KTT Laurel vs. Gateron Luciola

Overview

The KTT Laurel and the Gateron Luciola are two mechanical keyboard switches, both known for their linear action, but they have distinct features and qualities that set them apart. The Laurel, with its full POM housing and short travel, offers a perfect balance of responsiveness and comfort. It boasts a subtly low-pitched sound profile, creating a pleasant typing experience. On the other hand, the Luciola stands out for its eye-catching glow-in-the-dark feature, making it visually appealing. It offers a smooth and bouncy typing feel with a unique hollow sound profile resembling a can of spray paint being shaken. While these are general pointers for choosing each switch, let's delve deeper into their specific characteristics so that you can make the best decision based on your personal preferences.

By the numbers

KTT Laurel Linear

Gateron Luciola Linear

$4.42

$3.95 per 10

$7.50

$6.50 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The housing materials of the KTT Laurel and the Gateron Luciola switches showcase distinct differences in their sound profiles. The Laurel's POM top housing offers a deeper and relatively more muted sound, while the Luciola's proprietary INK blend top housing produces a pointed and higher-pitched, yet not overly sharp, sound. This discrepancy suggests that the Laurel switch would provide a smoother and more subtle typing experience, whereas the Luciola switch would deliver a crisper and clackier sound when the keys are released.

Similarly, when comparing the bottom housings, the Laurel's POM bottom housing and the Luciola's proprietary INK blend bottom housing differ in their sound characteristics. The POM bottom housing of the Laurel creates a deeper and more muted sound, aligning with its top housing. On the other hand, the INK blend bottom housing of the Luciola contributes to a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound profile, similar to its top housing. This implies that while typing on the Laurel switch would result in an overall muffled sound, the Luciola switch would offer a more distinct and clacky typing experience.

It is important to note that the impact of the housing materials splits between the top and bottom of the switch. When pressing down on either switch, the qualities of the bottom housing come into play, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel. However, when releasing a key, the characteristics of the top housing become more pronounced and affect the sound produced. Therefore, while the Laurel and Luciola switches may have contrasting housing materials, they both offer unique and satisfying sound profiles.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Laurel linear switch and the Gateron Luciola linear switch, there are noticeable differences. The Laurel has a lighter actuation force of 43 grams, meaning it requires less force to trigger a keystroke compared to the Luciola, which has an actuation force of 55 grams. Similarly, in terms of bottoming out, the Laurel requires a force of 50 grams, while the Luciola requires slightly more at 60 grams. This makes the Laurel the lighter option overall compared to the Luciola. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Laurel would be a suitable choice as it allows for longer periods of comfortable typing. On the other hand, the Luciola offers a more substantial typing experience with its heavier actuation and bottom out forces, making it suitable for individuals who prefer a stronger push feel. Overall, both switches offer their own advantages depending on personal preferences, providing distinct typing experiences.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distance of the KTT Laurel linear switch and the Gateron Luciola linear switch, it is evident that the Laurel has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm compared to the Luciola's 3.6 mm. Despite this small difference, it is important to note that both switches offer relatively similar results in terms of travel distance. A traditional travel distance is typically around 4.0 mm, while a shallow distance would be around 3.0 mm. In recent times, shorter travel distances have become increasingly popular, particularly among gamers who prioritize faster response times. Therefore, if you are seeking more responsiveness, opting for the Laurel with its slightly shorter travel distance may be a suitable choice. On the other hand, some individuals may find short travel distances to feel somewhat abrupt and may prefer a switch with a longer travel distance. Ultimately, the decision depends on personal preference, whether one prefers a shorter, snappier feel or a deeper, more substantial key press.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the KTT Laurel switch offers a subtly low-pitched profile. This means that when the switch is pressed, it produces a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. On the other hand, the Gateron Luciola switch has a variety of sound profiles including clacky, chirpy, marbly, and high-pitched. This means that the sound produced by the Luciola switch can be crisp, bright, percussive, resonant, high-pitched, or clean, depending on the specific switch. It is important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.

When it comes to feel, both the KTT Laurel and Gateron Luciola switches are described as snappy. This means that they both offer a super responsive typing experience. This responsiveness can be attributed to factors such as longer or dual-staged springs, which make the typing feel more alive. Additionally, the Luciola switch is also described as buttery and polished in terms of feel. This implies that it offers a smooth, fluid, and uniform keystroke experience, as well as reduced friction and smooth key travel.

In conclusion, the KTT Laurel and Gateron Luciola switches have some differences in terms of sound and feel. The Laurel switch offers a subtly low-pitched sound profile, while the Luciola switch has a range of sound profiles including clacky, chirpy, marbly, and high-pitched. Both switches are described as snappy in terms of feel, but the Luciola switch also offers a buttery and polished typing experience. While they may have different characteristics, both switches provide a level of responsiveness and comfort. It's important to consider personal preferences and other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps when deciding between the two.

Conclusion

In closing, if you are looking for a switch that offers a medium-light experience with a balanced mix of responsiveness and comfort, the KTT Laurel linear switch is a great choice. With a bottom out force of 50 grams, it provides a light typing feel that is ideal for those who prefer a lighter touch. Additionally, the Laurel's low-pitched sound profile adds to a more mellow and bass-heavy sound experience.

On the other hand, if you are someone who enjoys a slightly heavier typing feel, the Gateron Luciola linear switch is worth considering. With a bottom out force of 60 grams, it offers a medium heft that can enhance the typing experience for those who prefer a bit more resistance. The Luciola switch is also known for its smooth and bouncy feel, giving it a snappy and responsive typing sensation.

When it comes to sound, the Laurel produces a subtly low-pitched tone, while the Luciola offers a variety of sound profiles including clacky, chirpy, marbly, and high-pitched. If you prefer a quieter and more bass-heavy sound, the Laurel is the way to go. However, if you enjoy a sharper and more percussive sound experience, the Luciola provides a range of options to suit your personal preference.

In terms of feel, both switches offer a snappy typing experience. However, the Laurel focuses on responsiveness, while the Luciola adds additional descriptors such as buttery and polished. If a smooth and fluid keystroke with reduced friction is important to you, the Luciola switch may be the better choice.

Ultimately, the decision between the KTT Laurel and the Gateron Luciola linear switches comes down to personal preference. Consider factors such as typing force, sound profile, and typing feel to determine which switch aligns best with your needs and preferences. Happy typing!

Mentioned in this article

KTT Laurel Linear

$4.42

$3.95 per 10

Learn more

Gateron Luciola Linear

$7.50

$6.50 per 10

Learn more