KTT Laurel vs. Everglide Sunset Yellow
An in-depth look at the KTT Laurel and the Everglide Sunset Yellow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two options that stand out are the KTT Laurel and the Everglide Sunset Yellow. The Laurel is a medium-light linear switch, known for its full POM housing, short travel, and long pole design. This combination allows for a perfect balance of responsiveness and comfort while typing. Additionally, the Laurel switch offers a subtly low-pitched sound profile, adding a touch of serenity to your typing experience. On the other hand, the Sunset Yellow switches are cream-colored and provide a captivating sound profile reminiscent of mahjong tiles colliding. With a rich, bassy, and decadent sound, typing becomes a truly indulgent experience. These switches have a medium-weight, making them suitable for a wide range of users. The unique POM stem and proprietary factory lube method contribute to a distinct gliding feel, while the very short travel and long-pole stem ensure a sharper and highly responsive typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
43g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
51g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.20 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Ly
Top housing material
POM
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22m spring
Spring
Single-staged lengthened 20mm spring
Housing materials
The KTT Laurel and the Everglide Sunset Yellow both feature POM top and bottom housings, which create an incredibly pleasing and unique sound profile. This sound profile leans towards the deeper side and is characterized as being relatively more muted. Therefore, if you are looking for a switch that produces a similar sound experience, both the Laurel and Sunset Yellow would be excellent choices. The POM material in both their top and bottom housings contributes to the overall sound profile, with the bottom housing having a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when the keys are pressed down, while the top housing affects the sound when you release a key.
Although both switches utilize POM material for their top and bottom housings, they may have slight variations in terms of their design and construction. This could mean that the distribution of qualities brought by the housing materials could differ between the two switches. The specific design choices made by KTT for the Laurel and Everglide for the Sunset Yellow might result in subtle differences in feel, sound, or responsiveness. However, it is important to note that the overall sound profile of both switches, being on the deeper side and relatively more muted, would still be similar due to the shared use of POM material for the housings.
The split of housing materials between the top and bottom of a switch allows for a nuanced typing experience. With the Laurel and Sunset Yellow switches, the qualities of the POM material will be divided between the top and bottom housings. When you press down on a key, you will mostly feel the impact and characteristics of the bottom housing, which contribute to the sound and feel of bottom-out. Conversely, the top housing will have more influence on the sound produced when you release the key. This division of housing materials ensures that the switches' performance is well-balanced, providing both a satisfying typing experience and a distinct sound profile worth exploring.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Laurel linear switch and the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch, both switches have the same actuation force of 43 grams. This means that both switches require the same amount of force to trigger a keystroke. However, when it comes to the bottom out force, there is a difference between the two switches. The Laurel has a bottom out force of 50 grams, which is slightly lighter compared to the Sunset Yellow's bottom out force of 51 grams, making it slightly heavier.
Considering weight, some individuals prefer lighter switches as it allows them to type for longer periods of time without experiencing fatigue. This is particularly beneficial for those using the keyboard for work or engaging in long gaming sessions. On the other hand, some people prefer a stronger push feel for a more substantial typing experience. For these individuals, heavier switches are more suitable, as they provide a tactile and satisfying feedback.
In terms of actuation force, both the Laurel and the Sunset Yellow switches offer a similar experience by requiring 43 grams of force to trigger a keystroke. This similarity ensures that users will get comparable results in terms of responsiveness. However, when considering bottom out force, the Laurel's lighter 50-gram requirement may be preferred by those seeking a slightly lighter typing experience, while the Sunset Yellow's 51-gram bottom out force may cater more to individuals who enjoy a slightly heavier feel while typing.
In conclusion, both switches have the same actuation force, providing similar responsiveness. The Laurel is slightly lighter with a bottom out force of 50 grams, appealing to those who prefer a lighter typing experience. On the other hand, the Sunset Yellow is slightly heavier with a bottom out force of 51 grams, suited for individuals who enjoy a more substantial and tactile feel while typing.
Travel distance
The KTT Laurel linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.2 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are becoming increasingly popular, particularly among gamers who value faster response times. Opting for the shorter travel distance of the Sunset Yellow switch would provide a more responsive feel, ideal for those seeking swift keystrokes. On the other hand, the Laurel switch offers a slightly longer travel distance, which may provide a more satisfying depth for individuals who prefer a greater tactile experience when pressing down on keys. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and desired level of responsiveness or depth in typing 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 Everglide Sunset Yellow comes in at $3.09 per 10 switches.
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 known for a subtly low-pitched sound profile. Low-pitched switches typically have a bass-heavy and mellow tone, offering a pleasant typing experience that is not too loud or high-pitched. On the other hand, the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch is described as having a rich, bassy, and decadent sound. This switch offers a captivating sound profile reminiscent of colliding mahjong tiles, showcasing a deeper and richer sound with a lower frequency range associated with bass tones. The Sunset Yellow switch can also be characterized as thocky, producing a deep and satisfying sound when pressed and released. Both switches provide unique sound qualities that can enhance the typing experience depending on personal preference.
In terms of feel, the KTT Laurel linear switch is described as snappy, offering a super responsive typing experience. This can be attributed to the longer or dual-staged springs in the switch, making it feel more alive and lively. On the other hand, the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch is described as creamy, providing a smooth and buttery typing experience. The switch comes with factory lubrication, resulting in a silky sensation as your fingers effortlessly glide across the keys with ease. Additionally, the Sunset Yellow switch can be considered frictionless, minimizing any sense of resistance or friction when pressing the keys. Its polished finish also contributes to reduced friction and smooth key travel. Both switches offer different tactile experiences, with the Laurel switch focusing on responsiveness and the Sunset Yellow switch emphasizing smoothness and effortless keystrokes.
In conclusion, the KTT Laurel linear switch and the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch have distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Laurel switch offers a subtly low-pitched sound profile and a snappy typing experience, emphasizing responsiveness and comfort. On the other hand, the Sunset Yellow switch provides a rich, bassy sound with a decadent feel due to its creamy and frictionless characteristics. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preference for sound and feel preferences. It is important to consider other factors such as keyboard layout, keycaps, and typing style, as they can further impact the overall typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you prioritize a lighter bottom out force and a switch that strikes a balance between responsiveness and comfort, the KTT Laurel linear switch would be a great choice for you. With its full POM housing, short travel, and long pole design, it offers a subtle low-pitched sound profile and snappy feel. On the other hand, if you appreciate a captivating sound profile reminiscent of mahjong tiles colliding and a switch with a medium-weight, the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch would be a suitable option. Its Creamsicle-colored design, rich and bassy sound, and distinct gliding feel contribute to a highly responsive and indulgent typing experience. Additionally, the Sunset Yellow switch is described as creamy, frictionless, and polished, ensuring a smooth and effortless keystroke. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches depends on your personal preferences regarding sound, feel, and bottom out force.
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