KTT Laurel vs. Durock Medium Tactile

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the KTT Laurel and the Durock Medium Tactile offer two distinct options to enhance your typing experience. The Laurel is a linear switch that boasts a medium-light feel with its full POM housing, short travel, and long pole design. It strikes the perfect balance between responsiveness and comfort, making it ideal for those seeking a smooth and effortless typing experience. Moreover, the subtle low-pitched sound profile adds to its appeal. On the other hand, the Durock Medium Tactile stands out with its pronounced yet balanced tactility. This particular flavor of tactile switch, created by Durock, offers satisfying feedback with each keystroke, accompanied by a distinctive spongy sound signature. Its categorization as "Accented," "Stepped," "Mild," and "Polished" caters to users who prefer a tactile experience without compromising on the overall typing sensation. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.

By the numbers

KTT Laurel Linear

Durock Medium Tactile Tactile

$4.42

$3.95 per 10

$5.50

$4.25 per 10

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Housing materials

The KTT Laurel and the Durock Medium Tactile differ in their housing materials, which creates distinct sound profiles and tactile experiences. The Laurel's POM top housing offers a deeper and more muted sound profile. The use of POM, a relatively softer plastic, results in a sound that is both pleasing and unique. On the other hand, the Medium Tactile's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. Polycarbonate's stiffness contributes to a more clear and resonant sound profile. Additionally, if RGB lighting is a priority, the polycarbonate top housing is particularly useful due to its translucent nature.

Moving to the bottom housings, the Laurel's POM material continues to provide a deeper and more muted sound profile. The use of POM in the bottom housing contributes mainly to the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch. In contrast, the Medium Tactile employs a nylon bottom housing, which elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Therefore, the housing materials of the bottom housings of these switches significantly impact the overall sound experience, with the Laurel leaning towards a deeper tone and the Medium Tactile exhibiting a fuller sound.

Although the KTT Laurel and Durock Medium Tactile utilize different housing materials, they do share similarities in terms of the qualities each material brings. Both switches incorporate housing materials that contribute to a unique and pleasing sound profile. Whether it is the POM or polycarbonate of the top housing, or the POM or nylon of the bottom housing, each switch offers a distinct auditory experience. Additionally, both switches prioritize the sound when releasing a key, with the top housing having a more profound impact on the sound. While they may have differences, these switches ultimately offer similar results in terms of delivering a satisfactory sound and tactile feedback.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Laurel linear switch and the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch, some notable differences emerge. The Laurel boasts a relatively light actuation force of 43 grams, making it an attractive choice for those who prefer a lighter typing experience. In contrast, the Medium Tactile switch does not disclose its actuation force, leaving us unaware of its specific requirements. Moving on to the bottom out force, the Laurel requires 50 grams of force to fully depress the key, indicating a slightly heavier but still manageable typing experience. Conversely, the Medium Tactile switch demands a more substantial 65 grams of force to bottom out, making it a medium-heavy option. It is worth considering these differences in weight as they directly impact one's typing experience. For individuals seeking extended typing durations or prolonged gaming sessions, the Laurel's lighter actuation and bottom out forces may be more desirable. Conversely, those who prefer a more substantial push feel will likely lean towards the Medium Tactile switch's heavier forces. The similarities in actuation force, assuming they are equal, would yield comparable results in terms of triggering keystrokes for both switches. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences and specific typing needs.

Travel distance

The travel distance of the KTT Laurel linear switch is 3.5 mm, while the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. In terms of traditional travel distances, the 4.0 mm is the most common and the 3.0 mm is the shallowest. However, nowadays there is a growing preference for shorter travel distances, particularly among gamers who prioritize faster response times. If you prefer a more responsive typing experience, the Laurel with its 3.5 mm travel distance would be a suitable option. On the other hand, some individuals may find shorter travel distances to feel too abrupt and prefer a switch that offers a deeper key press. In this case, the Medium Tactile switch with its longer travel distance of 4 mm would be more suitable. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches boils down to personal preference and the desired typing experience.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the KTT Laurel linear switch is best known for its subtly low-pitched sound profile. Low-pitched switches generally have a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. On the other hand, the Durock Medium Tactile switch's sound profile is not mentioned, so it is unknown at this time. 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.

Moving on to feel, the KTT Laurel linear switch is described as snappy, offering a super responsive typing experience. This snappiness is often attributed to the longer or dual-staged springs used in these switches, which enhances the overall typing feel and makes it feel more alive. In comparison, the Durock Medium Tactile switch has a variety of descriptors. It is described as accented, meaning it provides a prominent amount of tactility that is neither overwhelming nor subtle. Additionally, the Medium Tactile switch is also described as stepped, indicating that it feels like it has two stages of tactility, with some pre-travel and/or post-travel. It is further characterized as mild and polished, offering a gentle typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.

Based on the available information, the KTT Laurel offers a low-pitched sound profile and a snappy typing feel. In contrast, the Durock Medium Tactile has a jelly-like sound signature and offers an accented, stepped, mild, and polished typing feel. While the specific sound profile of the Medium Tactile is unknown, it is likely to provide a distinct and enjoyable auditory experience. If you are looking for a linear switch with a mellow sound and excellent responsiveness, the Laurel would be a great choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile switch with a prominent but balanced tactility, along with a smooth and refined typing experience, the Medium Tactile would be an ideal option. Consider your preferences and typing style to determine which switch suits you best.

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 full POM housing for a responsive and comfortable typing experience, then the KTT Laurel switch would be a great choice for you. It offers a subtly low-pitched sound profile, providing a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force of 65 grams and a pronounced yet balanced tactility, the Durock Medium Tactile switch is a fantastic option. It has a jelly-like sound signature and offers various descriptors such as accented, stepped, mild, and polished, providing a safe middle ground for both sound and feel preferences. Ultimately, the decision between the KTT Laurel switch and the Durock Medium Tactile switch depends on your preference for linear or tactile switches and the specific characteristics that suit your typing style and preferences.

Mentioned in this article

KTT Laurel Linear

$4.42

$3.95 per 10

Learn more

Durock Medium Tactile Tactile

$5.50

$4.25 per 10

Learn more