KTT Laurel vs. Gateron Weightlessness
An in-depth look at the KTT Laurel and the Gateron Weightlessness switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, two standout options are the KTT Laurel and the Gateron Weightlessness, each offering unique benefits suited to different typing preferences. The KTT Laurel, a medium-light linear switch, is celebrated for its full POM housing and short travel, providing an ideal balance of responsiveness and comfort. Its low-pitched sound profile ensures a quiet typing experience, making it a solid choice for those who favor smooth keystrokes without the distraction of audible clicks. In contrast, the Gateron Weightlessness switch offers a tactile feel that strikes a perfect balance between feedback and smoothness. Its subtle to moderate tactile bump allows typists to experience satisfaction with each keystroke while maintaining a balanced sound profile. Ultimately, the choice between a linear switch like the KTT Laurel and a tactile option such as the Gateron Weightlessness hinges on personal preference—whether you prioritize smoothness and speed or tactile feedback in your 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
50g
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
3.40 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22m spring
Spring
22mm double-staged spring
Housing materials
The KTT Laurel and the Gateron Weightlessness both utilize different housing materials, which significantly influence their sound profiles and tactile experiences. The KTT Laurel is constructed with POM (polyoxymethylene) for both its top and bottom housings, contributing to a sound that is described as unique, deeper, and relatively muted. This material, known for its hardness, results in a pleasing auditory feedback that appeals to many typists. In contrast, the Gateron Weightlessness employs nylon for both its top and bottom housings. Nylon, being softer than POM, absorbs sound more effectively and allows for a deeper and fuller expression through its acoustics, creating a more rounded sound profile. Consequently, typists may find that while both switches deliver satisfying auditory experiences, the tonal characteristics will differ due to the inherent properties of the materials used.
In examining the impact of each housing material on the switch performance, it's clear that both the KTT Laurel’s POM and Gateron Weightlessness’s nylon contribute uniquely to the typing experience. The POM housing of the Laurel is designed to minimize high frequencies, leading to a more subdued auditory response, which can be particularly appealing to users seeking a quieter typing experience. Conversely, the nylon of the Weightlessness allows for resonance that produces a fuller sound, creating a richer auditory experience while typing. This difference in tonal quality may lead to a varied experience in sound when pressing the keys down and releasing them, with the nuances being influenced by the respective materials of the top and bottom housings.
Ultimately, while the KTT Laurel and Gateron Weightlessness share the similarity of providing a satisfying typing experience, the specific choice of materials separates their sound signatures. If they were to be compared solely on sound, one might argue that they achieve similar pleasing results, albeit through different methods. In the case of the Laurel's POM leading to a more muted tone and the Weightlessness’s nylon delivering a rounder auditory feedback, their divergent sounds reveal how the interaction of top and bottom housing materials can distinctly contribute to the overall acoustics and feelings when engaging with each switch. Thus, users may choose their switches based on personal preference for material hardness and sound profile, making both options valuable in the realm of mechanical keyboards.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Laurel linear switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch, distinct differences emerge. The KTT Laurel has a light actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it a suitable choice for those who prefer a lighter typing experience, perfect for extended use over long periods. In contrast, the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch features a heavier actuation force of 50 grams, indicating that it requires more effort to trigger a keystroke, which could offer a more substantial typing experience for users who enjoy a firmer push. However, the bottom out force for the Weightlessness switch is unknown, leaving some uncertainty in how it will feel when pressed all the way down. Overall, if a lighter switch is preferred, the KTT Laurel clearly stands out with its lower actuation force, while those who appreciate a firmer response should lean towards the Gateron Weightlessness.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the KTT Laurel linear switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch, it is evident that the Laurel has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Weightlessness measures at 3.4 mm. This means that if you're looking for a more responsive feel, the Weightlessness offers a shorter travel distance, which can lead to quicker response times—an advantage for gamers seeking speed. However, for those who appreciate a deeper, more substantial keypress, the KTT Laurel may be the preferred choice due to its greater travel distance. Ultimately, the difference in travel distance, though minimal, can influence the overall typing experience based on personal preferences.
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 Gateron Weightlessness has an MSRP of $6.10 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Weightlessness for $5.50.
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 sound profile of the KTT Laurel switch features a subtly low-pitched tone that provides a bass-heavy and mellow auditory experience during typing. This low-pitched quality can contribute to a more satisfying and less jarring sound when compared to higher-pitched switches. In contrast, the Gateron Weightlessness switch is noted for having a balanced sound profile, although specific details about its sound characteristics are not as clearly defined. Both sound profiles emphasize pleasant acoustics, but the Laurel may deliver a deeper, more immersive auditory experience while the Weightlessness offers a more neutral sound.
When it comes to feel, the KTT Laurel excels with its snappy responsiveness, ensuring that each keystroke feels lively and energetic due to its medium-light weight and longer pole design. This responsiveness is a significant advantage for users who enjoy fast-paced typing or gaming, as it provides immediate feedback with every press. The Gateron Weightlessness, on the other hand, is described as offering a subtle to moderate tactile feel. This means that while it delivers some tactile feedback, the experience may not be as pronounced or invigorating as what the Laurel provides, making it a suitable choice for those who prefer a gentler tactile engagement.
Overall, the KTT Laurel linear switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch cater to slightly different preferences. The Laurel offers a more pronounced snappiness and a low-pitched sound that some may find more engaging, while the Weightlessness provides a subtler tactile experience with a balanced sound. Depending on your typing style and personal preference, either switch could be a rewarding choice, but the Laurel may be more appealing for those who favor responsiveness and rich sound.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the KTT Laurel linear switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences and typing style. If you favor a snappy and responsive feel, the KTT Laurel, with its medium-light actuation force of 50 grams, makes it an excellent choice for dynamic typing experiences, especially if you enjoy quick keystrokes and a low-pitched sound profile. This switch is ideal for gamers and typists who seek a smooth and comfortable experience without the added resistance of heavier switches. On the other hand, if you appreciate a tactile feedback that offers a subtle to moderate sensation with an ambiguous bottom-out force, the Gateron Weightlessness can provide a more nuanced typing experience without overwhelming auditory feedback. Although it lacks a specific bottom-out force measure, its balanced sound profile coupled with its tactile characteristics makes it suitable for those who value a blend of feedback and comfort while typing or gaming. Ultimately, your decision should reflect whether you prefer the responsiveness and smoothness of the Laurel or the tactile nuance of the Weightlessness, depending on your primary usage and preferences.
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