KTT Laurel vs. Cherry MX Brown
An in-depth look at the KTT Laurel and the Cherry MX Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The KTT Laurel and the Cherry MX Brown are two popular mechanical keyboard switches that offer unique features and experiences. The KTT Laurel is a linear switch, known for its medium-light weight and smooth keystrokes. With its full POM housing and long pole design, the Laurel strikes the perfect balance between responsiveness and comfort. Additionally, it offers a subtly low-pitched sound profile, making it a great choice for those who prefer a quieter typing experience. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Brown is a tactile switch that focuses on subtlety. It provides a relatively light typing experience with gentle tactility and subdued audio feedback. Its textured feel, bassy sound, and low-pitched clicks make it a favorite among users who desire a more tactile and satisfying keypress. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs and preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
43g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
55g
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
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
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
The housing materials of the KTT Laurel and the Cherry MX Brown switches have notable differences. The Laurel's POM top housing creates a unique and pleasing sound with a deeper tone. In contrast, the MX Brown's nylon top housing yields a deeper and fuller sound profile, thanks to nylon's ability to absorb more sound and create a duller, rounder tone. Although they have different compositions, both switch housings produce a similar result in terms of creating a more muted sound.
Moving on to the bottom housings, the Laurel's POM bottom housing contributes to the switch's overall sound profile, offering a deeper and more subdued tone. In comparison, the MX Brown's nylon bottom housing also serves to elicit a deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon's softer nature absorbs more sound and creates a rounder auditory experience. Despite their distinct materials, both bottom housings share the common trait of producing a deep and richer sound.
When considering the impact on the keypress experience, the qualities of the top and bottom housings play different roles. The Laurel's bottom housing primarily influences the bottom-out sound and feel, providing a significant impact when the switch is fully pressed. Conversely, the top housing affects the sound produced when releasing the key. Similarly, in the MX Brown switches, the bottom housing is responsible for the tactile experience of pressing the key, while the top housing contributes more to the sound profile when the key is released. Therefore, even though the top and bottom housings differ between the two switches, they each bring distinct attributes to the overall typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Laurel linear switch and the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch, there are a few key differences to consider. The Laurel has a lighter actuation force of 43 grams, while the MX Brown requires a slightly stronger push with a force of 45 grams. Both switches have a relatively light bottom out force, with the Laurel at 50 grams and the MX Brown at 55 grams, making them suitable for users who prefer a lighter typing experience. While the Laurel and MX Brown switches have similar force requirements, the Laurel can be considered the lighter option for those who prioritize extended typing periods or prolonged gaming sessions. However, individuals who seek a more substantial typing feel may lean towards the MX Brown due to its slightly heavier actuation and bottom out forces. Overall, both switches offer different degrees of tactile feedback and actuation forces, allowing users to choose based on their personal preferences.
Travel distance
The KTT Laurel linear switch and the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch have different travel distances. The Laurel has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the MX Brown has a travel distance of 4 mm. In terms of traditional travel distances, the MX Brown falls within the average range of 4.0 mm, while the Laurel is slightly shorter. Gamers, who prioritize faster response times, often prefer switches with shorter travel distances. In this case, the Laurel would be the preferred choice. However, some individuals may find shorter travel distances to feel abrupt or lacking in depth. For those who prefer a more substantial feel, the MX Brown, with its 4 mm travel distance, would be a better option. Overall, the Laurel offers a slightly shorter travel distance, while the MX Brown provides a longer one, allowing individuals to choose based on their preference for responsiveness or depth.
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 Cherry MX Brown comes in at $4.00 per 10 switches.
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
The Laurel switch is best known for its medium-light linear feel, making it a popular choice among users who prefer a balance of responsiveness and comfort. With its full POM housing, short travel, and long pole design, the Laurel switch provides a snappy typing experience, giving users a sense of liveliness when typing. On the other hand, the MX Brown switch offers a relatively light typing experience with gentle tactility. While the MX Brown switch does not have the same snappiness as the Laurel, it offers a textured feel, which some users may prefer for a more tactile typing experience.
In terms of sound, the Laurel switch has a subtly low-pitched sound profile. This means that it produces a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. However, the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used. The MX Brown switch, on the other hand, is described as having a bassy sound profile. This means that it offers a deeper and richer sound during key presses, resembling the depth and richness associated with bass tones. It is also low-pitched, contributing to its mellow sound profile. Again, as with any switch, the sound can be further influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
In conclusion, while the Laurel and MX Brown switches offer different subjective qualities, they both provide a satisfying typing experience. The Laurel switch is known for its snappy feel and low-pitched sound, while the MX Brown switch has a textured feel and bassy sound. Choosing between the two ultimately comes down to personal preference. If you enjoy a snappier typing experience with a low-pitched sound, the Laurel switch would be a great choice. However, if you prefer a more textured feel and a slightly deeper sound, the MX Brown switch would be a suitable option.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a smooth and comfortable typing experience, the KTT Laurel linear switch would be a great choice for you. With its medium-light bottom out force of 50 grams, it provides a responsive yet comfortable feel. The Laurel's full POM housing, short travel, and long pole design contribute to its balance of responsiveness and comfort. Additionally, the Laurel offers a subtly low-pitched sound profile, creating a pleasant audio feedback while typing.
On the other hand, if you prefer a more tactile typing experience with a lighter touch, the Cherry MX Brown switch would be a suitable option. With a bottom out force of 55 grams, it provides a slightly firmer feel compared to the Laurel. The MX Brown is known for its subtle tactility, offering a gentle bump during key presses. It also features a low-pitched sound profile, adding a deeper and richer tone to your typing experience.
Ultimately, the choice between the KTT Laurel and Cherry MX Brown switches depends on your personal preference for typing feel and sound. If you prioritize a smooth and responsive feel, along with a low-pitched sound profile, the Laurel would be a great fit. Conversely, if you prefer a slightly tactile typing experience with a lighter touch and a deeper sound profile, the MX Brown switch would be a better choice. Both switches offer their unique advantages, and it's important to consider your own typing preferences before making a decision.
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