KTT Laurel vs. KTT Rose
An in-depth look at the KTT Laurel and the KTT Rose switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
If you're in the market for a new mechanical keyboard switch and are torn between the KTT Laurel and the KTT Rose, you're in for a treat. The Laurel is a medium-light linear switch that boasts a full POM housing, short travel, and long pole design for a balance of responsiveness and comfort. With its subtly low-pitched sound profile, typing on the Laurel switch is a delight to the ears. On the other hand, the Rose switch offers more than meets the eye. With progressive springs, it provides a uniquely substantial typing experience without being too heavy. The sound of typing on the Rose switch is likened to bassy raindrops. Both switches fall under the low-pitched category, but the Rose switch also brings a neutral, mild, and polished feel to the table. However, let's dive deeper beyond these generalities so you can make the best switch choice for your specific needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
43g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
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
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22m spring
Spring
Progressive spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the KTT Laurel and the KTT Rose, the first notable difference lies in their top housings. The Laurel utilizes a POM top housing, which creates a deeper and more muted sound profile. On the other hand, the Rose features a polycarbonate top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Additionally, the polycarbonate material allows for translucency, making it an excellent choice for incorporating RGB lighting effects. Overall, the sound and visual experience will differ between the two switches, with the Laurel offering a more subdued and unique sound, while the Rose delivers a brighter and clearer sound with the option for vibrant lighting effects.
Moving on to the bottom housings, the Laurel and the Rose take different approaches. The Laurel utilizes a POM bottom housing, which provides a deeper and more muted sound profile, similar to its top housing. Meanwhile, the Rose employs a nylon bottom housing, known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile. The nylon material, being relatively softer, absorbs more sound and contributes to a duller and rounder overall sound. Therefore, while both switches offer unique sound profiles, the Laurel leans towards a deeper and more muted experience, while the Rose offers a fuller and rounder sound.
In terms of typing experience, the split between top and bottom housings impacts the switch's sound and feel differently. When pressing down on both the Laurel and the Rose, the qualities of the bottom housing come into play. The bottom housing significantly influences the sound and feel when bottoming out a key. On the other hand, the top housing plays a larger role in the sound when releasing a key. Therefore, while the housing materials differ between the two switches, the overall impact on the typing experience and feedback aligns in terms of the bottom-out sound and feel, and the sound upon key release will exhibit characteristics associated with each switch's respective top housing material.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Laurel linear switch and the KTT Rose linear switch, there are notable differences. The Laurel requires a relatively light actuation force of 43 grams, allowing for effortless triggering of keystrokes. Additionally, it has a bottom out force of 50 grams, providing a consistent and comfortable typing experience. On the other hand, the Rose's actuation force is unknown, so it is difficult to make a direct comparison. However, its bottom out force is significantly heavier at 63.5 grams, offering a more substantial push feel during typing.
Considering the weight of the switches, the Laurel appears to be the lighter option, which can be advantageous for those who prefer extended typing sessions or long gaming sessions without experiencing fatigue. Its lighter actuation and bottom out forces allow for a smoother and more prolonged typing experience. Conversely, the Rose linear switch, with its medium-heavy bottom out force, caters to individuals who prefer a stronger and more substantial typing sensation.
While the Laurel and Rose linear switches differ in their actuation and bottom out forces, it is important to note that both can provide a satisfying typing experience depending on personal preferences. Whether one prefers a lighter or heavier switch, both options are capable of delivering similar results in terms of key responsiveness and durability.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the KTT Laurel linear switch is 3.5 mm, while the travel distance of the KTT Rose linear switch is 4 mm. The Laurel offers a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Rose. A travel distance of 4.0 mm is considered the most traditional, while 3.0 mm is the most shallow. However, shorter travel distances have become more popular, especially among gamers who value faster response times. If you prefer a more responsive feel, the Laurel with its 3.5 mm travel distance would be a suitable choice. On the other hand, some may find short travel distances to be too abrupt, and for those who prefer a deeper keypress, the Rose with its 4 mm travel distance would be a better option. Ultimately, both switches can provide satisfactory results, but the choice depends on personal preferences for travel distance and typing experience.
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 KTT Rose comes in at $3.01 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
In terms of sound, both the KTT Laurel and the KTT Rose switches have a low-pitched profile. Low-pitched switches are known for their bass-heavy and mellow tones, which can offer a pleasant typing experience. However, it's important to note that the sound of the switches can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used. Therefore, while both switches offer a low-pitched profile, the actual sound experienced may vary depending on other factors.
When it comes to feel, the KTT Laurel switch is described as snappy. This means that it has a super responsive typing experience, likely due to its longer or dual-staged springs. On the other hand, the KTT Rose switch is described as mild, offering a more gentle typing experience. This middle-ground approachable feel is suitable for most users, as it strikes a balance between being too soft or too harsh. Additionally, the KTT Rose switch is also described as polished, indicating a smooth and refined finish that results in a sleek typing experience with reduced friction.
In conclusion, the KTT Laurel linear switch and the KTT Rose linear switch offer different experiences in terms of sound and feel. The Laurel has a subtly low-pitched sound profile and offers a snappy typing experience, while the Rose has a low-pitched sound profile with bassy raindrop tones and offers a more mild and polished typing experience. Depending on personal preferences and typing style, either switch can provide a satisfying experience. It's important to consider other factors such as keyboard board and keycaps when aiming for specific sound or feel characteristics.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a medium-light linear switch that strikes a balance between responsiveness and comfort, the KTT Laurel would be a good choice for you. With its light bottom out force of 50 grams and full POM housing, it provides a snappy and lively typing experience. Additionally, the Laurel has a subtly low-pitched sound profile, which gives it a bass-heavy and mellow tone.
On the other hand, if you prefer a more substantial typing experience without being too heavy, the KTT Rose would be a suitable option. With a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, it falls into the medium-heavy range. The progressive springs used in the Rose switches offer a uniquely substantial feel, while still maintaining a gentle and approachable typing experience. Typing on the Rose switches is often compared to the sound of bassy raindrops.
In terms of sound, both switches have a low-pitched profile, which gives them a bass-heavy and mellow tone. However, the Rose switch also has a neutral sound profile, making it suitable for various uses, whether you are a beginner or advanced user, and whether you plan to use the switches at home or work.
For feel, the Laurel switch is described as snappy, providing a super responsive typing experience. On the other hand, the Rose switch offers a mild and polished feel, with a smooth and refined finish that results in reduced friction and smooth key travel.
Ultimately, the choice between the KTT Laurel and KTT Rose switches highly depends on your personal preferences. If you prefer a lighter and snappier typing experience, the Laurel would be a good fit. However, if you prefer a more substantial and refined feel, along with a neutral sound profile, the Rose would be a better option. Consider your typing preferences and desired sound profile to make the best decision for your mechanical keyboard setup.
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