KTT Laurel vs. Gazzew LT
An in-depth look at the KTT Laurel and the Gazzew LT switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the KTT Laurel and the Gazzew LT are two popular choices among enthusiasts. Both switches fall under the linear switch category, offering smooth keystrokes without the tactile bump found in other switch types. The KTT Laurel is best known for its medium-light weight and responsive feel, thanks to its full POM housing and short travel. With its long pole design, it strikes the perfect balance between comfort and quick actuation. Additionally, the Laurel produces a subtly low-pitched sound profile, adding to its overall pleasant typing experience. On the other hand, the Gazzew LT switches stand out with their enticing lilac hue, creating a captivating aesthetic. These switches offer an auditory symphony of deep, resonant thockiness, providing a satisfying sound with each keystroke. The LTs also excel in offering a seamless glide, making typing effortless and enjoyable. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the most suitable switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
43g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.20 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
POM
Top housing material
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22m spring
Spring
Stainless steel Korean spring
Housing materials
The KTT Laurel and Gazzew LT differ in their housing materials, resulting in distinct sound profiles and tactile experiences. The Laurel's POM top housing creates a unique muted sound with a deeper tone. This sound profile provides a pleasing experience when typing. In contrast, the LT's proprietary Gazzew blend top housing, also known as "boba plastic," delivers a soft and deep sound profile. While both provide similar rich sounds, the LT's top housing may offer a slightly richer tone due to its softness.
Similarly, the bottom housings of the Laurel and LT contribute to the overall sound and feel of the switches. The POM bottom housing of the Laurel produces a deeper sound and contributes to a more muted typing experience. Conversely, the Gazzew blend bottom housing of the LT, also known as "boba plastic," offers a rich and deep sound profile as a result of its softness. These differences in bottom housing material may translate to a slight variation in the bottom-out sound and tactile feedback experienced when pressing down the keys.
It is important to note that the top and bottom housings of a switch work together to create the overall typing experience. The bottom housing has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch when pressed, while the top housing influences the sound produced when releasing a key. While the Laurel and LT may differ in their housing materials, both switches aim to provide a pleasing and unique typing experience. Whether using the Laurel's POM housing or the LT's Gazzew blend housing, typists can expect to enjoy a satisfying sound and tactile feedback when typing on either switch.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Laurel linear switch and the Gazzew LT linear switch, there are notable differences. The Laurel switch has a relatively light actuation force of 43 grams, making it easier to trigger keystrokes with minimal effort. In contrast, the LT switch's actuation force is unavailable, so it is unclear how it compares. However, while the Laurel switch has a light actuation force, its bottom out force is 50 grams, providing a slightly heavier feel when pressing the keys fully. On the other hand, the LT switch has a higher bottom out force of 65 grams, which offers a more substantial typing experience.
Considering the importance of weight in keyboard switches, the lighter options like the Laurel switch are favored by those who desire extended typing sessions or long gaming sessions. The lighter actuation force allows for comfortable and effortless keystrokes over prolonged periods. Alternatively, individuals who prefer a stronger push feel and a more substantial typing experience may opt for switches with heavier forces, such as the LT switch.
In summary, while the Laurel switch is lighter in terms of both actuation and bottom out force, providing a relatively effortless typing experience, the LT switch's force information is unknown. However, based on the available information, it can be inferred that the LT switch is heavier, ensuring a more substantial and tactile typing experience.
Travel distance
The KTT Laurel linear switch and the Gazzew LT linear switch have different travel distances. The Laurel has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the LT has a travel distance of 3.2 mm. Both switches have a shorter travel distance compared to the traditional 4.0 mm, making them suitable for those who prefer quicker response times. Gamers especially tend to favor shorter travel distances for increased speed. However, it is important to note that shorter travel distances may feel abrupt or lacking in depth for some users. If you prefer a more responsive key press, the Laurel with its 3.5 mm travel distance would be a suitable choice, while those who prioritize a more substantial feel may prefer the Gazzew LT with its slightly longer 3.2 mm travel distance. Overall, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference and the desired feel during typing or gaming.
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 Gazzew LT comes in at $6.50 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
In terms of sound, the KTT Laurel linear switch offers a subtly low-pitched sound profile. This means that when typing on these switches, you can expect a mellow and bass-heavy tone. On the other hand, the Gazzew LT linear switch is described as having a deep, resonant thockiness. Typing on these switches produces a rich sound with lower frequencies, resembling a satisfying "thud" or "knock" upon pressing and releasing the keys. Both switches have a low-pitched characteristic, meaning they share similarities in terms of their bass-heavy and mellow tone. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors like the type of keyboard board and keycaps used.
Moving on to feel, the KTT Laurel linear switch is described as snappy. This indicates that these switches are highly responsive, providing a typing experience that feels lively and energetic. The snappiness can be attributed to the switch's longer or dual-staged springs. However, specific information about the feel of the Gazzew LT linear switch is unavailable.
To summarize, the KTT Laurel linear switch is best known for its comfortable and responsive typing experience, coupled with a subtly low-pitched sound profile. On the other hand, the Gazzew LT linear switch offers a deep, resonant thockiness in terms of sound, but details about its feel are unknown. If you opt for the Laurel switch, you can expect a switch that strikes a balance between responsiveness and comfort, with a mellow and bass-heavy sound. While the LT switch promises a gratifying auditory symphony with its deep thockiness and a seamless gliding sensation during keystrokes. Keep in mind that individual preferences, board choice, and keycap selection may also affect the overall experience and sound you achieve with these switches.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a medium-light linear switch with a light bottom out force of 50 grams and a subtly low-pitched sound profile, the KTT Laurel switch would be an excellent choice for you. Its full POM housing, short travel, and long pole design provide a perfect balance of responsiveness and comfort. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy linear switch with a bottom out force of 65 grams and enjoy the auditory symphony of deep, resonant thockiness, the Gazzew LT switch is the one for you. The LTs' lilac hue adds an enticing aesthetic, while their seamless glide with every keystroke enhances the typing experience. Considering your preference for a low-pitched sound, the Laurel switch delivers a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. As for the feel, the Laurel switch is described as snappy, offering a super responsive typing experience. In contrast, there is no specific description for the feel of the LT switch. Ultimately, the choice between the KTT Laurel and Gazzew LT switches depends on whether you prioritize a lighter bottom out force, an exceptional sound profile, or a snappy feel.
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