KTT Laurel vs. HMX SU
An in-depth look at the KTT Laurel and the HMX SU switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the KTT Laurel and the HMX SU both present compelling options, each with unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The KTT Laurel is celebrated for its medium-light actuation, making it an excellent choice for typists and gamers who favor quick and responsive keystrokes without excessive force. Its full POM housing contributes to a durable construction, while the short travel and long pole design ensure a smooth typing experience accompanied by a subtly low-pitched, snappy sound profile. In contrast, the HMX SU boasts a robust full PA12 housing and a T5 stem, resulting in a relatively deeper sound profile that offers a more solid tactile feedback. While the SU may appeal to those who prefer a richer acoustic experience and feel a pronounced engagement with each keystroke, the Laurel shines for its lightweight feel and responsiveness. However, let's dive in a bit deeper to evaluate their distinct characteristics and help you decide on the best switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
43g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
T5
Top housing material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22m spring
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The KTT Laurel and the HMX SU exhibits some notable similarities and differences in their housing materials, which significantly influence the acoustic performance and tactile experience of the switches. Both the Laurel and the SU utilize POM and nylon, respectively, for their top and bottom housings. The KTT Laurel employs POM for both the top and bottom, resulting in a sound profile that is described as deeper and more muted. The unique acoustics of POM, a harder plastic, contribute to a well-defined and pleasant sound that some users find appealing for its distinct character. In contrast, the HMX SU's nylon housing, being made from a softer plastic, produces a fuller sound profile that is warm and rounded. This difference in material properties forms the basis for divergence in auditory experiences between the two switches.
In terms of bottom housing, the KTT Laurel’s POM construction ensures a consistent sound and feel across its entire switch design. This homogeneity allows for a seamless acoustic response that resonates thoroughly when the switch is bottomed out. Conversely, the HMX SU's nylon bottom housing absorbs sound more effectively due to its softer material, imparting a duller impact sound during actuation. This characteristic will provide a different tactile sensation that potentially enhances the typing experience for users who favor a softer bottom-out feel. The interaction of the two types of material with the keypress alters not just the sound, but also the user’s engagement with the switch, lending each option its unique charm.
Overall, the contrast between POM and nylon in the KTT Laurel and HMX SU leads to distinctive sound profiles while sharing overlapping traits. Despite the differences in material, both switches can achieve similar results in the desired deeper sound profiles and comfortably muted acoustics. The variation in the particular performance of each switch allows users to select based on their preferences—whether they favor the **clarity** of the POM in the KTT Laurel or the **rounded warmth** of nylon in the HMX SU. While the top and bottom housing materials differ, their contributions create an interdependent relationship that both informs the overall switch experience and enhances user satisfaction through customized choice.
Weight
The KTT Laurel linear switch and the HMX SU linear switch both feature light actuation and bottom out forces, making them suitable for extended typing sessions or gaming marathons. The Laurel has an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the SU has a slightly higher actuation force of 45 grams, yet shares the same bottom out force of 50 grams. This results in a similar overall feel during use, but the Laurel is marginally lighter, which may appeal to users seeking a less strenuous typing experience. In contrast, those who prefer a more substantial push feel might gravitate towards the HMX SU due to its heavier actuation force. Ultimately, both switches provide an inviting tactile experience for those who prioritize comfort, with the KTT Laurel being the lighter option and the HMX SU offering a slightly heavier actuation feel.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the KTT Laurel linear switch and the HMX SU linear switch, we find that the Laurel has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the SU measures slightly longer at 3.6 mm. This makes the Laurel the shorter option of the two, promoting a more responsive keypress which can be advantageous for gamers seeking quicker reaction times. On the other hand, the HMX SU, with its longer travel distance, may offer a more substantial feel, catering to users who prefer deeper key presses for a satisfying typing experience. Therefore, if you prioritize responsiveness, the Laurel may be the ideal choice, whereas the SU might be better suited for those who appreciate a heftier depth in their switch 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 HMX SU has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the SU for $3.29.
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 characterized by its subtly low-pitched sound profile, which offers a noticeably mellow and bass-heavy tone that creates a pleasant auditory experience while typing. This sound can be attributed to the combination of its full POM housing and the design of the switch itself, which is known for optimizing resonance and acoustics. Although the HMX SU's sound characteristics are less explicitly defined, they feature a relatively deep sound profile thanks to their full PA12 housing and T5 stem. This suggests that while both switches provide a more subdued auditory experience, the Laurel is specifically noted for its low-pitched quality, whereas the SU's sound may vary slightly depending on the factors around it, such as the keyboard construction and keycap material.
In terms of feel, the KTT Laurel is celebrated for its snappy response, giving it an edge in providing a lively typing experience. This responsiveness is influenced by its medium-light action and long pole design, which work in tandem to ensure that each keystroke feels crisp and engaging. On the other hand, the characteristics of the HMX SU’s feel have not been detailed, making it difficult to determine how closely it aligns with the snappiness of the Laurel. As such, while one can speculate that the SU may offer a different sensation, the specific tactile feedback remains unknown.
In conclusion, both the KTT Laurel and the HMX SU linear switches share some similarities, particularly in their aim for an enjoyable typing experience through their respective designs. The Laurel offers a distinctly low-pitched sound and a snappy feel that is appreciated by many enthusiasts. Meanwhile, the SU's deeper sound profile presents potential for a different auditory experience, though its tactile characteristics are still uncharted territory. Individuals seeking a responsive switch will likely find the KTT Laurel satisfying, while those curious about the HMX SU will need to explore its feel further to gauge how it compares. If you're looking for switches with similar auditory profiles, both will offer a soothing typing experience, albeit with their unique nuances.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the KTT Laurel linear switch and the HMX SU linear switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences and the typing experience you seek. If you appreciate a snappy, responsive feel with a slightly lighter touch, the Laurel may be the ideal option for you. Its medium-light force and low-pitched sound profile create a typing experience that is both comfortable and enjoyable, making it suitable for both long typing sessions and gaming alike. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a more subtle sound and a softer demeanor, the HMX SU might be your better choice. With its relatively deep sound profile and smooth action thanks to its PA12 housing and T5 stem, the SU offers a more muted experience that can be less distracting in quieter environments, allowing you to focus on your work or gaming. Therefore, consider your typical use case, whether you value a vivacious typing feel or a more relaxed approach, to guide your decision between these two excellent switches.
Mentioned in this article
