KTT Laurel vs. Jwick Taro
An in-depth look at the KTT Laurel and the Jwick Taro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the KTT Laurel and the Jwick Taro. The Laurel is a linear switch, known for its medium-light weight and full POM housing that provides an ideal combination of responsiveness and comfort. It offers a subtly low-pitched sound profile, making it a great choice for those who prefer a quieter typing experience. On the other hand, the Taro is a tactile switch that offers a cozy typing experience with its comfortable subdued color scheme. It provides a snappy, medium-level tactility and produces acute and crisp clacks, which can be satisfying for those who enjoy a more pronounced tactile feedback. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
43g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22m spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The KTT Laurel and the Jwick Taro have different housing materials for both the top and bottom parts of the switch, resulting in distinct sound profiles and aesthetics. The Laurel features a POM top housing, which creates a deeper and more muted sound. In contrast, the Taro utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, producing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. Additionally, the polycarbonate top housing of the Taro allows for RGB lighting effects due to its translucency. While the POM and polycarbonate housings may differ in their sound and visual characteristics, both materials contribute to providing a pleasing and unique sound experience.
Moving on to the bottom housing, the Laurel employs a POM material, resulting in a deeper and relatively more muted sound profile. On the other hand, the Taro incorporates a nylon housing, which elicits a fuller and more absorbed sound. The softer nature of the nylon material absorbs more sound and creates a rounder and duller sound profile compared to harder plastics. The bottom housing has a more significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch, allowing the nylon bottom housing of the Taro to enhance this aspect.
In summary, the KTT Laurel and the Jwick Taro differ in their housing materials, resulting in distinct sound profiles for both the top and bottom parts of the switch. The Laurel's POM top housing offers a deeper and more muted sound, while the Taro's polycarbonate top housing provides a sharper and crisper sound, along with the added benefit of RGB lighting possibilities. Similarly, the Laurel's POM bottom housing contributes to a deeper and relatively more muted sound, while the Taro's nylon bottom housing enhances a fuller and more absorbed sound experience. Despite these differences, both switches strive to deliver pleasing and unique sound qualities.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Laurel linear switch and the Jwick Taro tactile switch, some notable differences become apparent. The Laurel has a relatively light actuation force of 43 grams, making it easier to trigger keystrokes. In contrast, the Taro's actuation force remains unknown, leaving us without a direct comparison. However, when it comes to bottoming out, the Laurel requires a force of 50 grams, which is relatively light. In contrast, the Taro has a bottom out force of 67 grams, which falls into the medium-heavy category. Overall, the Laurel is lighter in both actuation and bottom out forces, providing a smoother typing experience for those who prefer a lighter touch. However, for individuals who seek a more substantial typing feel, the Taro offers a heavier bottom out force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing or gaming sessions.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the KTT Laurel linear switch and the Jwick Taro tactile switch, it is clear that the Laurel has a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Taro has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.7 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are becoming more popular in recent times. Gamers, in particular, tend to prefer shorter travel distances as it allows for faster response times. Therefore, if you prioritize responsiveness in your typing or gaming experience, the Laurel would be a suitable choice. However, it is important to note that some individuals may find shorter travel distances to be too abrupt or lacking in depth. If you prefer a more substantial feel when pressing down on a key, the Taro with its slightly longer travel distance might be a better fit for you. Overall, the choice between the Laurel and the Taro boils down to personal preference and the desired 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 Jwick Taro has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Taro for $4.25.
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 offers a subtly low-pitched profile. Low-pitched switches are known for their more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. On the other hand, the Jwick Taro tactile switch is described as having a neutral sound profile. This means it has a moderate sound profile that suits most intents and purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced user, and whether you plan to use the switches at home or work. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the choice of keyboard and keycaps.
In terms of feel, the KTT Laurel linear switch is known for its snappy response. This responsiveness is achieved through longer or dual-staged springs, providing a typing experience that feels more alive. On the other hand, the Jwick Taro tactile switch is described as buttery in terms of feel. A buttery switch implies a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, providing a seamless and effortless typing sensation. Additionally, the Jwick Taro tactile switch is also mentioned to have a stepped feel, which means it feels more mild compared to hypertactile switches. Stepped switches offer some pre-travel and/or post-travel, providing a different tactile experience.
Based on the available information, the KTT Laurel and Jwick Taro switches offer distinct subjective qualities. The Laurel provides a linear typing experience with a subtly low-pitched sound profile and a snappy feel. On the other hand, the Taro switch offers a tactile typing experience with a neutral sound profile, a buttery feel, and a stepped tactile sensation. If you prefer a linear switch with snappy response and low-pitched sound, the Laurel is a suitable choice. If you prefer a tactile switch with a neutral sound profile, buttery feel, and a stepped tactile sensation, the Taro would be a good fit. It's important to consider your personal preferences and typing style when selecting a keyboard switch.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a medium-light linear switch with a balance of responsiveness and comfort, the KTT Laurel is a great choice. With its light bottom out force of 50 grams, full POM housing, short travel, and long pole design, it offers a comfortable typing experience. Additionally, it has a low-pitched sound profile, which adds to its overall appeal.
On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force of 67 grams, the Jwick Taro is worth considering. It offers a snappy and buttery typing experience, with a medium level of tactility. The sound produced is neutral, making it suitable for various purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced user, and whether you plan to use it at home or work.
Ultimately, the choice between the KTT Laurel and Jwick Taro depends on your personal preferences. If you prioritize comfort, lightness, and a lower-pitched sound, the Laurel is the way to go. However, if you prefer a tactile switch with a snappy and buttery feel, along with a neutral sound profile, the Taro would better suit your needs. Consider your typing preferences and choose the switch that aligns with them to enhance your overall typing experience.
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