KTT Laurel vs. Outemu Silent Yellow Jade
An in-depth look at the KTT Laurel and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the KTT Laurel linear switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch, it's clear that both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Laurel is praised for its medium-light linear design with a full POM housing, short travel, and long pole design, providing a balance of responsiveness and comfort, and a subtly low-pitched sound profile. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade offers a quiet tactile typing experience with a satisfying "thocky" sound, featuring a unique translucent jade yellow housing and a punchy tactile bump. While the Laurel is known for its snappy feel, the Silent Yellow Jade is all about the tactile typing experience. 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
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22m spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the KTT Laurel and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switches both offer unique sound profiles, with the POM housing of the Laurel and the nylon housing of the Silent Yellow Jade creating deeper and fuller sound profiles. The POM housing of the Laurel is described as creating a more muted sound, while the nylon housing of the Silent Yellow Jade absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Despite these differences, both housing materials contribute to a pleasant typing experience with satisfying sound feedback.
While the POM top housing of the Laurel and the nylon top housing of the Silent Yellow Jade may have different characteristics, both materials ultimately aim to enhance the sound profile of the switch. The POM housing of the Laurel is known for its unique sound profile on the deeper side, while the nylon housing of the Silent Yellow Jade creates a fuller sound profile. This difference in sound profile highlights how the choice of housing material can impact the overall typing experience, with each material offering distinct qualities that cater to different preferences.
In terms of the bottom housing, the POM bottom housing of the Laurel and the nylon bottom housing of the Silent Yellow Jade both play a crucial role in influencing the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch. The softer nature of nylon allows for more sound absorption, creating a rounder and duller sound compared to the POM bottom housing of the Laurel. Despite these differences, both housing materials contribute to a satisfying typing experience, showcasing how the choice of housing material can significantly impact the overall sound profile and feel of a switch.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Laurel linear switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch differ in terms of weight. The Laurel has a lighter actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Silent Yellow Jade is slightly heavier with an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams. The Laurel offers a lighter typing experience, ideal for extended periods of typing or gaming, while the Silent Yellow Jade provides a more substantial push feel. Both switches offer a different typing experience due to their varying actuation and bottom out forces, catering to different preferences for keyboard users.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the KTT Laurel linear switch is 3.5 mm, while the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. Both switches fall within the shorter end of the spectrum when it comes to travel distances, making them suitable for those who prefer quicker response times. Gamers, in particular, may appreciate the shorter travel distances of these switches. However, the Laurel has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Silent Yellow Jade, which may result in a slightly deeper keypress feel. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches may come down to personal preference for travel distance - whether you prefer a slightly longer or shorter distance when pressing down on the keys.
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 Yellow Jade 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
Overall, the KTT Laurel linear switch offers a low-pitched sound profile and a snappy feel, making it a great choice for those who prefer a more bass-heavy tone and a responsive typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch provides a quiet typing experience with a satisfying "thocky" sound, along with a unique translucent jade yellow housing and a punchy tactile bump. While the Laurel excels in responsiveness and comfort, the Silent Yellow Jade focuses on delivering a quieter typing experience with tactile feedback. Depending on your preference for sound and feel, both switches offer distinct qualities that cater to different typing preferences. Ultimately, choosing between the two will depend on whether you prioritize a low-pitched sound and snappy feel or a quiet and tactile typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a smooth and light linear switch with a subtle sound profile, the KTT Laurel would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy tactile switch with a satisfying tactile bump and a quiet typing experience, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade would be the way to go. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches should come down to your personal preference in terms of force, sound, and typing feel. Consider what aspects are most important to you in a keyboard switch and make your decision based on that.
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