KTT Laurel vs. Outemu Lime
An in-depth look at the KTT Laurel and the Outemu Lime switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
If you're in the market for a mechanical keyboard switch, you'll likely come across two popular options: the KTT Laurel and the Outemu Lime. The Laurel is a linear switch, known for its medium-light actuation force and full POM housing. It strikes the perfect balance between responsiveness and comfort, making it a popular choice for those looking for a smooth and snappy typing experience. Additionally, it boasts a subtly low-pitched sound profile, adding to its appeal. On the other hand, the Lime switches are tactile and incredibly unique. They are lightweight, offer a feathery light typing experience, and have a touch of tactility. These switches are perfect for those who appreciate a gentle and muted tactile sensation while typing. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities, so you can make the best decision regarding which switch is the right fit for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
43g
Actuation force
35g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22m spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The KTT Laurel and the Outemu Lime differ in terms of their housing materials, specifically their top and bottom housings. The Laurel features a POM top housing, while the Lime utilizes a nylon top housing. The POM top housing of the Laurel creates a unique sound profile, which is deeper and relatively more muted. On the other hand, the nylon top housing of the Lime produces a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is due to the fact that nylon is a softer plastic material that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. While both switches provide a deeper sound, the Laurel's POM top housing offers a more muted overall experience compared to the Lime's nylon top housing.
When it comes to the bottom housings, the Laurel and the Lime retain their distinct characteristics. The Laurel's bottom housing is made of POM, which contributes to the creation of an incredibly pleasing and unique sound. Similar to its top housing, the POM bottom housing of the Laurel produces a deeper sound profile and contributes to a relatively more muted experience. On the other hand, the Lime's nylon bottom housing is a classic switch housing material, known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile. The nylon material's softness allows it to absorb more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Despite both providing a deeper sound profile, the Laurel's POM bottom housing and the Lime's nylon bottom housing offer slightly different qualities and sound experiences.
Although the housing materials of the Laurel and the Lime differ, it's worth noting that the impact of these materials on the switch's overall sound profile is split between the top and bottom of the switch. When pressing down on either switch, the qualities of the bottom housing will be more apparent, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel. On the other hand, the top housing plays a more significant role in the sound when releasing a key. Therefore, while there are distinctions in the housing materials of the Laurel and the Lime, both switches can provide similar results in terms of overall switch sound, depending on the action performed.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Laurel linear switch and the Outemu Lime tactile switch, it is clear that both switches fall into the lighter category. The Laurel has an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Lime has an actuation force of 35 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams. Both switches offer a relatively light touch, making them suitable for those who prefer a lighter typing experience. While the Laurel is slightly heavier in terms of both actuation and bottom out force, the difference is minimal and may not be noticeable to most users. Therefore, if weight is a primary consideration, both switches will yield similar results in terms of providing a lighter typing experience.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the KTT Laurel linear switch is 3.5 mm, while the Outemu Lime tactile switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that have gained popularity in recent times. Gamers, in particular, tend to prefer shorter travel distances as it allows for faster response times. Therefore, if you value responsiveness, the Outemu Lime tactile switch would be the preferred option due to its slightly shorter travel distance. On the other hand, some individuals may find shorter travel distances to feel too abrupt, and they may prefer a switch with a longer travel distance for a more satisfying depth. In this case, the KTT Laurel linear switch would be the better choice with its 3.5 mm travel distance. Overall, while the difference in travel distances between the two switches is minimal, it showcases how even slight variations can cater to different preferences and usage scenarios.
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 Outemu Lime comes in at $3.40 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 has a subtly low-pitched sound profile. Low-pitched switches typically have a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. On the other hand, the Outemu Lime tactile switch is described as having a neutral sound profile. This means that it has a moderate sound profile that is suitable for most intents and purposes. Additionally, the Lime switch is also described as muted, meaning it produces a softer and quieter sound compared to a regular or clacky switch. It is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the KTT Laurel linear switch is known for being snappy. This means that it is super responsive, providing a typing experience that feels more alive. On the other hand, the Outemu Lime tactile switch is described as offering a mild typing experience. It falls into a safe, middle-ground zone, providing a more gentle typing feel compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. The Lime switch is also described as feathery, meaning it is exceptionally light to press and requires little exertion from your fingers. This reduces finger fatigue and makes it comfortable for extended typing sessions. The Lime switch is also subtle, offering a gentle resistance that is not feather-light but still maintains a light typing feel. Lastly, it is described as polished, indicating that it has a smooth and refined finish, resulting in a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.
To summarize, the KTT Laurel linear switch is best known for its medium-light linear switch with a subtly low-pitched sound profile and a snappy feel. On the other hand, the Outemu Lime tactile switch is unique due to being lightweight, featuring an approachable tactility, and being silenced. It has a neutral sound profile with a muted characteristic and offers a mild, feathery, subtle, and polished typing experience. While the Laurel and Lime switches have their own distinct qualities, they both provide comfort and a balanced typing experience. So, if you are looking for similar results, either switch would be suitable depending on your preference for linearity or tactility.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a switch with a slightly lower bottom out force, the Outemu Lime tactile switch with its 45 grams might be the better choice for you. These switches are perfect for tactile fans who want a feathery light typing experience with just a touch of tactility. The Lime switches are also silenced, providing a softer and quieter sound compared to regular switches. With their mild and feathery feel, they offer a gentle and comfortable typing experience, reducing finger fatigue and making them suitable for extended typing sessions. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a slightly higher bottom out force, the KTT Laurel linear switch with its 50 grams might be more suitable for you. The Laurel switch strikes the perfect balance of responsiveness and comfort with its full POM housing, short travel, and long pole design. While it has a subtly low-pitched sound profile, it is still suitable for shared spaces. Ultimately, the choice between the Laurel and the Lime switches depends on your personal preference for tactility, bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel. Both switches offer unique qualities that can enhance your typing experience based on your individual needs.
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