KTT Laurel vs. Huano Sakura
An in-depth look at the KTT Laurel and the Huano Sakura switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch for your typing or gaming needs, the KTT Laurel and Huano Sakura switches present two compelling options, each with its own unique characteristics. The KTT Laurel is celebrated for its medium-light feel, offering a balanced blend of responsiveness and comfort thanks to its full POM housing and long pole design. This switch features a low-pitched, snappy sound profile that can enhance your overall typing experience, making it a great choice for users seeking speed and a pleasant auditory feedback. On the other hand, the Huano Sakura switch provides a feather-light touch and medium acoustics, making it particularly suitable for extended typing sessions without causing finger fatigue. While the KTT Laurel may cater to those who prioritize responsiveness and sound, the Sakura switch shines for users looking for comfort over long durations. 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
35g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
POK
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22m spring
Spring
23mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The KTT Laurel and Huano Sakura switches utilize different materials for their top housings, which significantly influences their sound profiles and tactile experiences. The Laurel features a POM (polyoxymethylene) top housing, known for producing a unique sound that is deeper and more muted. In contrast, the Sakura employs a POK (polyketone) top housing, which not only has a slightly higher coefficient of friction but also contributes to a smoother key press. While both materials create positive user experiences, the POM material’s muted sounds versus POK’s ability to offer a clackier and sharper sound can lead to distinct auditory characteristics when the switches are in use. Therefore, a user looking for a deeper sound signature might prefer the Laurel, while those favoring a sharper sound may opt for the Sakura.
The bottom housing of these switches adds another layer of differentiation, with the Laurel using a POM material and the Sakura incorporating Nylon. Both POM and Nylon are renowned for their sound dynamics, but they influence the overall sound and feel in varied ways. The POM bottom housing similarly contributes to a satisfactioningly muted sound, which aligns with the top housing's qualities, thus reinforcing the Laurel’s overall deeper sound profile. The Nylon housing, being softer, tends to absorb sound better, resulting in a duller and fuller auditory experience during typing. Consequently, users may feel that the Sakura delivers a rounder sound upon bottoming out, while the Laurel’s sound remains smoother and deeper, stemming from the contributions of both POM materials in its construction.
Despite the differences in materials, these switches share some commonalities in their construction that impact their performance. While the KTT Laurel and Huano Sakura utilize different materials for their top and bottom housings, the overall construction principles remain consistent. Each switch's behavior is a blend of the characteristics imparted by both the top and bottom housings. Therefore, while the specific materials used in the Laurel and Sakura differ, both switch designs yield a unique user experience that can be similarly pleasant when considering depth and fullness of sound. Ultimately, one can achieve satisfying results in terms of acoustic characteristics and feel, depending on individual user preferences and whether they lean toward deeper tones or a more clacky profile.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the KTT Laurel and Huano Sakura linear switches, we see distinct differences that cater to various preferences among users. The KTT Laurel has an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Huano Sakura comes in lighter at 35 grams for actuation and 45 grams for bottoming out. This makes the Sakura the lighter option, which can be advantageous for extended typing sessions or gaming marathons, as less effort is required to actuate keystrokes. Conversely, the heavier force of the Laurel may appeal to those who favor a more substantial, tactile typing experience. Both switches are ultimately considered light, but their differing forces will suit different user preferences: the Sakura offers a softer touch, while the Laurel provides a firmer feedback.
Travel distance
The KTT Laurel linear switch features a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Huano Sakura linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that the Laurel offers a shorter travel distance compared to the Sakura, making it potentially more suitable for users who prioritize faster response times—such as gamers—who may benefit from the quicker actuation. On the other hand, the Sakura, with its 3.6 mm travel distance, might appeal to those who favor a more substantial key feel and greater depth while typing or gaming. Therefore, if you're looking for a more responsive experience, the KTT Laurel would be the preferable option, whereas the Huano Sakura would be better for those who appreciate a little more depth in their keystrokes.
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 Huano Sakura has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sakura for $3.29.
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 it comes to sound, the KTT Laurel linear switch presents a subtly low-pitched acoustic profile. This characteristic provides a more bass-heavy and mellow tone that is often considered pleasant in an office or home environment. In contrast, the Huano Sakura switch boasts a feather-light touch with medium acoustics, indicating it produces a sound that is likely to be more balanced and less pronounced than the deeper tones of the Laurel. While both switches have unique sound qualities, it’s important to remember that the overall sound experience can change based on the keyboard's material, construction, and the type of keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the KTT Laurel is notably snappy, delivering a highly responsive typing experience. This responsiveness is attributed to its long pole design and well-crafted spring mechanism, which together create an engaging tactile sensation that enhances typing performance. The Huano Sakura, on the other hand, is described as having a feather-light feel, suggesting a focus on ease of actuation rather than a pronounced tactile response. This lighter feel may be more suitable for users who prefer to type with minimal resistance, making it ideal for long typing sessions where fatigue could be a concern.
In conclusion, both the KTT Laurel and the Huano Sakura linear switches offer different auditory and tactile experiences suited to various preferences. The Laurel's low-pitched sound and snappy feel cater to those who enjoy a more pronounced and responsive typing experience. Meanwhile, the Sakura's feather-light touch and medium acoustics make it a great choice for those who prioritize comfort during extended use. If you're exploring linear switches, you'll find that both can provide enjoyable typing experiences, but the choice between them will ultimately depend on whether you prioritize sound or tactile feedback in your typing setup.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the KTT Laurel and Huano Sakura linear switches will depend on your specific typing preferences and use cases. If you prioritize a balance of responsiveness and comfort, particularly for faster typing or gaming, the KTT Laurel is an excellent option due to its medium-light actuation force, snappy feel, and low-pitched sound profile. This makes it well-suited for those who enjoy a tactile and engaging experience without overwhelming noise. On the other hand, if you are looking for an exceptionally light switch that offers a feather-touch feel, especially beneficial during long typing sessions, the Huano Sakura may be the better choice. With its lighter actuation force and medium acoustics, the Sakura provides a smooth experience that can help reduce finger fatigue, especially if you type for extended periods. Ultimately, both switches have their own strengths, and your decision should reflect what aspects—such as tactile feedback, noise levels, and comfort—are most important to you in your mechanical keyboard journey.
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