KTT Laurel vs. Kailh Sage

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options that often come up are the KTT Laurel and the Kailh Sage. The Laurel is a medium-light linear switch that is widely acclaimed for its responsiveness and comfort. With its full POM housing, short travel, and long pole design, this switch strikes the perfect balance between satisfying keystrokes and a comfortable typing experience. In addition, the Laurel switch offers a subtly low-pitched sound profile, adding to its appeal. On the other hand, the Sage switches provide a distinct clicky typing experience that some users prefer. These switches boast a rather heavy weight and a refreshingly sharp clickiness when pressed, giving users an invigorating and crunchy typing sensation. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.

By the numbers

KTT Laurel Linear

Kailh Sage Clicky

$4.42

$3.95 per 10

$6.25 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The KTT Laurel and the Kailh Sage both have distinct differences in their housing materials that greatly affect their sound profiles. The Laurel features a POM top housing, which creates a deeper and more muted sound. This means that when typing on the Laurel, you can expect a quieter and more subtle keystroke sound. On the other hand, the Sage's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This results in a more pronounced and vibrant keystroke sound compared to the Laurel. Additionally, the translucent nature of the polycarbonate housing makes it ideal for utilizing RGB lighting.

Moving onto the bottom housing, the Laurel and the Sage once again showcase their differences. The Laurel's POM bottom housing contributes to its deeper and more muted sound profile, similar to its top housing. This creates a consistent overall sound when typing on the switch. On the contrary, the Sage's nylon bottom housing brings about a deeper and fuller sound. The nylon material absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder keystroke sound. This provides a different typing experience compared to the Laurel, as the sound produced is more resonant and encompassing.

Despite these differences, it is important to note that the top and bottom housings of a switch play different roles in the sound and feel of the keys. While the bottom housing affects the bottom-out sound and feel, the top housing is more impactful on the sound when the key is released. Therefore, although the Laurel and Sage have contrasting housing materials, they both offer unique sound profiles that can be enjoyed depending on personal preferences.

Weight

The actuation and bottom out forces of the KTT Laurel linear switch and the Kailh Sage clicky switch differ in terms of weight. The Laurel has a lighter actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. On the other hand, the Sage's actuation force is unknown, but it has a heavier bottom out force of 70 grams, making it a medium-heavy switch. The Laurel provides a lighter typing experience, which may be preferred by those who type for longer periods or engage in extended gaming sessions. In contrast, the Sage offers a more substantial push feel, appealing to individuals seeking a stronger typing experience. While the exact actuation force for the Sage is unknown, the difference in bottom out force suggests that the Sage may require a higher actuation force as well. Overall, those looking for a lighter switch should opt for the Laurel, whereas those desiring more forceful keystrokes can consider the Sage.

Travel distance

The travel distance of a switch is an important factor to consider when choosing a keyboard. The KTT Laurel linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Kailh Sage clicky switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are increasingly popular, particularly among gamers who prioritize faster response times. If you prefer a more responsive feel when typing or gaming, the Laurel with its slightly shorter travel distance may be the better option for you. However, it is worth noting that some individuals find shorter travel distances to feel somewhat abrupt. If you prefer a more substantial keystroke and a greater sense of depth, the Sage's slightly longer travel distance may be more to your liking. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on your personal preferences and typing style.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the KTT Laurel switch provides a subtly low-pitched profile. Low-pitched switches typically have a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. On the other hand, the Kailh Sage switch offers a crunchy sound. This type of sound is commonly associated with clicky switches and can be likened to stepping on piles of crisp and crunchy autumn leaves. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the choice of keyboard board and keycaps. With this information, you can expect different sound profiles from these two switches.

Moving on to feel, the KTT Laurel switch is described as snappy. Snappy switches are known for being super responsive, often due to longer or dual-staged springs that make the typing experience feel more alive. On the other hand, the Kailh Sage switch is described as invigorating and sharp. An invigorating switch provides pronounced feedback, a moderate to firm actuation force, and a snappy and reactive feel, resulting in an immersive typing sensation. Sharp tactile switches, such as the Sage, are known for their high feedback intensity, with a strong and crisp tactile bump that can be distinctly felt with each keypress. These descriptions indicate that both switches offer a responsive and tactile typing experience, albeit with different characteristics.

In conclusion, the KTT Laurel and Kailh Sage switches offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Laurel switch provides a subtly low-pitched sound profile, while the Sage switch offers a crunchy sound. In terms of feel, the Laurel switch is described as snappy, while the Sage switch is characterized as invigorating and sharp. These differences in sound and feel allow for a variety of typing experiences, catering to individual preferences. If you're looking for a low-pitched and snappy switch, the Laurel is a great choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a clicky switch with a crunchy sound and an invigorating, sharp feel, the Sage will suit your preferences. Overall, with the available information, you can expect distinct and satisfying results from both switches.

Conclusion

In conclusion, if you are looking for a medium-light linear switch that offers a perfect balance of responsiveness and comfort, the KTT Laurel switch would be a great choice for you. With its full POM housing, short travel, and long pole design, this switch provides a snappy and responsive typing experience. Additionally, the Laurel switch has a subtly low-pitched sound profile, offering a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches.

On the other hand, if you prefer a distinct clicky typing experience with a heavier feel, the Kailh Sage switch would be the way to go. These switches have a medium-heavy bottom out force of 70 grams, providing an invigorating and immersive typing sensation. The Sage switches offer a satisfyingly sharp tactile bump and a refreshingly sharp clickiness, creating a crunchy sound reminiscent of stepping on piles of crisp autumn leaves.

Ultimately, the choice between the Laurel and Sage switches will depend on your personal preferences for both the sound and feel of the switch. If you prioritize a lighter, linear switch with a mellow sound profile, the Laurel switch is the one for you. However, if you enjoy a heavier clicky switch with a satisfying tactile feedback and crunchy sound, the Sage switch would be the better option. Consider your typing style, preference for sound and tactility, and decide based on what brings you the most enjoyment while typing.

Mentioned in this article

KTT Laurel Linear

$4.42

$3.95 per 10

Learn more

Kailh Sage Clicky

$6.25 per 10

Learn more