.41 per 10 switches.
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
When it comes to sound, the KTT Laurel linear switch offers a subtly low-pitched sound profile. This means that it produces a more bass-heavy and mellow tone when pressed, providing a pleasant and relaxed auditory experience. On the other hand, the KTT Lightning linear switch has a clacky sound profile. This means that it produces a sharp and snappy sound when pressed, which can be described as crisp, bright, and percussive. Additionally, the Lightning switch is also described as high-pitched and chirpy, adding a unique acoustic signature. It's important to note that the sound produced by the switches can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the KTT Laurel linear switch is described as snappy. This indicates that it is super responsive, likely due to the longer or dual-staged springs used in its construction. The snappy feel adds a heightened sense of liveliness to the typing experience. On the other hand, the KTT Lightning linear switch is described as having a subtle and polished feel. A subtle switch offers gentle resistance without being too feather-light, providing a comfortable typing experience. The polished finish of the Lightning switch ensures smooth and refined key travel, reducing friction. This results in a sleek and enjoyable typing experience.
Taking into account all the available information, the KTT Laurel linear switch and the KTT Lightning linear switch offer different subjective qualities. The Laurel switch provides a subtly low-pitched sound profile, making it suitable for those who prefer a more bass-heavy and mellow tone. It also offers a snappy feel, adding responsiveness to the typing experience. On the other hand, the Lightning switch provides a clacky sound profile, which is sharp, bright, and percussive in nature. It has a subtle and polished feel, offering gentle resistance and smooth key travel. Overall, both switches have their own unique attributes and can cater to different preferences. Based on the information provided, it is possible to achieve similar results with the Laurel and Lightning switches, depending on the desired sound and feel.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a medium-light linear switch with a balanced combination of responsiveness and comfort, then the KTT Laurel switch is the ideal choice for you. With its full POM housing, short travel, and long pole design, it provides a satisfying typing experience. Additionally, it has a subtly low-pitched sound profile, which can be more pleasing to the ears.
On the other hand, if you are in need of "speed" switches that can make a difference in milliseconds, the KTT Lightning switch is perfect for you. It offers a slick typing feel and a clacky sound profile, making it suitable for situations where quick reaction times are crucial.
In terms of sound, the Laurel switch has a low-pitched tone, providing a more bass-heavy and mellow sound. On the other hand, the Lightning switch has a clacky sound, which is sharp, crisp, and bright. If you prefer a more rich and bassy sound profile, the Laurel switch would be a better fit. However, if you enjoy a sharper and percussive sound, the Lightning switch is the way to go.
When it comes to feel, the Laurel switch is described as snappy, offering a super responsive typing experience. This can be attributed to its longer or dual-staged springs, giving it a more lively feel. On the other hand, the Lightning switch has a subtle resistance, providing a gentle typing feel. It is also polished, resulting in a smooth and refined finish, reducing friction and ensuring smooth key travel.
Ultimately, the choice between the KTT Laurel switch and the KTT Lightning switch depends on your preferences and specific needs. Both switches have their unique characteristics, so consider factors such as desired sound profile, typing experience, and responsiveness before making your decision.
Mentioned in this article
