KTT Laurel vs. Wuque Studio WS Yellow
An in-depth look at the KTT Laurel and the Wuque Studio WS Yellow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options often come to mind—the KTT Laurel and the Wuque Studio WS Yellow. The KTT Laurel is a medium-light linear switch that offers a balance of responsiveness and comfort with its full POM housing and short travel. With a subtly low-pitched sound profile, this switch creates a pleasant typing experience. On the other hand, the WS Yellow linear switches are a timeless fusion of classic materials and cutting-edge engineering. Featuring a 22mm double-stage spring, these switches provide a delightful bounce while delivering a satisfying typing experience. Enthusiasts have come to adore the familiar sound signature that these switches offer, thanks to their materials blend. Crafted to be lightweight, they ensure effortless keystrokes and a smooth, fluid typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
43g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.80 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
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-stage spring
Housing materials
The KTT Laurel and the Wuque Studio WS Yellow both have distinct housing materials that contribute to the overall sound profile of the switches. The Laurel features a POM top housing, which creates a pleasing and unique sound. This sound profile leans towards the deeper side and has a relatively more muted tone. In contrast, the WS Yellow utilizes a nylon top housing, which is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound. The softer nature of nylon allows for more sound absorption, resulting in a duller and rounder sound profile. While both switches provide a deeper sound, the Laurel's POM top housing may have a slightly more muted tone compared to the WS Yellow's nylon top housing.
Moving on to the bottom housing, the Laurel's POM material continues to contribute to its distinctive sound profile. Similar to its top housing, the POM bottom housing of the Laurel creates a deep and pleasing sound. This adds to the overall muted and softer tone of the switch. On the other hand, the bottom housing of the WS Yellow is made of nylon. As mentioned earlier, nylon is known for its ability to elicit a deeper and fuller sound. The softer plastic absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder tone. Therefore, the bottom-out sound and feel of the WS Yellow will have a more pronounced and deeper quality compared to the Laurel.
In terms of the impact on sound while typing, the properties of the top and bottom housing materials come into play. When pressing down on a switch, the bottom housing has a greater influence on the bottom-out sound and feel. This means that the qualities of the POM bottom housing in the Laurel will be more prominent during key presses. Conversely, the top housing material affects the sound when releasing a key. Thus, the properties of the POM top housing in the Laurel and the nylon top housing in the WS Yellow will have a more pronounced impact on the sound when lifting a key. In summary, although there are differences in the housing materials between the KTT Laurel and the Wuque Studio WS Yellow, both switches offer a deep sound profile, with the Laurel having a more muted tone overall.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Laurel linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Yellow linear switch, there are some noticeable differences. The Laurel has an actuation force of 43 grams, which is considered relatively light, making it suitable for those who prefer a lighter typing experience. In contrast, the actuation force of the WS Yellow is unknown, making it difficult to draw a direct comparison. However, the bottom out force of the WS Yellow is 53 grams, which is slightly heavier than the Laurel's 50 grams. This means that the WS Yellow provides a slightly more substantial typing experience, appealing to individuals who desire a stronger push feel. Overall, the Laurel is lighter in terms of actuation force and bottom out force. However, without knowing the exact actuation force of the WS Yellow, it is challenging to determine if they will yield similar results in terms of typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the KTT Laurel linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Yellow linear switch, we can see that the Laurel has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the WS Yellow has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. Both of these switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that have become prevalent in recent times. Gamers, in particular, tend to prefer shorter travel distances as it allows for faster response times. So, if you are looking for a more responsive switch, the Laurel with its shorter travel distance would be the preferred choice. On the other hand, some individuals find shorter travel distances to feel too abrupt, and may prefer a switch with a longer travel distance for a more substantial tactile experience. In such cases, the WS Yellow with its slightly longer travel distance would be the better option. Overall, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and the desired level of responsiveness or depth.
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 Wuque Studio WS Yellow comes in at $3.50 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
In terms of sound, the KTT Laurel linear switch is best known for its subtly low-pitched sound profile. Low-pitched switches typically feature a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. On the other hand, the sound qualities of the Wuque Studio WS Yellow linear switch are unknown as it is not mentioned in the provided information. However, it is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the choice of keyboard and keycaps.
When it comes to feel, the KTT Laurel switch is described as being snappy, indicating that it is super responsive. This responsiveness is often attributed to longer or dual-staged springs, which enhances the typing experience and makes it feel more alive. In contrast, the Wuque Studio WS Yellow switch offers a creamy typing experience. Creamy switches are known for providing a smooth and buttery sensation when typing, resembling the feeling of gliding your fingers across the keys with ease. The WS Yellow switch is crafted to be lightweight, ensuring effortless keystrokes and a fluid typing experience. Additionally, the WS Yellow switch is described as mild, which means it offers a gentle typing experience that is approachable to most users. Finally, the WS Yellow switch is also described as polished, indicating a sleek and refined finish that results in reduced friction and smooth key travel.
In conclusion, the KTT Laurel linear switch is known for its subtly low-pitched sound profile and snappy feel, offering a balance of responsiveness and comfort. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Yellow linear switch is praised for its creamy, mild, and polished feel, providing a smooth and fluid typing experience. While the sound qualities of the WS Yellow switch are unknown, it is likely to offer a familiar sound signature that enthusiasts have come to adore. Ultimately, both switches offer unique subjective qualities and can provide a satisfying typing experience, albeit with different characteristics.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the KTT Laurel linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Yellow linear switch, there are a few factors to consider. The Laurel switch has a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it a light switch, while the WS Yellow switch has a bottom out force of 53 grams, making it slightly heavier.
The Laurel switch is known for its medium-light linear feel, with a full POM housing, short travel, and long pole design. This switch provides a good balance of responsiveness and comfort. In terms of sound, the Laurel switch offers a subtly low-pitched profile.
On the other hand, the WS Yellow switch is a blend of classic materials and cutting-edge engineering. It features a 22mm double-stage spring core, providing a satisfying bounce and a delightful typing experience. The WS Yellow switch also offers a familiar sound signature that enthusiasts adore. It is designed to be lightweight, allowing for smooth and fluid keystrokes.
In terms of feel, the Laurel switch is described as snappy, offering a super responsive typing experience. The WS Yellow switch, on the other hand, is described as creamy, providing a smooth and buttery typing experience. It is also considered mild and polished, offering a gentle and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.
Ultimately, your choice between the Laurel switch and the WS Yellow switch will depend on your personal preferences. If you prefer a lighter switch with a balanced feel and low-pitched sound, the Laurel switch may be the better choice for you. However, if you enjoy a slightly heavier switch with a creamy feel, satisfying bounce, and a familiar sound, the WS Yellow switch would be a great option. Consider your typing style, sound preference, and desired feel when making your decision.
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