KTT Laurel vs. SP-Star Duck
An in-depth look at the KTT Laurel and the SP-Star Duck switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, there are various options available to suit different preferences. Two noteworthy switches to consider are the KTT Laurel, a linear switch, and the SP-Star Duck, a tactile switch. The Laurel switch stands out for its medium-light linear design, featuring a full POM housing, short travel, and long pole design. This combination ensures a responsive and comfortable typing experience, enhanced by its subtly low-pitched sound profile. On the other hand, the Duck switch offers a more subtle tactile experience, with a gentle tactility and a clean and crispy sound profile. Categorized as neutral, mild, buttery, and polished, the Duck switches provide a satisfying typing experience. However, let's delve a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your individual preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
43g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
58g
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
Gold plated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the KTT Laurel and the SP-Star Duck differ in terms of their sound profile and aesthetic features. The Laurel features a POM top and bottom housing, which creates a deeper and slightly muted sound. In contrast, the Duck utilizes a polycarbonate top and bottom housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate contributes to a more resonant sound profile. Additionally, the translucent polycarbonate is ideal if you plan to use RGB lighting, as it allows for the transmission of light. Therefore, if you prioritize a deeper and more muted sound, the Laurel's POM housing would be a suitable choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a sharper and crisper sound, along with the option to customize your lighting, the Duck's polycarbonate housing would be more suitable.
While the housing materials of the Laurel and the Duck offer distinct sound profiles and aesthetic benefits, they also share certain similarities. Both POM and polycarbonate housings are known for creating pleasing and unique sound profiles. They also provide a unique typing experience compared to other materials commonly used in switch manufacturing. Additionally, both housing materials have their own impact on the sound when pressing down and releasing a key. The bottom housing primarily affects the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing influences the sound when the key is released. Therefore, regardless of which switch you choose, you can anticipate a satisfying typing experience with unique sound qualities.
In conclusion, the housing materials of the KTT Laurel and the SP-Star Duck have distinct characteristics that differentiate their sound profiles and aesthetic features. The POM housing of the Laurel creates a deeper and more muted sound, while the polycarbonate housing of the Duck produces a sharper and crisper sound. Additionally, the polycarbonate material is translucent, making it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. However, both housing materials offer pleasing and unique sound profiles, and they contribute to the overall typing experience. Whether you prioritize a deeper sound or a sharper sound, both the Laurel and the Duck will provide a satisfying typing experience with their individual qualities.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Laurel linear switch and the SP-Star Duck tactile switch, there are notable differences between the two. The Laurel has an actuation force of 43 grams, providing a light and effortless keystroke initiation. In contrast, the actuation force of the Duck is currently unavailable, making it difficult to determine how it compares to the Laurel in terms of ease of activation.
Moving on to the bottom out force, the Laurel requires a force of 50 grams to fully depress the switch, offering a slightly more substantial typing experience compared to its actuation force. On the other hand, the Duck has a bottom out force of 58 grams, which is heavier than the Laurel, providing a stronger push feel when typing.
Considering the weight aspect, individuals who prefer a lighter switch may opt for the Laurel as it allows for longer typing sessions, making it ideal for work or extended gaming sessions. Conversely, those seeking a more substantial typing experience may lean towards the Duck with its heavier bottom out force, providing a satisfying tactile response.
In conclusion, while the actuation force of the Laurel is known to be lighter, the actuation force of the Duck is currently unavailable, making it difficult to draw a direct comparison. However, the bottom out force of the Duck is higher than that of the Laurel, offering a stronger push feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and whether a lighter or heavier switch is desired for a particular typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the KTT Laurel linear switch and the SP-Star Duck tactile switch, there is a noticeable difference. The Laurel has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, which falls on the shorter end of the spectrum. On the other hand, the Duck has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. Both switches offer a different experience when it comes to key presses. The Laurel's shorter travel distance is often favored by gamers seeking faster response times. It provides a more immediate and responsive feel. However, some individuals may find the shorter travel distance to be too abrupt or lacking in depth. In contrast, the Duck's longer travel distance may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial and satisfying keystroke. It offers a deeper press that can provide a sense of stability and comfort. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences 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 SP-Star Duck has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Duck for $5.40.
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 smooth linear action. It has a full POM housing, short travel, and a long pole design, which results in a responsive and comfortable typing experience. In terms of sound, the Laurel switch has a subtly low-pitched profile, featuring a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches.
On the other hand, the SP-Star Duck tactile switch offers a more subtle tactile typing experience. It provides a gentle tactility when typing, and the sound profile is described as clean and crispy. The Duck switch is considered to have a neutral sound profile, which means it has a moderate actuation force and sound level, making it suitable for various purposes.
Comparing the two switches in terms of sound, the Laurel switch has a low-pitched profile, while the Duck switch has a neutral sound profile. This indicates that the Laurel switch will have a deeper and mellower sound, while the Duck switch will have a more moderate and balanced sound.
When it comes to feel, the Laurel switch is described as snappy, meaning it is super responsive and provides a lively typing experience. On the other hand, the Duck switch is described as mild, buttery, and polished. This means it offers a gentle and smooth keystroke experience, with reduced friction and smooth key travel.
In conclusion, the KTT Laurel linear switch and the SP-Star Duck tactile switch offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Laurel switch has a low-pitched sound and a snappy, responsive feel, while the Duck switch has a neutral sound, a mild and buttery feel, and a polished finish. Depending on your personal preferences, both switches provide unique typing experiences. If you prefer a deeper, mellow sound and a snappy feel, the Laurel switch would be a great choice. If you prefer a more moderate sound with a gentle and smooth typing experience, the Duck switch would be a suitable option.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you're looking for a medium-light linear switch with a responsive and comfortable typing experience, the KTT Laurel switch would be your best choice. With its light bottom out force of 50 grams, the Laurel switch strikes the perfect balance between responsiveness and comfort. Additionally, it features a full POM housing, short travel, and long pole design, enhancing the overall typing experience. The Laurel switch is also known for its subtly low-pitched sound profile, providing a pleasant auditory experience.
On the other hand, if you prefer a more subtle tactile typing experience, the SP-Star Duck switch would be a great option. With a medium bottom out force of 58 grams, these switches offer a gentle tactility when typing. The Duck switches are also known for their clean and crispy sound profile, making them suitable for various purposes, whether you're a beginner or advanced user, and whether you plan to use them at home or work.
Ultimately, the choice between the KTT Laurel switch and the SP-Star Duck switch depends on your personal preferences. Consider factors such as the desired bottom out force, the level of tactility, and the sound profile that aligns with your typing style. Whichever switch you choose, both the Laurel and Duck switches promise an enjoyable and satisfying typing experience. In the end, it's all about finding the switch that suits your needs and enhances your overall mechanical keyboard experience.
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