KTT Laurel vs. Jwick Semi-Silent Linear
An in-depth look at the KTT Laurel and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The KTT Laurel and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear are two mechanical keyboard switches that offer unique characteristics for different preferences. The Laurel is a medium-light linear switch featuring a full POM housing, short travel, and a long pole design, making it highly responsive and comfortable to use. Additionally, it provides a subtly low-pitched sound profile, adding to its overall appeal. On the other hand, the Semi-Silent Linear is renowned for its innovative design, combining a whisper-quiet topping-out sound with a clacky bottom-out sound. Its type feel is silky smooth, striking a balance between being polished and retaining some tactile feedback. While these general pointers offer an initial understanding of both switches, diving deeper into their specific features and qualities will help you determine the best switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
43g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.70 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
Polycarbonate
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 Jwick Semi-Silent Linear differ in terms of their sound profiles and aesthetic qualities. The Laurel features a POM top housing, which creates a deeper and relatively more muted sound. This can result in a pleasant and unique sound experience. Alternatively, the Semi-Silent Linear's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. Due to its translucency, the polycarbonate housing is ideal for users who intend to utilize RGB lighting. Although the sound profiles of the top housings vary, both materials provide a distinct auditory experience.
Moving on to the bottom housings, the KTT Laurel again uses POM material, resulting in a deep and muted sound profile. This offers a satisfying typing experience with a deeper and fuller sound. The Jwick Semi-Silent Linear, on the other hand, employs a nylon bottom housing. Nylon is known for its softer nature, absorbing more sound and leading to a duller and rounder sound experience. While the bottom housing in both switches contributes to the overall sound and feel, the materials used create different sound profiles, with POM generating a deeper tone and nylon producing a fuller sound.
In summary, the KTT Laurel and Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switches differ in their housing materials, resulting in contrasting sound profiles and aesthetic features. The POM top and bottom housings of the Laurel contribute to a deeper and more muted sound, while the polycarbonate top housing of the Semi-Silent Linear produces a sharper and crisper sound. The nylon bottom housing of the Semi-Silent Linear elicits a deeper and fuller sound. However, both switches provide a pleasing typing experience with unique sound qualities, showcasing the versatility and range of housing materials available in mechanical keyboards.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Laurel linear switch and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch, there are some noticeable differences. The Laurel has a relatively light actuation force of 43 grams, meaning that it requires a gentle push to trigger a keystroke. In contrast, the actuation force for the Semi-Silent Linear is unavailable, so it is unclear how it compares in terms of lightness or heaviness. Moving on to the bottom out force, the Laurel requires 50 grams of force to fully press the key, which is fairly light as well. In comparison, the Semi-Silent Linear has a heavier bottom out force of 62 grams, offering a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel.
Considering the weight of these switches is important since it can greatly impact the typing experience. For individuals looking for a lighter switch that allows for extended periods of comfortable typing, the Laurel would be a suitable choice. This is particularly beneficial for those who use their keyboards for work or engage in lengthy gaming sessions. On the other hand, for users who prefer a more substantial and tactile typing experience, the Semi-Silent Linear with its heavier bottom out force might be a better option. The actuation force of the Semi-Silent Linear is still unknown so it is difficult to make a direct comparison in terms of lightness or heaviness. However, if the actuation force is similar to the Laurel's, then the results would be similar in terms of typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches depends on individual preference and the specific typing experience one desires.
Travel distance
The KTT Laurel linear switch and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch have different travel distances. The Laurel has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Semi-Silent Linear has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.7 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances which have become prevalent nowadays. Gamers, in particular, tend to prefer shorter travel distances as it allows for faster response times. So, if you are looking for a more responsive typing or gaming experience, the Laurel with its shorter travel distance may be the better option for you. On the other hand, some individuals may find short travel distances to feel too abrupt and prefer a switch with a bit more depth. In this case, the Semi-Silent Linear with its slightly longer travel distance would be more suitable. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches boils down to personal preference for the desired level of responsiveness and depth.
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 Jwick Semi-Silent Linear has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Semi-Silent Linear for $5.27.
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
The KTT Laurel linear switch is known for its medium-light weight and linear action. It features a full POM housing, a design that provides a good balance of responsiveness and comfort. In terms of sound, the Laurel switch has a subtly low-pitched profile, offering a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. This makes it a great choice for those who prefer a quieter typing experience.
On the other hand, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch is notable for its innovative design. It is labeled as semi-silent due to its whisper-quiet topping-out sound, while still maintaining a clacky bottom-out sound. The type feel of the Jwick switch is described as silky smooth but not over-polished. It offers a more gentle typing experience compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. Additionally, the Jwick switch is considered snappy, meaning it is super responsive and provides a lively typing experience.
Considering the sound qualities, the KTT Laurel has a low-pitched profile, while the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear has a more subdued and neutral sound. This means that if you prefer a quieter typing experience, the Laurel switch would be a better choice. However, if you prefer a typing sound with a subtle and dampened quality, the Semi-Silent Linear switch would be a suitable option.
In terms of feel, both the Laurel and Semi-Silent Linear switches are described as snappy. This indicates that they are super responsive, providing a lively and quick typing experience. The Jwick switch is also described as mild, which means it offers a more gentle typing experience suitable for most users. Additionally, both switches have qualities like a buttery and polished feel, which indicates a smooth and fluid keystroke experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.
In conclusion, the Laurel and Semi-Silent Linear switches offer different sound qualities, with the Laurel having a low-pitched profile and the Semi-Silent Linear offering a subdued and neutral sound. Both switches provide a snappy and responsive typing experience, but the Jwick switch is also known for its mild and approachable feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on personal preference and the desired sound and feel for the mechanical keyboard setup.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a medium-light linear switch that strikes the perfect balance of responsiveness and comfort, the KTT Laurel is the best choice for you. With its full POM housing, short travel, and long pole design, it offers a snappy typing experience that feels alive. Additionally, the Laurel has a subtly low-pitched sound profile, which provides a bass-heavy and mellow tone.
On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a more subdued sound and a silky smooth type feel, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear is the ideal option. Its semi-silent label comes from its whisper-quiet topping-out sound, while still maintaining a clacky bottom-out sound. The Semi-Silent Linear offers a mild and approachable typing experience, making it suitable for beginners and advanced users alike. Furthermore, it has a neutral sound profile, providing a more subtle sound signature compared to most switches.
In summary, the KTT Laurel is recommended for those who prioritize responsiveness, comfort, and a low-pitched sound profile, while the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear is a great choice for individuals seeking a subdued sound, silky smooth type feel, and a versatile switch suitable for various purposes. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches depends on your personal preference and typing style.
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