KTT Laurel vs. Outemu Silent Green
An in-depth look at the KTT Laurel and the Outemu Silent Green switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the KTT Laurel linear switch to the Outemu Silent Green linear switch, it's important to consider their unique characteristics. The Laurel offers a medium-light feel with its full POM housing, providing a balance of responsiveness and comfort. It also boasts a low-pitched sound profile, making it ideal for those who prefer a quieter typing experience. On the other hand, the Silent Green switch does not have any specific standout features mentioned, leaving its benefits more open to interpretation. While general pointers can help you understand the basics of each switch, diving deeper into their specific qualities will ultimately guide you in choosing the best switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
43g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
60g
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
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
Polycarbonate
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22m spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the KTT Laurel and the Outemu Silent Green, it is evident that both switches offer unique sound profiles based on their respective POM and polycarbonate housings. The POM top housing of the Laurel provides a deep and muted sound, while the polycarbonate top housing of the Silent Green offers a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This difference in sound can be attributed to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which enhances clarity and resonance. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that incorporate RGB lighting, adding a visual element to the sound experience.
On the other hand, the bottom housing of both switches mirrors the qualities of their respective top housings. The POM bottom housing of the Laurel contributes to a deeper and muted sound profile, similar to its top housing. In contrast, the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Silent Green produces a sharper and crisper sound, aligning with the characteristics of its polycarbonate top housing. This consistency in sound across the top and bottom housings of each switch ensures a cohesive auditory experience for users, maintaining the intended sound profile from keypress to key release.
Overall, the choice between the KTT Laurel and the Outemu Silent Green ultimately comes down to personal preference in sound profile. While the POM housing of the Laurel offers a pleasing and unique deep sound, the polycarbonate housing of the Silent Green delivers a sharper and crisper sound experience. Both switches showcase the impact of housing material on sound quality, with POM providing a more muted tone and polycarbonate offering a more resonant and clear sound. Whether prioritizing aesthetics, sound profile, or RGB compatibility, users can select the switch that best suits their individual preferences and typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the KTT Laurel linear switch and the Outemu Silent Green linear switch in terms of actuation force and bottom out force, there are noticeable differences. The Laurel is lighter with an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Silent Green is slightly heavier with an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams. The Laurel offers a lighter typing experience, making it ideal for those who prefer a gentler touch for extended typing sessions. In contrast, the Silent Green provides a more substantial typing feel, appealing to users who prefer a stronger push during keystrokes. Both switches offer distinct advantages, with the Laurel catering to those who prioritize endurance and the Silent Green offering a more pronounced tactile response. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on the user's preference for typing feel and force requirement.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the KTT Laurel linear switch is 3.5 mm, while the Outemu Silent Green linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Silent Green switch has a longer travel distance compared to the Laurel switch. The Laurel's 3.5 mm travel distance provides a slightly quicker response time, making it a preferred choice for gamers or those looking for a more responsive typing experience. On the other hand, the 4 mm travel distance of the Silent Green switch may appeal to users who prefer a deeper and more substantial keypress feel. Both switches offer different experiences in terms of travel distance, allowing users to choose based on their personal preferences for typing or gaming.
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 Silent 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
The KTT Laurel linear switch is known for its subtly low-pitched sound profile, offering a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Green linear switch's sound profile is unknown. When it comes to feel, the Laurel switch is described as snappy, providing a super responsive typing experience due to its longer or dual-staged springs. Unfortunately, the feel of the Silent Green switch is not provided. Overall, if sound and feel are important factors for you, the KTT Laurel linear switch may be the better choice due to its low-pitched sound and snappy feel. However, without more information on the Outemu Silent Green switch, it is difficult to make a direct comparison. Ultimately, trying out both switches on different boards with various keycaps will be the best way to determine which one suits your preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a medium-light linear switch with a full POM housing, short travel, and a subtly low-pitched sound profile, the KTT Laurel switch is a great choice. Its 50-gram bottom out force provides a light typing experience with a snappy feel. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force at 60 grams and are not concerned about sound or specific feel characteristics, the Outemu Silent Green linear switch is a solid option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your preference for typing experience and sound profile. Both switches offer a smooth linear action, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference.
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