KTT Laurel vs. Everglide Sakura Pink
An in-depth look at the KTT Laurel and the Everglide Sakura Pink switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
If you're in the market for a new mechanical keyboard switch, two great options to consider are the KTT Laurel and the Everglide Sakura Pink. Both switches offer unique features and benefits that make them stand out from the crowd. The Laurel is a medium-light linear switch with a full POM housing, short travel, and a long pole design. It strikes the perfect balance between responsiveness and comfort, and it has a subtly low-pitched sound profile. On the other hand, the Sakura Pink switches are super light and perfect for delicate typists, with a feather-light 35g actuation force. They provide a smooth and effortless typing experience, with a gliding feel and frictionless operation. The Sakura Pinks also produce a delightful poppy sound, reminiscent of bubble wrap being popped, adding a playful touch to your keyboard sessions. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits you best.
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
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
Polycarbonate
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22m spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The KTT Laurel and the Everglide Sakura Pink differ in terms of their housing materials. The Laurel features a POM top and bottom housing, creating a deeper and more muted sound profile. On the other hand, the Sakura Pink utilizes polycarbonate in both the top and bottom housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate's relatively stiffer plastic, which enhances clarity and resonance. If you plan to use RGB lighting, the Sakura Pink's polycarbonate top housing is particularly useful due to its translucency.
While the Laurel and Sakura Pink have differing housing materials, they both offer pleasing and unique sound profiles. The POM housing of the Laurel creates a deep and muted sound, while the polycarbonate housing of the Sakura Pink delivers a sharper and crisper sound. Despite these differences, both switches aim to provide an enjoyable auditory experience. Additionally, both switches utilize their respective materials to enhance the sound profile in their own ways, whether it be through POM's unique qualities or polycarbonate's stiffness and resonance.
When it comes to the impact on sound and feel, the differences in housing materials between the top and bottom housings of a switch can play a significant role. With the Laurel's POM bottom housing, the bottom-out sound and feel will possess qualities unique to POM. On the other hand, the Sakura Pink's polycarbonate bottom housing will contribute to a more impactful bottom-out experience, with sharper and crisper characteristics. Meanwhile, the top housing, whether it's POM or polycarbonate, will influence the sound when releasing a key. Thus, while the housing materials differ, both switches ensure a comprehensive sound and feel experience for users.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Laurel linear switch and the Everglide Sakura Pink linear switch, it is clear that both switches have relatively light forces. The Laurel has an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Sakura Pink has an actuation force of 35 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams. Both switches offer a lighter typing experience, which can be beneficial for those who prefer extended typing sessions or long gaming sessions.
However, it is worth noting that the Sakura Pink switch has a slightly lighter actuation force and bottom out force compared to the Laurel. This may make the Sakura Pink switch more appealing to individuals who appreciate an even lighter and smoother keystroke. On the other hand, the Laurel switch provides a slightly more substantial typing experience due to its slightly heavier forces.
Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will come down to personal preference. Those who prioritize a lighter touch and smoother typing experience may lean towards the Sakura Pink switch, while individuals who prefer a bit more resistance and a firmer keystroke may find the Laurel switch more suitable. Overall, both switches offer similar results in terms of actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the KTT Laurel linear switch is 3.5 mm, while the travel distance of the Everglide Sakura Pink linear switch is 4 mm. Both switches have different travel distances, with the Sakura Pink having a longer travel distance compared to the Laurel. The Laurel's travel distance of 3.5 mm falls on the shorter side, which is often preferred by gamers who desire faster response times. On the other hand, the Sakura Pink's longer travel distance of 4 mm provides a deeper key press experience, which some individuals may prefer for a more substantial feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference - if you prioritize responsiveness, the shorter travel distance of the Laurel would be a suitable option, whereas those who prefer a more hearty depth may opt for the Sakura Pink with its longer travel distance.
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 Everglide Sakura Pink has an MSRP of $6.86 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sakura Pink for $3.89.
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, the KTT Laurel linear switch is known for its subtly low-pitched sound profile. This means that it produces a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. On the other hand, the Everglide Sakura Pink linear switch is described as muted, producing a softer and quieter sound compared to regular or clacky switches. Keep in mind that the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as your choice of board and keycaps. Overall, if you prefer a low-pitched sound, the Laurel switch would be a good choice, while those who prefer a quieter typing experience may enjoy the muted sound of the Sakura Pink switch.
When it comes to feel, the KTT Laurel switch is described as snappy, indicating that it is super responsive. This responsiveness is achieved through the use of longer or dual-staged springs, making the typing experience feel more alive. On the other hand, the Everglide Sakura Pink switch is described using various terms such as buttery, creamy, easy-to-press, and frictionless. This implies that the Sakura Pink switch offers a smooth, fluid, and uniform typing sensation. It provides a seamless and effortless typing experience, with minimal force required to activate the keys. This not only enhances the typing experience but also reduces finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. Overall, both switches offer different qualities in terms of feel, with the Laurel being snappy and the Sakura Pink offering a smooth and easy typing experience.
In conclusion, the KTT Laurel linear switch and the Everglide Sakura Pink linear switch offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Laurel has a subtly low-pitched sound profile and a snappy feel, striking a balance between responsiveness and comfort. On the other hand, the Sakura Pink switch produces a muted sound and offers a buttery, creamy, easy-to-press, and frictionless typing experience. Depending on your preferences, you can choose the Laurel switch for a mellow sound and a snappy feel or the Sakura Pink switch for a quieter sound and a smooth and effortless typing experience. However, it's important to note that the overall typing experience is influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering the KTT Laurel linear switch, you should opt for it if you prefer a switch with a medium-light bottom out force of 50 grams. The Laurel offers a responsive and comfortable typing experience, thanks to its full POM housing, short travel, and long pole design. Additionally, it produces a subtly low-pitched sound, which adds a mellower and bass-heavy tone to your keyboarding sessions.
On the other hand, if you are a delicate typist and prefer an even lighter switch, the Everglide Sakura Pink linear switch is the better choice. With a feather-light 35g actuation force, the Sakura Pink provides a smooth and effortless typing experience, akin to gliding across the keys. It offers multiple descriptors such as "buttery," "creamy," "easy-to-press," and "frictionless," which all contribute to its smooth and uniform typing sensation. Furthermore, the Sakura Pink produces a delightfully poppy sound reminiscent of popping bubble wrap, which adds a playful touch to your typing sessions.
Ultimately, the choice between the KTT Laurel and Everglide Sakura Pink switches depends on your personal typing preference. Consider factors such as bottom out force, typing feel, and sound profile to determine which switch aligns better with your desired typing experience. Ultimately, both switches offer their unique advantages, allowing you to find the perfect fit for your mechanical keyboard setup.
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