KTT Laurel vs. Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade)
An in-depth look at the KTT Laurel and the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the KTT Laurel and the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade). The Laurel is a linear switch, known for its medium-light feel and ultra-responsive performance. Its POM housing and short travel provide a comfortable typing experience, while the long pole design ensures optimum responsiveness. Moreover, the Laurel emits a subtly low-pitched sound profile, adding to its overall appeal. On the other hand, the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) is a tactile switch that offers a different typing experience. With a unique blend of PBT top and bottom housing, these switches provide a premium feel. What sets the Moyu Blacks apart is their strong downstroke tactile bump, accompanied by an even sharper and stronger upstroke bump, creating a hypertactile sensation. This, combined with the medium-heavy feel and accentuated bottom-out, results in a distinctive and impactful typing experience. The Moyu Blacks also produce a satisfyingly sharp, short, snappy, and punchy sound while typing. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
43g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
67g
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
PBT
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
PBT
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22m spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the KTT Laurel and the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) differ in terms of the materials used for the top and bottom housing. While the Laurel features a POM top housing, the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) utilizes a PBT top housing. Similarly, the Laurel has a POM bottom housing, while the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) incorporates a PBT bottom housing. Both POM and PBT materials offer unique sound profiles, but their characteristics vary.
The POM top housing of the Laurel creates a deep and muted sound profile, which is considered pleasing and unique. On the other hand, the PBT top housing of the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) offers a more neutral sound profile. While not exceptionally crisp, it avoids being dull. As a result, when releasing a key, the sound produced by the Laurel may have a deeper tone, while the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) will provide a more balanced and neutral sound.
When it comes to the bottom housing, the POM material in the Laurel once again contributes to the creation of a pleasing and unique sound profile. This sound profile leans towards the deeper side and is relatively more muted. Conversely, the PBT bottom housing in the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) offers a neutral sound profile, avoiding being too crisp or dull. The impact on the bottom-out sound and feel of pressing down on the switch will largely be determined by the properties of the bottom housing. Hence, the Laurel may produce a deeper and more muted sound upon bottoming out, while the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) will deliver a more balanced and neutral result.
Overall, while the Laurel and the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) have similarities in terms of offering pleasing and unique sound profiles, they differ in the specific qualities brought about by their housing materials. The POM housings of the Laurel accentuate deeper and more muted tones, both in the top and bottom housing, while the PBT housings of the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) provide a more neutral sound profile without being excessively crisp or dull. It is essential to consider the impact of the housing materials on both the sound when releasing a key and the bottom-out sound and feel when choosing between these two switches.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Laurel linear switch and the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) tactile switch, there are noticeable differences. The Laurel has a lighter actuation force of 43 grams compared to the Moyu Black's 50 grams. This means that the Laurel requires a slightly lighter touch to register a keystroke. However, when it comes to the bottom out force, the Laurel requires 50 grams, while the Moyu Black needs 67 grams. This indicates that the Moyu Black provides a more substantial typing experience, with a stronger push required for a full keystroke.
For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Laurel would be a suitable choice. Its lighter actuation force allows for longer periods of comfortable typing, making it ideal for work or extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, the Moyu Black appeals to individuals who prefer a more pronounced and tactile typing sensation. With its medium-heavy actuation and bottom out forces, it provides a satisfying push and a sense of substantiality with each keystroke.
Although the forces differ, those seeking a similar result can opt for either switch based on their preferences. For example, if a user wants a lighter typing experience, they can choose to utilize a gentler touch on the Moyu Black to achieve similar results to the Laurel's actuation force. Conversely, if a heavier feel is desired, one can apply more pressure on the Laurel to simulate the Moyu Black's bottom out force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will boil down to personal preference, with the Laurel offering a lighter touch and the Moyu Black providing a more solid and satisfying typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the KTT Laurel linear switch and the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) tactile switch, there is a noticeable difference. The Laurel has a travel distance of 3.5mm, which is shorter than the more traditional 4mm travel distance of the Moyu Black. Those who prefer a faster response time, such as gamers, may lean towards the Laurel with its shorter travel distance. This allows for quicker keystrokes and a more responsive feel. On the other hand, some individuals may find the shorter travel distance to be too abrupt or lacking in depth. For those seeking a more hearty keystroke experience, the Moyu Black with its longer travel distance may be the preferred choice. In terms of travel distance, the Laurel is shorter and the Moyu Black is longer. However, both options ultimately offer a range of tactile experiences to cater to different preferences.
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 Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) has an MSRP of $12.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) for $7.59.
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
When it comes to sound, the KTT Laurel switch offers a subtly low-pitched sound profile. Low-pitched switches typically have a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. On the other hand, the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) switch provides a resonant sound profile. Typing on these switches will give you a higher-pitched sound experience that is clean and sharp. 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.
Moving on to feel, the KTT Laurel switch is described as snappy. This means that it is super responsive, providing a typing experience that feels more alive. The snappiness of these switches can be attributed to their longer or dual-staged springs. On the other hand, the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) switch offers an accented and sharp tactile feel. Accented switches provide a medium amount of tactility that is prominent but not overwhelming or subtle. Additionally, the sharp tactile bump of these switches is strong and crisp, providing a distinct and intense feedback with each keypress.
Taking all the available information into consideration, the KTT Laurel and Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) switches offer different subjective qualities. The Laurel switch excels in its medium-light linear design, providing a balance of responsiveness and comfort. It is accompanied by a low-pitched sound profile and a snappy feel. On the other hand, the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) switch stands out with its sharp and strong tactility, featuring a unique blend of PBT top and bottom housing. Typing on these switches gives a distinctive and impactful typing experience, with a resonant sound profile and an accented feel. Depending on one's preference, both switches offer their own advantages, providing a premium typing experience. However, if you prefer a similar result, you can expect a satisfying typing experience from both switches, albeit with different characteristics.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a medium-light linear switch that offers a responsive and comfortable typing experience with a subtly low-pitched sound profile, the KTT Laurel would be a great choice. It has a light bottom out force of 50 grams and features a full POM housing, short travel, and long pole design. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy tactile switch that provides a rare and premium typing experience, the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) is the way to go. With its unique blend of PBT top and bottom housing, it offers a strong downstroke tactile bump and an even sharper and stronger upstroke bump, creating a hypertactile sensation. The Moyu Blacks have a bottom out force of 67 grams and produce a sharp, short, snappy, and punchy sound during typing. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches depends on your preference for linear or tactile switches and the specific typing experience and sound profile you are looking for.
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