KTT Laurel vs. Outemu Silent Grey
An in-depth look at the KTT Laurel and the Outemu Silent Grey switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the KTT Laurel linear switch to the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch, it's clear that both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The KTT Laurel stands out for its medium-light actuation force, short travel, and full POM housing, providing a responsive and comfortable typing experience with a subtly low-pitched sound profile. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Grey switches are known for their quietness and highly tactile feedback, making them ideal for those who enjoy a satisfying typing experience without the noise. Each switch offers its own set of advantages, but ultimately, the best choice depends on individual 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
50g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
1.60 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 main difference between the housing materials of the KTT Laurel and the Outemu Silent Grey lies in the top housing. The Laurel features a POM top housing, which produces a deeper and more muted sound profile. In contrast, the Silent Grey uses a polycarbonate top housing, known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. While POM offers a unique sound experience, polycarbonate's stiffness contributes to a clearer and more resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting, adding an aesthetic appeal to the overall design.
Moving on to the bottom housing, the Laurel boasts a POM bottom housing that also contributes to the deeper and fuller sound profile of the switch. On the other hand, the Silent Grey utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which absorbs more sound due to its softer texture, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. This contrast showcases how different materials can influence the acoustic properties of a switch, with POM offering a more muted and deep sound, while nylon provides a softer and fuller sound experience.
When comparing the overall sound and feel of the KTT Laurel and the Outemu Silent Grey, it is important to consider the impact of the top and bottom housing materials. While the Laurel's POM top and bottom housings work in harmony to create a unique and pleasing sound, the Silent Grey's combination of polycarbonate and nylon splits the qualities between sharper, crisper top housing sounds and deeper, fuller bottom housing sounds. Understanding the influence of each housing material can help users make informed decisions based on their preferences for sound profiles and tactile feedback when typing on mechanical keyboards.
Weight
The KTT Laurel linear switch has a lighter actuation force and bottom out force compared to the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch. The Laurel requires 43 grams of force to actuate and 50 grams to bottom out, while the Silent Grey needs 50 grams to actuate and 65 grams to bottom out. This makes the Laurel ideal for those who prefer a lighter typing experience, allowing for longer typing sessions without fatigue. On the other hand, the Silent Grey provides a more substantial typing feel with its heavier forces, perfect for those who prefer a stronger push when typing. Choosing between the two ultimately comes down to personal preference in terms of typing experience and desired force feedback.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the KTT Laurel linear switch and the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch, we can see that the Laurel has a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Silent Grey has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. The Laurel's shorter travel distance may appeal to those seeking faster response times, such as gamers, while the Silent Grey's longer travel distance may provide a more substantial, deeper key press that some users prefer. Both switches have their strengths, with the Laurel offering a quicker feel and the Silent Grey providing a more deliberate keystroke. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference and the type of typing experience desired.
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 Grey 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 comparing the sound profile of the KTT Laurel linear switch and the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch, we find that the Laurel offers a low-pitched sound, which provides a more bass-heavy and mellow tone. On the other hand, the Silent Grey switch is known for its quiet operation, making it ideal for those seeking a silent typing experience. The feel of the Laurel switch is described as snappy, indicating a super responsive typing experience that feels more alive. In contrast, the tactile bump of the Silent Grey switch, paired with a smooth keystroke, offers a satisfying tactile typing experience. Overall, while the Laurel switch excels in responsiveness and comfort with its low-pitched sound profile, the Silent Grey switch stands out for its quiet and tactile typing experience. Depending on your personal preferences for sound and feel, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different typing preferences. Ultimately, selecting between the Laurel and Silent Grey switches will come down to individual preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the KTT Laurel linear switch and the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch, consider the following guidelines: opt for the Laurel if you prefer a lighter bottom out force, a low-pitched sound profile, and a snappier typing experience. On the other hand, choose the Silent Grey if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force, a quiet typing experience with a pronounced bump, and a smooth keystroke. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for typing feel, sound, and force required for key presses. Experimenting with both switches may also help you determine which one suits your typing style best.
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