KTT Laurel vs. TTC Silent Brown
An in-depth look at the KTT Laurel and the TTC Silent Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options that often come up are the KTT Laurel and the TTC Silent Brown. The Laurel is a linear switch, best known for its medium-light weight and full POM housing that strikes the perfect balance between responsiveness and comfort. With its short travel and long pole design, this switch offers a smooth and snappy typing experience. Additionally, the Laurel produces a subtly low-pitched sound profile. On the other hand, the Silent Brown is a tactile switch that provides a comfortable typing experience. It offers a light-medium level of resistance and a satisfying rounded tactile bump. One standout feature of the Silent Brown is its muted sound profile, which ensures a quieter typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
43g
Actuation force
45g
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
3.80 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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22m spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The KTT Laurel and TTC Silent Brown differ in terms of their housing materials, particularly their top housings. The Laurel features a POM top housing, which creates a deep and muted sound profile. On the other hand, the Silent Brown is equipped with a polycarbonate top housing, resulting in a sharper and higher-pitched sound. Additionally, the polycarbonate's stiffness offers a clear and resonant sound profile, making it ideal for switches intended for RGB lighting. While the Laurel's bottom housing is also made of POM, it shares similar characteristics to its top housing counterpart, producing a deep and muted sound. In contrast, the Silent Brown utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which creates a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic nature that absorbs more sound.
When comparing the Laurel and Silent Brown, it is evident that their housing materials significantly influence their sound profiles. The POM housing in both the top and bottom of the Laurel contributes to its deeper and more muted sound, offering a unique auditory experience. Conversely, the Silent Brown's combination of a polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing results in a sharper, higher-pitched sound when pressing down the keys, followed by a deeper and fuller sound upon key release. These differences in sound can greatly impact the overall typing experience and individual preference.
Despite their contrasting housing materials, both the Laurel and Silent Brown provide distinct sound profiles that can be appreciated by keyboard enthusiasts. The Laurel's POM housing, whether at the top or bottom, creates an incredibly pleasing and unique sound with deeper tones. Similarly, the Silent Brown's top and bottom housings, made of polycarbonate and nylon respectively, offer their own distinct sound characteristics. Whether one prefers the quiet and muted sounds of the Laurel or the sharper and fuller sounds of the Silent Brown, both switches provide enjoyable typing experiences based on personal preference.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Laurel linear switch and the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch, there are noticeable differences. The Laurel has a lighter actuation force of 43 grams compared to the Silent Brown's slightly heavier 45 grams. However, when it comes to bottoming out, the Laurel requires 50 grams of force, while the Silent Brown is significantly heavier at 63.5 grams. This means that the Laurel provides a lighter and more effortless typing experience, making it suitable for those who prefer a lighter touch. On the other hand, the Silent Brown offers a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel, which can be preferred by individuals who enjoy a heavier keystroke. Overall, the Laurel offers lighter actuation and bottom out forces, while the Silent Brown provides a medium-heavy feel. Depending on individual preferences and typing needs, users can choose accordingly to achieve their desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The KTT Laurel linear switch and the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch have different travel distances. The Laurel has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Silent Brown has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. In terms of comparison, the Laurel has a shorter travel distance compared to the Silent Brown. The Laurel's 3.5 mm travel distance is closer to the more traditional 4.0 mm travel distance, making it a good option for those who prefer a slightly shorter travel distance without sacrificing too much depth. On the other hand, the Silent Brown offers a longer travel distance of 3.8 mm, which may be preferred by individuals who desire a deeper and more substantial feel when pressing down on a key. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and the desired level of responsiveness.
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 TTC Silent Brown has an MSRP of $6.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Brown for $5.00.
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 is best described as having a 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 TTC Silent Brown tactile switch is known for its muted sound profile. It produces a softer and quieter sound, minimizing the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. It is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the choice of keyboard and keycaps. Overall, both switches offer a pleasant and non-distracting sound experience, with the Laurel providing a low-pitched tone and the Silent Brown offering a muted sound.
In terms of feel, the KTT Laurel linear switch is described as snappy. This means that it is super responsive and provides a typing experience that feels more alive. This can be attributed to its longer or dual-staged springs, which enhance the tactile feedback and responsiveness. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch is described as buttery, mild, and polished. It offers a smooth and fluid keystroke experience. The typing sensation is seamless, effortless, and uniform, providing a gentle and approachable feel. Additionally, the switch has a polished finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. Overall, both switches offer a satisfying feel, with the Laurel being snappier and the Silent Brown delivering a buttery and polished typing experience.
Considering both switches' subjective qualities, the KTT Laurel linear switch stands out for its subtly low-pitched sound profile and snappy feel. It strikes a balance between responsiveness and comfort, making it suitable for users who prefer a more bass-heavy and mellow sound tone and a highly responsive typing experience. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch impresses with its muted sound profile and buttery, mild, and polished feel. It offers a comfortable typing experience with a satisfying rounded tactile bump and a smooth keystroke. Users who prefer a quieter sound and a gentle, effortless typing sensation will find the Silent Brown switch appealing. While there are differences in sound and feel between the two switches, both deliver a high-quality experience in their own distinctive ways. As a newcomer, you can expect similar results in terms of sound and feel depending on your preferences and the overall setup of your keyboard.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a medium-light linear switch with a light bottom out force of 50 grams, the KTT Laurel is an excellent choice. It offers a perfect balance of responsiveness and comfort, thanks to its full POM housing, short travel, and long pole design. The Laurel also provides a subtly low-pitched sound profile, which can be pleasing to the ears.
On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile switch with a slightly higher bottom out force of 63.5 grams, the TTC Silent Brown would be a great option. These switches offer a comfortable typing experience with a satisfying rounded tactile bump. What sets them apart is the muted sound profile, which minimizes the usual noise associated with mechanical keyboards.
Ultimately, the choice between the KTT Laurel and the TTC Silent Brown comes down to personal preference. If you prioritize a snappy and responsive feel with a low-pitched sound, the Laurel is the way to go. However, if you prefer a buttery, mild, and polished typing experience with a muted sound, the Silent Brown is the better choice. Consider the qualities that matter most to you when making your decision.
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