KTT Laurel vs. Gateron Melodic
An in-depth look at the KTT Laurel and the Gateron Melodic switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the KTT Laurel and the Gateron Melodic are two popular options that offer unique features and benefits. The Laurel is a medium-light linear switch, known for its full POM housing, short travel, and long pole design, providing a perfect balance of responsiveness and comfort. Additionally, the Laurel switch offers a subtly low-pitched sound profile. On the other hand, the Melodic by Gateron redefines the clicky switch category by incorporating smooth factory lubing and dual-railed stems, ensuring a classic clicky sound and tactile feedback with added smoothness. The Melodic switch is described as 'buttery', 'resonant', 'invigorating', and 'crunchy'. Both switches have their own set of advantages, but diving deeper into their characteristics and features will help you make the best decision based on your preferences and needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
43g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Polycarbonate
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
Comparing the housing materials of the KTT Laurel and the Gateron Melodic, it is evident that they differ significantly in terms of the materials used. The Laurel features a POM top housing which creates a deep and muted sound profile, while the Melodic utilizes a polycarbonate top housing that produces a sharper and crisper sound. Additionally, the POM bottom housing of the Laurel contributes to its unique sound profile, while the nylon bottom housing of the Melodic elicits a deeper and fuller sound. Overall, the housing materials of these two switches cater to different sound preferences, with the Laurel offering a more subdued sound and the Melodic providing a crisper and more resonant sound.
However, despite the differences in housing materials, both the KTT Laurel and the Gateron Melodic aim to provide a pleasing typing experience for users. While the POM top housing of the Laurel and the polycarbonate top housing of the Melodic create distinct sound profiles, they both contribute to an overall enjoyable typing experience. Similarly, the POM bottom housing of the Laurel and the nylon bottom housing of the Melodic enhance the sound of each switch in their own unique ways, ensuring that users receive a satisfying typing experience regardless of the housing material used.
Ultimately, the choice between the Laurel and the Melodic will come down to personal preference in terms of sound profile. The POM and polycarbonate top housings offer contrasting sound characteristics, with the POM housing providing a deeper and more muted sound compared to the sharper and crisper sound of the polycarbonate housing. Similarly, the bottom housings of these switches also offer distinct sound profiles, with the POM housing resulting in a more unique sound compared to the fuller sound produced by the nylon housing. In the end, users can choose between the Laurel and the Melodic based on their individual sound preferences and typing experience.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Laurel linear switch and the Gateron Melodic clicky switch differ in weight. The Laurel has a lighter actuation force of 43 grams and a lighter bottom out force of 50 grams compared to the Melodic, which has a heavier bottom out force of 60 grams. The actuation force of the Melodic is unknown. The lighter weight of the Laurel may be preferred by those who type for longer periods or engage in extended gaming sessions, as it requires less force to activate. On the other hand, the heavier weight of the Melodic may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel. Both switches offer unique benefits based on individual preferences, with the Laurel being lighter and the Melodic being heavier in terms of force required for typing.
Travel distance
The KTT Laurel linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, making it shorter than the Gateron Melodic clicky switch, which has a travel distance of 4 mm. The Laurel's shorter travel distance may appeal to those looking for a faster response time, such as gamers. On the other hand, the Melodic's longer travel distance may provide a more satisfying typing experience for those who prefer a deeper key press. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference in terms of typing feel and response speed. Both switches offer different travel distances, so it's important to consider your own typing style and preferences to determine which one would be the best fit for you.
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 Gateron Melodic has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Melodic for $6.00.
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, characterized by a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. On the other hand, the Gateron Melodic clicky switch provides a resonant and crunchy sound profile, offering a higher-pitched, clean and sharp auditory experience reminiscent of stepping on crisp autumn leaves. The sound of both switches can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard's construction and the type of keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the KTT Laurel switch is described as snappy, offering a super responsive typing experience thanks to its longer or dual-staged springs. Conversely, the Gateron Melodic switch is characterized as buttery and invigorating, providing a smooth, fluid keystroke experience with pronounced feedback, moderate to firm actuation force, and a snappy and reactive feel that creates an immersive typing sensation. Both switches aim to enhance the typing experience by offering unique tactile feedback and responsiveness.
In conclusion, while the KTT Laurel linear switch and Gateron Melodic clicky switch offer different sound profiles and tactile feelings, they both aim to provide users with a high-quality typing experience. Whether you prefer the low-pitched sound and snappy feel of the Laurel switch or the resonant sound and buttery feel of the Melodic switch, you can expect a premium mechanical keyboard experience with either choice. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will come down to personal preference in sound and feel.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when considering whether to choose the KTT Laurel linear switch or the Gateron Melodic clicky switch, it ultimately comes down to personal preference. If you prioritize a light actuation force and a low-pitched sound profile with a snappy feel, then the Laurel switch might be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium actuation force with a resonant, crunchy sound profile and a buttery, invigorating feel, then the Melodic switch could be the ideal option. Both switches have their unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences, so make sure to test them out and see which one resonates with you the most.
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