KTT Laurel vs. Outemu Lotus
An in-depth look at the KTT Laurel and the Outemu Lotus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the KTT Laurel and the Outemu Lotus are two popular linear options to choose from. The KTT Laurel is praised for its medium-light actuation force, full POM housing for durability, short travel distance, and long pole design which provides a balance between responsiveness and comfort. Additionally, the KTT Laurel offers a subtly low-pitched sound profile, making it a suitable choice for those who prefer a quieter typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Lotus is known for its linear feel but lacks specific standout features or characteristics. While both switches offer a linear typing experience, each has its own unique qualities that may cater to different preferences. 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
35g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
Nylon
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 Lotus both contribute to creating a unique and pleasing sound profile for mechanical keyboards. The Laurel utilizes POM for both its top and bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and more muted sound compared to the Lotus which uses nylon for both housings. Nylon is known for its ability to absorb sound, leading to a fuller and rounder sound profile when typing on switches made with this material. In terms of sound, the Laurel's POM housing may provide a slightly different experience compared to the Lotus's nylon housing due to their unique properties.
While both the Laurel and Lotus keyboards feature different housing materials for the top and bottom, the overall impact on the sound and feel of the switches may vary. The qualities of the bottom housing material will have a significant influence on the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, while the top housing material will affect the sound when releasing a key. This means that users may experience a mix of deep, muted tones from the POM bottom housing of the Laurel and the fuller sound profile from the nylon top housing of the Lotus, creating a distinct typing experience for each keyboard.
Despite the differences in housing materials between the Laurel and Lotus keyboards, both provide a satisfying typing experience with their unique sound profiles. The POM and nylon materials offer their own advantages in terms of sound absorption and impact on keypresses. While the POM housings of the Laurel may create a deeper and more muted sound profile, the nylon housings of the Lotus elicit a fuller and rounder sound. Ultimately, the choice between these two keyboards may come down to personal preference in terms of sound and feel, as both offer high-quality housing materials that enhance the overall typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Laurel linear switch and the Outemu Lotus linear switch, it can be seen that both switches have a light actuation force of 35 grams. However, the KTT Laurel has a slightly heavier bottom out force of 50 grams compared to the Outemu Lotus. This means that while both switches will provide a light typing experience, the Laurel may offer a slightly more substantial feel when fully pressed down. In terms of weight, the Laurel can be considered the heavier option due to its higher bottom out force. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience for extended periods, the Lotus may be the preferred choice. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The KTT Laurel linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Outemu Lotus linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. Both switches have shorter travel distances than the traditional 4.0 mm, making them suitable for those who prefer faster response times, such as gamers. The Laurel offers a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Lotus, which may provide a more substantial feeling when typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two will come down to personal preference regarding key feel and responsiveness. However, both switches offer a shorter travel distance that is favored by many in today's keyboard market.
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 Lotus 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, known for its more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. On the other hand, information about the sound profile of the Outemu Lotus linear switch is not available. Keep in mind that the sound produced by a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
Moving on to feel, the KTT Laurel linear switch is praised for its snappy response, which can be attributed to its longer or dual-staged springs, enhancing the typing experience and making it feel more lively. Unfortunately, there is no information available regarding the tactile feel of the Outemu Lotus linear switch.
In conclusion, it seems that the KTT Laurel linear switch stands out in terms of both sound and feel with its low-pitched sound profile and snappy response. While information about the Outemu Lotus linear switch is lacking in these aspects, it is worth noting that individual preferences play a crucial role in determining the best switch for each user. Experimenting with different switches and setups will ultimately help you find the perfect fit for your typing needs.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the KTT Laurel and the Outemu Lotus linear switches, consider your preference for a medium-light linear switch with a full POM housing and subtly low-pitched sound profile. If you value a balance of responsiveness and comfort, as well as a snappy typing experience, you may want to choose the KTT Laurel switch. On the other hand, if you are looking for a switch with similar bottom out force but with different characteristics that may better suit your typing style, you may prefer the Outemu Lotus switch. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will come down to personal preference and the specific typing experience you are looking for in your mechanical keyboard.
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