KTT Laurel vs. TTC Silent Red

Overview

Introducing two popular mechanical keyboard switches, the KTT Laurel and the TTC Silent Red. The KTT Laurel is a medium-light linear switch that is celebrated for its responsiveness and comfort. With its full POM housing, short travel, and long pole design, it strikes a perfect balance for enthusiasts seeking a satisfying typing experience. Additionally, the Laurel boasts a subtly low-pitched sound profile, making it an excellent choice for those who prefer quieter switches. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Red is the go-to option for individuals in search of a smooth and seamless typing experience without the disruptive noise. These switches feature a muted sound profile, making them ideal for office or shared living space use. With a buttery and mild feel throughout, as well as a padded bottom-out feel for maximum comfort, the TTC Silent Red offers a polished 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

KTT Laurel Linear

TTC Silent Red Linear

$4.42

$3.95 per 10

$5.28

$4.38 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The KTT Laurel and TTC Silent Red differ in their housing materials, which greatly influence the sound profile they produce. The KTT Laurel features a POM top housing, resulting in a deeper and more muted sound. This creates a satisfying and unique auditory experience when typing. In contrast, the TTC Silent Red employs a polycarbonate top housing, which produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. The use of polycarbonate gives the Silent Red a more clear and resonant sound profile, making it particularly suitable for those planning to use RGB lighting due to its translucency.

Moving on to the bottom housing, the Laurel utilizes a POM material, similar to its top housing. This results in a deep and muted sound when typing, consistent with its overall sound profile. Conversely, the Silent Red employs a nylon bottom housing. Nylon is known for its ability to absorb more sound than harder plastics, creating a fuller and rounder sound profile. Thus, typing on the Silent Red with its nylon bottom housing elicits a deeper and more resonant auditory experience.

When it comes to the tactile experience of these switches, the housing materials play a crucial role. While the bottom housing largely influences the sound and feel when bottoming out a key, the top housing has a greater impact on the sound when releasing a key. Therefore, users can expect a difference in the feel and sound between these two switches, with the Laurel featuring a softer bottom-out sound and the Silent Red having a crisper sound upon key release. However, it is worth noting that both switches offer satisfying typing experiences, albeit with different sound characteristics attributed to their respective housing materials.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Laurel linear switch and the TTC Silent Red linear switch, there are some noticeable differences. The Laurel has a lighter actuation force of 43 grams, while the Silent Red requires slightly more force at 45 grams. In terms of bottom out force, the Laurel again proves to be lighter with 50 grams, whereas the Silent Red is noticeably heavier at 63.5 grams.

Choosing between these switches depends on personal preferences and typing habits. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Laurel would be a suitable choice as its lower actuation and bottom out forces allow for smoother and easier keystrokes. On the other hand, individuals who enjoy a more substantial and deliberate typing feel may opt for the Silent Red, as its slightly higher actuation force provides a stronger push and the heavier bottom out force adds to the overall typing experience.

Weight is an important aspect to consider, as lighter switches can be advantageous for prolonged typing sessions or extended gaming sessions. However, some individuals may prefer the added resistance and tactile feedback that comes with heavier forces. Ultimately, the decision between the Laurel and Silent Red will come down to personal preference and the desired typing experience.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the KTT Laurel linear switch and the TTC Silent Red linear switch, it is clear that the Laurel has a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Silent Red has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.7 mm. Both of these distances fall within the range of what can be considered as shorter travel distances.

Traditionally, a travel distance of 4.0 mm is considered to be the norm, while a travel distance of 3.0 mm is considered shallow. However, in recent times, shorter travel distances have become increasingly popular, particularly among gamers who value faster response times. In this regard, if one prefers a more responsive typing experience, opting for a switch with a shorter travel distance like the Laurel would be the ideal choice.

On the other hand, some individuals may find shorter travel distances to be too abrupt or lacking in depth. For those who prefer a more substantial typing experience, the Silent Red with its slightly longer travel distance might be a better fit. It is worth noting, however, that if the actual travel distance is a major factor in decision-making, the Silent Red's 3.7 mm still falls within the range of shorter travel distances and may not provide a drastically different typing experience compared to the Laurel's 3.5 mm.

Overall, the choice between the Laurel and the Silent Red depends on personal preference and the desired typing experience. If a more responsive and quicker typing experience is desired, the Laurel with its shorter travel distance is the better option. However, if a typing experience with more depth and solidity is preferred, the Silent Red with its slightly longer travel distance would be more suitable.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the KTT Laurel switch offers a low-pitched sound profile. Low-pitched switches tend to have a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Red switch provides a muted sound profile. This means that it produces a softer and quieter sound, minimizing 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 keyboard board and keycaps used. Overall, if you prefer a low-pitched sound, the Laurel switch would be a good choice, while the Silent Red switch is ideal for those looking for a more muted typing experience.

When it comes to feel, the KTT Laurel switch is described as snappy. This means that it is super responsive, providing a typing experience that feels more alive. This snappiness is attributed to the longer or dual-staged springs used in the switch design. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Red switch offers a buttery feel. This implies a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, providing a seamless and effortless typing sensation. The switch is also described as mild, offering a gentle typing experience that falls within a safe middle-ground zone. Additionally, the Silent Red switch is polished, meaning it has a smooth and refined finish. This results in reduced friction and smooth key travel, enhancing the overall typing experience. Depending on your preference, you can choose the Laurel switch for a snappier feel or the Silent Red switch for a buttery and polished typing sensation.

Based on the available information, the KTT Laurel and TTC Silent Red switches differ in their subjective qualities. The Laurel switch is best known for its low-pitched sound profile and snappy feel. It strikes a balance between responsiveness and comfort, providing a medium-light linear typing experience. On the other hand, the Silent Red switch is highlighted for its muted sound and buttery feel. It delivers a smooth and seamless typing experience, perfect for office or shared living space use. Both switches offer their own unique characteristics, catering to different preferences and typing environments. However, it's important to consider other factors such as personal preference, keyboard board, and keycap choices when selecting a switch.

Conclusion

In closing, if you're looking for a medium-light linear switch with a balanced combination of responsiveness and comfort, the KTT Laurel switch would be a great choice for you. With its light bottom out force of 50 grams, full POM housing, short travel, and long pole design, this switch ensures a responsive and comfortable typing experience. Additionally, the Laurel switch offers a subtly low-pitched sound profile, which can provide a mellow and bass-heavy tone.

On the other hand, if you value a smooth and seamless typing experience without the noise, the TTC Silent Red switch would be the perfect fit for you. With a medium-heavy bottom out force of 63.5 grams, these switches offer a smooth and consistent feel from top to bottom. The Silent Reds have a muted sound profile, making them ideal for office or shared living space use. Moreover, the padded bottom-out feel of these switches adds to the comfort factor during long typing sessions.

Ultimately, the choice between the KTT Laurel linear switch and the TTC Silent Red linear switch comes down to your individual preferences. Consider factors such as the desired bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel to make the best decision for your needs. Whether you prioritize a balanced combination of responsiveness and comfort with a low-pitched sound profile, or a smooth and seamless typing experience with a muted sound, both switches offer their unique advantages.

Mentioned in this article

KTT Laurel Linear

$4.42

$3.95 per 10

Learn more

TTC Silent Red Linear

$5.28

$4.38 per 10

Learn more