KTT Laurel vs. KTT Matcha

Overview

Introducing the KTT Laurel and KTT Matcha mechanical keyboard switches! The KTT Laurel is a medium-light linear switch that boasts a full POM housing, short travel, and a long pole design. It strikes the perfect balance between responsiveness and comfort, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a smooth typing experience. Additionally, its low-pitched sound profile adds a subtle touch of elegance to your keystrokes. On the other hand, we have the KTT Matcha, a tactile switch that embodies the epitome of satisfying keystrokes. With a comfortable, snappy tactility, typing on the Matcha switch is a truly delightful experience. The long pole stem contributes to a clean bottom-out sound, ensuring a distinct and pleasant auditory feedback. Categorized as both stepped and accented, the Matcha switch offers a unique and feathery tactile feel. Both switches have their own unique qualities that cater to different preferences. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.

By the numbers

KTT Laurel Linear

KTT Matcha Tactile

$4.42

$3.95 per 10

$5.20

$4.88 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The housing materials of the KTT Laurel and the KTT Matcha differ in terms of sound profile and aesthetics. The Laurel features a POM top and bottom housing, which creates a pleasing and unique sound that is on the deeper side and relatively more muted. In contrast, the Matcha utilizes a polycarbonate top and bottom housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffness of polycarbonate contributes to a more clear and resonant sound.

In terms of aesthetics, the Matcha's polycarbonate housing is especially useful for those planning to use RGB lighting. Its translucency allows the lighting effects to shine through, creating a visually appealing experience. On the other hand, the Laurel's POM housing does not offer the same level of transparency, so it may not be as suitable for showcasing RGB effects.

When it comes to the tactile experience, both switches differ in terms of the impact on sound and feel. The Laurel's POM bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and feel, adding to the deeper and more muted sound profile. Conversely, the top housing of the Matcha has a more significant impact on the sound when you let go of a key, further enhancing the sharper and crisper sound profile. Despite their differences, both switches offer unique qualities that can elevate the typing experience.

Overall, the choice between the KTT Laurel and the KTT Matcha housing materials depends on personal preferences for sound profile and aesthetics. If you prioritize a deeper, more muted sound, then the Laurel with its POM housing would be a suitable option. Alternatively, if you prefer a sharper, crisper sound and want to showcase RGB lighting effects, the Matcha's polycarbonate housing would be a better fit. Regardless of the choice, both switches provide distinct qualities that can enhance your typing experience.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Laurel linear switch and the KTT Matcha tactile switch, it becomes evident that both switches offer a lightweight typing experience. The Laurel exhibits an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Matcha boasts an actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams. Both switches fall into the lighter category, making them suitable for users who prefer a more effortless and prolonged typing experience. Although the Laurel requires slightly more force to trigger a keystroke, the difference is negligible when compared to the Matcha. Users seeking a significant push feel may find neither switch to provide the desired level of resistance, thus necessitating the exploration of options with heavier forces. Overall, individuals who prioritize a light and comfortable typing experience will obtain similar outcomes when using either the KTT Laurel linear switch or the KTT Matcha tactile switch.

Travel distance

The KTT Laurel linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the KTT Matcha tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. While both switches have relatively short travel distances compared to the traditional 4.0 mm, they offer slightly different experiences. Gamers who prioritize fast response times may prefer the Laurel switch with its shorter travel distance. The abruptness of the shorter travel distance can provide a more responsive feel. On the other hand, those who enjoy a more substantial and deeper keystroke experience may prefer the Matcha switch with its longer travel distance. The extra 0.5 mm of travel can give a sense of hearty depth when typing or gaming. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference for either a quicker and more responsive feel or a deeper and more substantial keystroke.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the KTT Laurel linear switch is best described as having a subtly low-pitched sound profile. As a low-pitched switch, it offers a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. On the other hand, the KTT Matcha tactile switch produces a distinctly clean bottom-out sound. This means that when you press the keys all the way down, you can expect a sharp and snappy sound that is crisp, bright, and percussive. It's 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 its snappy responsiveness. This is thanks to the switch's longer or dual-staged springs, which make the typing experience feel more alive. The KTT Matcha tactile switch, on the other hand, offers a stepped feel. This means that it has two stages of tactile feedback, allowing you to feel some pre-travel and/or post-travel. Additionally, the Matcha switch is described as being accented, providing a prominent amount of tactility that is neither overwhelming nor subtle. It is also noted to be feathery, meaning it requires little exertion and reduces finger fatigue. The Laurel switch is described as having a feathery typing feel but still maintaining a light resistance, making it comfortable for extended typing sessions. Both switches offer a level of responsiveness that enhances the typing experience.

In conclusion, the KTT Laurel linear switch and the KTT Matcha tactile switch offer different subjective qualities. The Laurel has a subtly low-pitched sound profile and provides a snappy, feathery typing feel. On the other hand, the Matcha has a clean bottom-out sound and offers a stepped, accented, and feathery typing feel. Both switches excel in different areas, so choosing between them will depend on personal preference and the desired typing experience. However, if you enjoy a snappy typing feel, you can expect similar responsiveness from both switches.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you're looking for a medium-light linear switch with a perfect balance of responsiveness and comfort, the KTT Laurel is the way to go. With its full POM housing and short travel, you can expect a smooth and satisfying typing experience. The Laurel also offers a subtly low-pitched sound profile, ideal for those who prefer a more mellow tone. On the other hand, if you're in search of a tactile switch that provides a comfortable and snappy typing feel, the KTT Matcha is the switch for you. Its distinct clean bottom-out sound and stepped tactile feedback make it a popular choice. Whether you prefer a light actuation force or a slightly more prominent tactility, both switches offer enjoyable and responsive typing experiences. Ultimately, the decision between the Laurel and Matcha will come down to personal preference and the specific typing experience you're looking for.

Mentioned in this article

KTT Laurel Linear

$4.42

$3.95 per 10

Learn more

KTT Matcha Tactile

$5.20

$4.88 per 10

Learn more