KTT Laurel vs. Outemu Green
An in-depth look at the KTT Laurel and the Outemu Green 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 Outemu Green. The KTT Laurel is a linear switch that is praised for its medium-light actuation force and full POM housing which provides a comfortable typing experience. It boasts a short travel distance and a long pole design, offering a good balance between responsiveness and comfort. Additionally, the KTT Laurel produces a subtly low-pitched sound profile, making it ideal for those who prefer a quieter typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Green is a clicky switch known for its satisfying tactile feedback and audible click sound. While the Laurel offers a quieter typing experience, the Green provides a more pronounced tactile and auditory response. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference and typing style. 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
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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22m spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the KTT Laurel and the Outemu Green switches offer distinct sound profiles due to the use of different materials. The Laurel's POM top housing creates a deeper and more muted sound profile, while the Green's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper, higher-pitched tone. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing of the Green switch also allows for RGB lighting, providing a visually appealing feature. In contrast, the Laurel's POM bottom housing maintains the deep and pleasing sound profile, whereas the Green's nylon bottom housing creates a fuller and rounder sound due to its softer plastic composition.
While the top and bottom housings of the Laurel and Green switches vary in material, each contributes unique qualities to the overall sound and feel of the switch. The split between POM and nylon in the Laurel, compared to polycarbonate and nylon in the Green, results in a combination of deep and muted tones with fuller and rounder sounds. The impact of the bottom housing is more pronounced during key presses, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing affects the sound upon key release. These differences in housing materials highlight the importance of considering the overall sound profile and tactile experience when selecting a switch for mechanical keyboards.
Ultimately, the choice between the KTT Laurel and the Outemu Green housing materials depends on personal preference and desired sound characteristics. Those who prefer a deeper, more muted sound may opt for the POM housing of the Laurel, while individuals seeking a sharper, crisper tone may be drawn to the polycarbonate top housing of the Green switch. Both switches offer unique qualities based on their housing materials, and selecting the right switch is essential for achieving the desired typing experience on a mechanical keyboard.
Weight
Comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Laurel linear switch and the Outemu Green clicky switch reveals significant differences in weight. The Laurel has a lighter actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it a suitable choice for users who prefer a lighter typing experience. In contrast, the Green switch has a heavier actuation force of 65 grams and a bottom out force of 80 grams, providing a more substantial typing feel for those who enjoy a stronger push. The actuation force determines the force required to trigger a keystroke, while the bottom out force measures how much force is needed to press the key all the way down. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for typing intensity and comfort.
Travel distance
The KTT Laurel linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, making it shorter than the 4 mm travel distance of the Outemu Green clicky switch. The Laurel would be more suitable for those who prefer a shorter travel distance for quicker response times, especially gamers. On the other hand, the Green switch would be better for individuals who prefer a deeper key press feeling due to its longer travel distance. Both switches offer different experiences in terms of key feel, with the Laurel providing a more responsive touch and the Green offering a more tactile feedback. However, ultimately the choice between the two will depend on personal preference and typing style.
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 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 offers a subtly low-pitched profile, providing a smooth and mellow typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Green clicky switch's sound profile is unknown. Depending on personal preference, the Laurel switch may appeal to those who enjoy a quieter typing experience with its low-pitched sound.
Moving on to feel, the KTT Laurel linear switch is known for its snappy feel, offering a responsive typing experience that can feel lively and engaging. Unfortunately, the feel of the Outemu Green clicky switch is unknown. If a snappy and responsive typing feel is preferred, the Laurel switch may be the better option for newcomers seeking a dynamic typing experience.
Overall, the KTT Laurel linear switch stands out for its low-pitched sound profile and snappy typing feel, making it a solid choice for those looking for a balance of comfort and responsiveness. While the qualities of the Outemu Green clicky switch are unknown in terms of sound and feel, opting for the Laurel switch may provide a similar typing experience that caters to the preferences of newcomers in the mechanical keyboard community. Ultimately, personal preference will play a significant role in determining which switch is the best fit for individual typing needs.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the KTT Laurel linear switch and the Outemu Green clicky switch, consider the type of typing experience you prefer. If you enjoy a light and smooth typing experience with a medium-light bottom out force and a low-pitched sound profile, the Laurel may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a heavier bottom out force and a clicky typing experience, the Green switch may be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences and typing style.
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