KTT Laurel vs. Durock White Lotus
An in-depth look at the KTT Laurel and the Durock White Lotus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options that offer unique characteristics are the KTT Laurel and the Durock White Lotus. The Laurel is a linear switch known for its medium-light weight and full POM housing, providing a responsive and comfortable typing experience. With a short travel and long pole design, it strikes the perfect balance between speed and comfort. Additionally, the Laurel switch produces a subtly low-pitched sound profile. On the other hand, the White Lotus is a tactile switch specifically designed for discerning typists. It offers a delicate tactility that is ideal for work and extended typing sessions, without overwhelming the user. What sets the White Lotus apart is its removable light column, allowing for vibrant and luminous RGB lighting effects to enhance your keyboard setup. Immerse yourself in the tranquil typing experience of the White Lotus switches while enjoying the mesmerizing radiance of their RGB illumination. However, let's dive deeper beyond these generalities to help you decide on the best switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
43g
Actuation force
46g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
56g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Modified PC & UPE Blend
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22m spring
Spring
Gold-plated long spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the KTT Laurel and the Durock White Lotus offer distinct characteristics that create different typing experiences. The Laurel's POM top housing provides a pleasing and unique sound profile, with deeper tones and a slightly muted quality. Similarly, the White Lotus's modified PC & UPE Blend top housing offers a premium feel and a distinctive typing experience. While the two materials have their own unique properties, they both result in a pleasing sound and feel when releasing a key. Therefore, users can expect similar results in terms of the sound produced when letting go of a key.
Moving onto the bottom housings, the Laurel's POM bottom housing and the White Lotus's nylon bottom housing contribute to the overall sound profile in different ways. POM, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound and results in a deeper and fuller sound profile. This translates into a duller and rounder sound when typing on the Laurel. Conversely, nylon, a classic switch housing material used in the White Lotus, creates a different sound experience. It is relatively softer and absorbs less sound compared to POM, resulting in a crisper and more defined sound profile. This means that typing on the White Lotus will offer a slightly brighter and sharper sound compared to the Laurel.
In terms of overall typing feel, the bottom housing takes center stage. Pressing down on the Laurel switch will emphasize the qualities of its POM bottom housing, offering a pronounced impact and bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, the White Lotus's nylon bottom housing will provide a different tactile experience with a focus on its own unique properties. Examining the top housings, although they have different materials, both the POM top housing of the Laurel and the modified PC & UPE Blend top housing of the White Lotus contribute to the sound profile when releasing a key. Therefore, users can expect a similar experience in terms of the sound produced when letting go of a key with both switches.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Laurel linear switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch, there are some noticeable differences. The Laurel has a lighter actuation force of 43 grams compared to the White Lotus's slightly heavier 46 grams. Similarly, when it comes to bottom out force, the Laurel requires 50 grams, while the White Lotus requires a slightly higher 56 grams. Both switches fall within the lighter range, making them suitable for prolonged typing or gaming sessions. However, it is important to note that the White Lotus provides a slightly more substantial typing experience due to its slightly higher actuation and bottom out forces. Overall, those who prioritize a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Laurel, while those who prefer a bit more resistance and feedback might find the White Lotus more suitable.
Travel distance
The KTT Laurel linear switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch offer contrasting travel distances. The Laurel has a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the White Lotus has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. The 4.0 mm distance is more traditional, providing a deeper keypress feel, while the 3.5 mm distance is shorter and offers a faster response time, which is favored by gamers. The choice between the two switches ultimately depends on personal preference: if you prefer a more responsive and quick typing experience, the Laurel with its shorter travel distance would be the ideal choice. However, if you enjoy a deeper and more satisfying keypress, the White Lotus with its longer travel distance would be the better option. Both switches offer their own unique advantages, and it ultimately comes down to individual preferences and typing style.
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 Durock White Lotus has an MSRP of $5.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the White Lotus for $4.57.
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
In terms of sound, both the KTT Laurel and the Durock White Lotus switches have a low-pitched sound profile. Low-pitched switches typically have a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps being used. Therefore, while both switches have a low-pitched sound, the exact sound produced may vary depending on these additional factors.
When it comes to feel, the Laurel switch is described as "snappy," which means it is super responsive. This responsiveness is typically due to longer or dual-staged springs, enhancing the typing experience and making it feel more alive. On the other hand, the White Lotus switch is described as "easy-to-press" and "mild." These switches offer gentle resistance during key presses, requiring minimal force to activate. The light actuation force makes typing effortless and comfortable, reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. The White Lotus switch also falls into the category of a subtle switch, providing a gentle resistance and maintaining a light typing feel. This type of switch is suitable for shared spaces as it does not produce a resonant sound.
In conclusion, both the KTT Laurel linear switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch offer their own unique qualities. They both have a low-pitched sound profile, although the exact sound may vary depending on other factors. The Laurel switch is known for its snappy feel, providing a super responsive typing experience. On the other hand, the White Lotus switch offers an easy-to-press and mild feel, making typing effortless and comfortable. Overall, both switches strike a balance between responsiveness and comfort, making them suitable for different preferences and typing needs.
Conclusion
In closing, if you are looking for a medium-light linear switch that offers a perfect balance of responsiveness and comfort, the KTT Laurel switch is an excellent choice. With its light bottom out force, full POM housing, short travel, and long pole design, the Laurel provides a snappy and satisfying typing experience. Additionally, it has a subtly low-pitched sound profile, making it suitable for shared spaces.
On the other hand, if you prefer a light tactile switch that is ideal for work and extended typing sessions, the Durock White Lotus switch is a great option. With a slightly higher bottom out force compared to the Laurel, the White Lotus offers a delicate tactility that is not overwhelming. It features a removable light column for vibrant RGB lighting effects, adding a captivating glow to your keyboard setup. The White Lotus switch is described as easy-to-press, mild, and subtle, providing a gentle and low-impact typing feel.
Ultimately, your choice between the Laurel and White Lotus switches depends on your preference for linear or tactile switches, as well as the specific qualities and features that align with your typing style and desired keyboard setup. With both switches offering their own unique advantages, you can't go wrong with either option. Happy typing!
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