KTT Laurel vs. Gateron Silent Ink Black
An in-depth look at the KTT Laurel and the Gateron Silent Ink Black switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options are the KTT Laurel and the Gateron Silent Ink Black. The KTT Laurel is a medium-light linear switch that offers a perfect balance of responsiveness and comfort. With its full POM housing, short travel, and long pole design, this switch provides a satisfying typing experience. Additionally, the Laurel emits a subtly low-pitched sound profile, which may be appealing to those who prefer quieter keyboards. On the other hand, the Gateron Silent Ink Black is a silenced version of the Ink Black switch, making it ideal for environments that require a quieter typing experience. This switch offers a cushion-like bottom-out feel and minimal audio feedback. Categorized as 'Silky', 'Muted', and 'Polished', the Silent Ink Black provides a smooth typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
43g
Actuation force
60g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
70g
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
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22m spring
Spring
Color coated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the KTT Laurel and the Gateron Silent Ink Black switches differ in terms of their sound profiles and characteristics. The Laurel features a POM top and bottom housing, creating a deep and relatively muted sound. On the other hand, the Silent Ink Black utilizes Gateron's proprietary INK blend top and bottom housing, resulting in a pointed and higher-pitched sound that is often described as clacky.
In terms of the top housing, the Laurel's POM material contributes to a pleasing and unique sound. This creates a deeper and more muted sound profile when the key is released. In contrast, the Silent Ink Black's INK blend top housing produces a distinctive, relatively high-pitched sound that is not overly sharp. This adds a clacky and satisfying thin sound when keys are released.
When considering the bottom housing, the Laurel's POM material maintains its influence on the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch. The POM bottom housing contributes to the deep sound profile and muted characteristics, resulting in a smooth and satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the Silent Ink Black utilizes Gateron's INK blend bottom housing material, adding to the overall sound profile. This contributes to the pointed and higher-pitched sound, enhancing the tactile and auditory feedback when keys are pressed.
Overall, while the housing materials of the KTT Laurel and the Gateron Silent Ink Black switches differ, they both provide unique sound profiles and characteristics. The Laurel's POM housing creates a deeper and relatively more muted sound, while the Silent Ink Black's INK blend housing produces a pointed and higher-pitched, yet not overly sharp, sound. Regardless of the differences, both switches offer a satisfying typing experience, each with its own distinct sound and feel.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Laurel linear switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch, there are notable differences. The Laurel has a relatively lighter actuation force of 43 grams, while the Silent Ink Black requires a higher actuation force of 60 grams. This means that the Laurel switch will be more easily triggered with a lighter touch compared to the Silent Ink Black. As for bottom out force, the Laurel requires 50 grams of force, while the Silent Ink Black demands a heavier 70 grams. This implies that the Silent Ink Black will provide a more substantial and satisfying typing experience, while the Laurel will be gentler on the fingers.
Considering weight as a factor, those who prefer lighter switches may find the Laurel more suitable, as it allows for longer typing sessions without causing fatigue. This would be ideal for individuals who often bring their keyboard to work or engage in extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, for those who enjoy a stronger and more pronounced keystroke, the Silent Ink Black with its heavier actuation and bottom out forces would be a more fitting choice. This provides a more substantial push feel, which some people find enhances their typing experience. It is worth noting that although the forces required for actuation and bottoming out vary between the two switches, both options offer their own advantages and can produce enjoyable typing experiences based on personal preference.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the KTT Laurel linear switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch, it is evident that the Laurel has a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Silent Ink Black has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. The difference may seem small, but it can impact the overall typing or gaming experience. For those who prioritize faster response times, the Laurel's shorter travel distance would be more appealing. Gamers, in particular, often favor shorter travel distances for quicker reactions. On the other hand, individuals who prefer a more substantial and satisfying keystroke may find the Silent Ink Black's longer travel distance more suitable. It's important to note that both options provide satisfactory results; the choice ultimately depends on personal preference and the desired typing or gaming experience.
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 Gateron Silent Ink Black has an MSRP of $8.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Ink Black for $8.35.
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 has a subtly low-pitched sound profile. Low-pitched switches typically feature a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. On the other hand, the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch is described as muted. A muted mechanical keyboard switch produces a softer and quieter sound compared to a regular or clacky switch. It minimizes the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the choice of board and keycaps.
When it comes to feel, the KTT Laurel switch is described as snappy. Snappy switches are super responsive, and this is often attributed to longer or dual-staged springs, providing a more lively typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Silent Ink Black switch offers a silky and polished feel. A silky switch refers to a switch that offers an exceptionally smooth typing experience. These switches enhance the overall smoothness of the typing feel and reduce resistance when pressing and releasing keys. Additionally, the term polished indicates that the switch has a smooth and refined finish, resulting in a sleek typing experience. This can be due to the materials used or factory lubing, which reduces friction and ensures smooth key travel.
In conclusion, the KTT Laurel and Gateron Silent Ink Black switches have different subjective qualities. The Laurel switch provides a subtly low-pitched sound profile and a snappy feel, offering a balance of responsiveness and comfort. On the other hand, the Silent Ink Black switch offers a muted sound profile and a silky, polished feel, providing a cushion-like bottom-out experience with minimal audio feedback. Depending on one's preference for sound and feel, either switch can deliver a satisfying typing experience. However, it's important to consider other factors such as board and keycap choices, as they can also affect the overall sound and feel of the switches. Overall, both switches offer their unique qualities, allowing users to tailor their mechanical keyboard experience to their preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a medium-light linear switch with a light bottom out force, the KTT Laurel would be a great choice. It offers a responsive and comfortable typing experience with its full POM housing, short travel, and long pole design. Additionally, the Laurel has a subtly low-pitched sound profile, providing a mellow and bass-heavy tone.
On the other hand, if you prefer a silenced switch for quieter typing, the Gateron Silent Ink Black is the way to go. With its medium-heavy bottom out force and cushion-like bottom-out feel, this switch offers a comfortable typing experience with minimal audio feedback. The Silent Ink Black is known for its muted sound profile, minimizing the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards.
So ultimately, when choosing between the Laurel and the Silent Ink Black, consider your preference for typing force, sound profile, and feel. If you prioritize a lighter switch with a low-pitched sound and a snappy typing feel, go for the Laurel. But if you value a silenced switch with a medium-heavy force, muted sound, silky smooth typing experience, and a polished finish, the Silent Ink Black would be a better fit.
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