KTT Laurel vs. Outemu Dustproof Green
An in-depth look at the KTT Laurel and the Outemu Dustproof Green switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the KTT Laurel linear switch to the Outemu Dustproof Green clicky switch, it is important to consider their unique features and qualities. The Laurel is celebrated for its medium-light linear design, full POM housing, short travel, and long pole structure, providing a balance of responsiveness and comfort. Additionally, it offers a subtly low-pitched sound profile, adding to its appeal. On the other hand, the Dustproof Green switch lacks specific standout characteristics. While the Laurel is praised for its snappy feel and low-pitched sound, the Dustproof Green may appeal to those seeking a different tactile experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
43g
Actuation force
65g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
80g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22m spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the KTT Laurel and the Outemu Dustproof Green, one key difference is in the top housing. The Laurel features a POM top housing, which creates a deeper and more muted sound profile, while the Dustproof Green utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched sound. Additionally, the polycarbonate material allows for translucency, making it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. On the other hand, the bottom housing of the Laurel also uses POM, providing a similar deep and unique sound profile as the top housing. In contrast, the Dustproof Green's nylon bottom housing offers a fuller and deeper sound due to its softer composition.
The use of different housing materials in the KTT Laurel and the Outemu Dustproof Green impacts the overall sound and feel of the switches. While the POM top housing of the Laurel creates a muted sound on keypresses, the polycarbonate top housing of the Dustproof Green produces a crisper sound. Additionally, the nylon bottom housing of the Dustproof Green results in a fuller sound experience, contrasting with the POM bottom housing of the Laurel. The split in housing materials affects the typing experience, with the qualities of each material influencing the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch.
In terms of aesthetics and functionality, the choice between POM and polycarbonate housing materials in switches like the KTT Laurel and the Outemu Dustproof Green can impact the overall typing experience. While POM offers a unique and pleasing sound profile, polycarbonate provides a clearer and more resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it a popular choice for switches with RGB lighting, enhancing the visual appeal of the keyboard. Conversely, the nylon bottom housing of the Dustproof Green absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder typing experience compared to the POM bottom housing of the Laurel. Ultimately, the choice of housing material can have a significant impact on the overall sound and feel of a mechanical keyboard switch.
Weight
The KTT Laurel linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Outemu Dustproof Green clicky switch has a heavier actuation force of 65 grams and a bottom out force of 80 grams. The Laurel switch is ideal for those who prefer a lighter touch for longer typing sessions or gaming, while the Dustproof Green switch provides a more substantial typing experience with its heavier forces, catering to those who enjoy a stronger push feel. The actuation force determines the force required to trigger a keystroke, while the bottom out force indicates the resistance when pressing the key all the way down. Overall, the Laurel switch offers a lighter typing experience compared to the heavier feel of the Dustproof Green switch.
Travel distance
The KTT Laurel linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Outemu Dustproof Green clicky switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Dustproof Green switch has a longer travel distance compared to the Laurel switch. The Laurel switch's 3.5 mm travel distance falls on the shorter end of the spectrum, making it a preferred choice for gamers looking for faster response times. On the other hand, the Dustproof Green switch with a 4 mm travel distance provides a deeper key press, which some users may find more satisfying. Both switches will provide different tactile experiences due to their varying travel distances, so it ultimately depends on individual 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 Outemu Dustproof Green comes in at $3.10 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
When it comes to sound, the KTT Laurel linear switch is known for its subtly low-pitched profile, which provides a bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. On the other hand, the Outemu Dustproof Green clicky switch's sound profile is not specified, making it difficult to directly compare the two in terms of sound. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch is influenced by various factors such as the keyboard's construction and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the KTT Laurel linear switch is revered for its snappy feedback, offering a super responsive typing experience. This snappiness is often attributed to the switch's longer or dual-staged springs, enhancing the overall typing sensation. Unfortunately, the information regarding the feel of the Outemu Dustproof Green clicky switch is not provided, making it challenging to draw a direct comparison in this aspect.
In conclusion, if you prefer a switch with a subtly low-pitched sound profile and snappy, responsive typing experience, the KTT Laurel linear switch would be an excellent choice. However, due to the lack of information on the Outemu Dustproof Green clicky switch's sound and feel characteristics, it is difficult to make a definitive comparison between the two switches. Ultimately, the best way to determine the right switch for your preferences would be to try them out firsthand to see which one suits your typing style and preferences best.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a smooth and responsive typing experience with a light bottom out force, the KTT Laurel linear switch would be a great choice for you. The Laurel's low-pitched sound profile and snappy feel make it a great option for those who prefer linear switches. On the other hand, if you prefer a heavier typing experience with a clicky sound, the Outemu Dustproof Green switch with its 80-gram bottom out force would be more suitable for you. Ultimately, your choice between the Laurel and Dustproof Green switches will depend on your preference for switch weight, typing style, and sound profile.
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