KTT Laurel vs. Outemu Gold

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, choosing the right one can significantly impact your typing experience. The KTT Laurel is a medium-light linear switch renowned for its responsive and comfortable feel, thanks to its full POM housing and long pole design. With a short travel distance and a subtly low-pitched sound profile, it delivers a smooth typing experience that many gamers and typists appreciate. On the other hand, the Outemu Gold, classified as a clicky switch, offers a more tactile experience with an assertive auditory feedback that satisfies those who enjoy a pronounced click with every keystroke. While the KTT Laurel may appeal to users seeking a quieter, more fluid typing experience, the Outemu Gold caters to those who prefer a more pronounced engagement with their keyboard. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.

By the numbers

KTT Laurel Linear

Outemu Gold Clicky

$4.42

$3.95 per 10

$3.10 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When examining the housing materials of the KTT Laurel and the Outemu Gold switches, notable contrasts emerge in both acoustic characteristics and material selections. The KTT Laurel utilizes POM (Polyoxymethylene) for its top and bottom housings, resulting in a sound profile that leans toward a deeper, muted resonance. This cohesive use of POM promotes a unique auditory experience where both the actuation and release of the key sound smooth and pleasantly subdued. In contrast, the Outemu Gold features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for producing a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile due to the material's increased stiffness. This difference results in the Gold producing a more crisp and resonant sound as it activates, showcasing how the top housing's material significantly influences the acoustics during the key's upward motion.

In terms of the bottom housing, the KTT Laurel maintains its POM material, fostering a similar muted, deeper sound indicative of this softer plastic. The Outemu Gold, however, employs a nylon bottom housing, recognized for its classic role in switch construction. Nylon's characteristics lead to a fuller, yet equally muted sound profile compared to the Laurel; it works by absorbing sound, resulting in a softer bottom-out feel. Ultimately, while both switches feature materials designed to yield indeed rich auditory experiences, the KTT Laurel's consistent use of POM aligns its sound more closely throughout the mechanism, while the Outemu Gold's blend of polycarbonate and nylon introduces a distinctive variation characterized by sharper top-end notes.

When activating either switch, users can expect different sensory feedback based on the material properties of the housings. The KTT Laurel's POM top and bottom housings collaborate to offer a cohesive muted sound, while the Outemu Gold presents a dichotomy between its sharper polycarbonate upper and more resonant nylon bottom. The intricate interplay between the various housing materials dictates the overall acoustic signature, where the bottom housing plays a decisive role in the tactile and auditory experience at bottom-out. Hence, although the switches may provide pleasing user experiences, their distinct sound profiles underline how the choice of materials—POM versus polycarbonate or nylon—significantly shapes the perception of each switch during operation.

Weight

The KTT Laurel linear switch and the Outemu Gold clicky switch present a noteworthy comparison in terms of actuation force and bottom out force. The Laurel has a lighter actuation force of 43 grams compared to the Gold's 45 grams, making it more suitable for extended typing sessions, as the lighter resistance can help reduce fatigue. Additionally, the bottom out force of the Laurel is 50 grams, whereas the Gold's bottom out force is noticeably heavier at 60 grams. This difference suggests that the Laurel might offer a gentler typing experience, which is ideal for users seeking comfort during long periods of use. In contrast, the Gold's higher bottom out force contributes to a more substantial and tactile feel, appealing to those who prefer a stronger push sensation when typing. Overall, while both switches serve distinct user preferences, the KTT Laurel is lighter in both actuation and bottom out forces, making it the preferred choice for those who prioritize comfort, while the Outemu Gold provides a firmer typing experience for those who enjoy a heavier switch.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the KTT Laurel linear switch and the Outemu Gold clicky switch, the Laurel offers a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Gold features a travel distance of 4 mm. This makes the KTT Laurel the shorter option, providing a quicker response time that can be beneficial for gamers who favor faster actuation. On the other hand, the Outemu Gold's longer 4 mm travel distance may be preferred by those who appreciate a more tactile feel and a greater depth in their keystrokes. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual preferences: if you enjoy a more responsive gaming experience, the Laurel would be the better option, whereas if you prefer a more traditional feel, the Gold would be more suitable.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the KTT Laurel linear switch stands out with its subtly low-pitched sound profile. This characteristic provides a mellow and bass-heavy tone during typing, creating a pleasant auditory experience without being overly distracting. In contrast, the Outemu Gold clicky switch lacks a defined acoustic profile, making it difficult to provide a comparison. However, it's worth noting that the sound produced by any switch can be influenced by various factors, including the keyboard's construction and the choice of keycaps.

Focusing on the feel, the KTT Laurel is characterized as snappy, which is indicative of a highly responsive typing experience. This responsiveness is often attributed to its longer or dual-staged springs, making each keystroke feel lively and engaging. On the other hand, there is no specific description available for the feel of the Outemu Gold, leaving its tactile feedback and overall typing experience unknown in this context. Given the strong characteristics of the Laurel, it may appeal more to those seeking a springy and quick-feeling switch.

In conclusion, the KTT Laurel linear switch offers a unique combination of sound and feel that caters to various typing preferences. Its low-pitched sound and snappy feel make it an attractive option for users looking for a responsive and enjoyable typing experience. Conversely, with the Outemu Gold clicky switch, the details on sound and feel remain unclear, suggesting that while both switches may offer different experiences, the KTT Laurel is more defined in its qualities. Such insights into the switches can guide newcomers in making a more informed choice based on their personal preferences.

Conclusion

To conclude, your choice between the KTT Laurel linear switch and the Outemu Gold clicky switch will largely depend on your personal preferences and typing style. If you favor a smooth, quiet, and responsive typing experience, the Laurel is an excellent choice. Its light 50-gram actuation force makes it suitable for long typing sessions without causing finger fatigue, while the subtle low-pitched sound adds a pleasant acoustic element to your workspace. On the other hand, if you enjoy a more tactile experience and appreciate the satisfying feedback of a click when typing, the Outemu Gold could be the better option for you. With its medium 60-gram actuation force, it provides a more pronounced response with each keystroke, making it enjoyable for those who like to hear their actions while typing. Ultimately, whether you lean toward the gentle smoothness of the KTT Laurel or the enthusiastic click of the Outemu Gold, each switch offers unique benefits to enhance your keyboard experience, making sure that your final choice aligns with your personal preferences and intended usage.

Mentioned in this article

KTT Laurel Linear

$4.42

$3.95 per 10

Learn more

Outemu Gold Clicky

$3.10 per 10

Learn more