KTT Laurel vs. Jerrzi Violet
An in-depth look at the KTT Laurel and the Jerrzi Violet switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The KTT Laurel and Jerrzi Violet are both exceptional mechanical keyboard switches, each offering unique characteristics to enhance your typing experience. The Laurel, a linear switch, boasts a full POM housing and a short travel distance, providing a responsive yet comfortable feel. It emits a subtly low-pitched sound, making it a great choice for those who prefer a quieter typing experience. On the other hand, the Violet, a tactile switch, features a smooth actuation and a satisfying poppy tactility that many users find enjoyable. With a neutral sound signature, the Violet offers a balanced typing experience. While both switches have their own strengths and appeal, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and typing style when choosing between the two. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
N/A
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
Yes
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 Jerrzi Violet both offer unique sound profiles due to their choice of housing materials. The Laurel's POM top housing creates a deeper and more muted sound profile, while the Violet's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper, higher-pitched sound. The translucent nature of polycarbonate also makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting, adding a visual element to the auditory experience. In contrast, the Laurel's POM bottom housing contributes to a similarly deep and unique sound profile, while the Violet's nylon bottom housing results in a fuller and rounder sound due to its softer plastic composition.
While the Laurel and the Violet both focus on creating pleasing sound profiles, their choice of housing materials sets them apart in terms of tone and feel. The POM top housing of the Laurel creates a more subdued sound, while the polycarbonate top housing of the Violet offers a crisper and more resonant sound. Similarly, the POM bottom housing of the Laurel maintains the same deep and muted sound profile, while the nylon bottom housing of the Violet adds a softer and fuller tone to the typing experience. These differences in housing materials showcase how manufacturers can manipulate sound profiles to cater to different preferences and aesthetics in mechanical keyboards.
In terms of overall design and functionality, the choice between POM and polycarbonate housings in the Laurel and the Violet respectively can significantly impact the typing experience. The split between top and bottom housing materials in each switch ensures that different qualities are highlighted during key presses and releases. The impact of the bottom housing is more pronounced during key presses, affecting the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing plays a larger role in the sound when releasing a key. By carefully selecting housing materials like POM, polycarbonate, and nylon, keyboard enthusiasts can tailor their typing experience to suit their preferences for sound, feel, and aesthetics.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Laurel linear switch and the Jerrzi Violet tactile switch, we can see that the Laurel is lighter in both aspects. The Laurel has an actuation force of 43 grams, while the Violet has an actuation force of 45 grams. In terms of bottom out force, the Laurel requires 50 grams to bottom out, while this information is unavailable for the Violet. Both switches provide a different typing experience due to their varying force requirements. Those who prefer a lighter touch may lean towards the Laurel for longer typing sessions, while those who prefer a stronger push feel may opt for the Violet for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on the user's personal preference for actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the KTT Laurel linear switch and the Jerrzi Violet tactile switch, it is clear that the Laurel has a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm compared to the Violet's 3.7 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, with the Laurel being slightly shorter. Gamers who prioritize quick response times may prefer the Laurel due to its shorter travel distance. On the other hand, those who enjoy a more substantial keypress may opt for the Violet with its slightly longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style, but both switches offer a relatively short travel distance for efficient typing.
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 Jerrzi Violet has an MSRP of $2.79 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Violet for $2.30.
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 offers a low-pitched profile, which provides a bass-heavy and mellow tone during typing. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Violet switch is known for its neutral sound signature, making it suitable for various environments and preferences. Both switches aim to provide a pleasant typing experience, with the Laurel offering a subtly lower pitched sound and the Violet maintaining a balanced sound profile.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Laurel is described as offering a snappy typing experience, thanks to its super responsive nature. This is achieved through the switch's longer or dual-staged springs, adding to the tactile feedback. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Violet switch is known for its stepped feel, providing a two-stage tactile feedback that is gentler compared to hyper tactile switches. This allows users to feel some pre-travel and/or post-travel during typing.
In conclusion, the KTT Laurel and Jerrzi Violet switches offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Laurel provides a low-pitched sound profile and a snappy typing experience, the Violet offers a more neutral sound signature and a stepped tactile feel. Both switches aim to strike a balance between comfort and responsiveness, catering to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences regarding sound, feel, and typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a smooth and comfortable typing experience with a medium-light linear switch, the KTT Laurel would be a great choice for you. The Laurel's low-pitched sound profile and snappy feel make it a popular option for those who prioritize responsiveness and a subtle sound while typing. On the other hand, if you prefer a gentle tactile switch with a balanced actuation force and a pleasing poppy tactility, the Jerrzi Violet would be the way to go. The Violet's neutral sound signature and stepped tactile feel provide a satisfying typing experience without being too overwhelming. Ultimately, your choice between the Laurel and the Violet will depend on whether you value a linear switch with a slightly lighter touch and low-pitched sound, or a tactile switch with a smoother actuation and neutral sound profile. Consider your preferences carefully to determine which switch would best suit your typing style and needs.
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