KTT Laurel vs. SP-Star Yanyu
An in-depth look at the KTT Laurel and the SP-Star Yanyu switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the KTT Laurel and the SP-Star Yanyu, both of which are linear switches. The KTT Laurel is best known for its medium-light weight and linear design, providing a balance of responsiveness and comfort. With a full POM housing, short travel, and long pole design, this switch offers a smooth typing experience and a subtly low-pitched sound profile. On the other hand, the SP-Star Yanyu switches are ideal for those seeking a delicate typing experience or who spend long hours typing. These switches have a material blend that gives them a crisp sound profile and are categorized as having a neutral, mild, thocky, feathery, subtle, and polished feel. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits you best.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
43g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
43g
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
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22m spring
Spring
Gold plated
Housing materials
The KTT Laurel and SP-Star Yanyu differ in terms of their housing materials. The Laurel features a top housing made of POM, while the Yanyu combines Polymer nylon and UHMWPE for its top housing. While both materials aim to create a pleasing sound profile, the POM of the Laurel provides a deeper and relatively muted tone. In contrast, the Yanyu's blend offers a sound profile that leans towards the brighter side without being sharp. So, if you prefer a mellower sound experience, the Laurel's POM housing would be the better choice. However, if you enjoy a slightly brighter sound, the Yanyu's unique blend would satisfy your preferences.
Moving on to the bottom housing, the Laurel again utilizes POM, while the Yanyu uses a blend of Polymer nylon and UHMWPE. These materials contribute to the switch's overall sound and feel. When pressing down on the switch, the qualities of the bottom housing come into play, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel. With the POM bottom housing of the Laurel, you can expect a deeper and more muted bottom-out experience. On the other hand, the Yanyu's blend provides a distinct quality, resulting in a bottom-out sound that is not particularly sharp but resonates with a bit of brightness. So, depending on your preference for the bottom-out experience, you can choose between the mellower feel of the Laurel or the unique vibrancy of the Yanyu.
Considering the impact on sound when releasing a key, the top housing material becomes more significant. The POM top housing of the Laurel, with its muffled characteristics, will have a noticeable influence on the sound produced when you let go of a key. Meanwhile, the Yanyu's Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend top housing, with its brighter tendencies, will likely produce a slightly different sound profile upon key release. Therefore, if you want to create a specific sound when releasing keys, the choice between the Laurel and Yanyu will depend on whether you prefer a more subdued tone or a brighter one.
Ultimately, while there are minor differences between the housing materials of the KTT Laurel and SP-Star Yanyu, both switches aim to provide a pleasing and unique sound experience. The choice between the two will come down to personal preferences regarding sound depth, brightness, and overall feel. Whether you opt for the Laurel with its POM housing or the Yanyu with its Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend, both switches offer qualities that will satisfy keyboard enthusiasts seeking distinct auditory experiences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Laurel linear switch and the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch, we can see some similarities and differences. The Laurel requires a relatively light actuation force of 43 grams, while the Yanyu's actuation force is unavailable. However, both switches have a light bottom out force, with the Laurel requiring 50 grams and the Yanyu requiring 43 grams.
Considering the weight of the switches, the Laurel can be seen as the lighter option, making it suitable for those who prefer a lighter typing experience. This can be beneficial for longer typing sessions, making it ideal for work or extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, the Yanyu can provide a more substantial typing experience with its slightly heavier bottom out force. This would cater to individuals who enjoy a stronger push feel while typing.
Overall, while the actuation force of the Yanyu is unknown, its bottom out force is lighter than the Laurel. This suggests that both switches will provide similar results in terms of actuation force. However, if weight is a significant factor, the Laurel is the lighter option, while the Yanyu provides a slightly heavier bottom out force for those who prefer a more substantial typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the KTT Laurel linear switch and the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch, it is evident that the Laurel has a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Yanyu has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. The Laurel's 3.5 mm travel distance falls on the shallower end of the spectrum, making it a preferred choice for gamers who prioritize faster response times. On the other hand, the Yanyu offers a deeper travel distance, which may be more suited for individuals who prefer a more substantial key press feel. Both options have their advantages; the shorter travel distance of the Laurel provides increased responsiveness, while the longer travel distance of the Yanyu offers a more pronounced tactile experience. Ultimately, the choice comes down to personal preference and the desired typing or gaming 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 SP-Star Yanyu has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Yanyu for $5.40.
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 sound profile. Low-pitched switches generally have a bass-heavy and mellow tone, providing a pleasant auditory experience. On the other hand, the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch is described as having a crisp sound profile. While the exact characteristics of a crisp sound profile are not specified, it indicates that the Yanyu switch produces a distinct and clear sound when pressed.
In terms of feel, the KTT Laurel switch is known for being snappy, which means it is highly responsive. This responsiveness can be attributed to its longer or dual-staged springs, making the typing experience feel more alive. On the other hand, the SP-Star Yanyu switch offers a mild typing experience, providing a gentle feel when pressed. It falls within a safe middle-ground zone, making it approachable for most users. Additionally, the Yanyu switch is described as feathery, meaning it is exceptionally light to press, reducing finger fatigue and making it comfortable for extended typing sessions.
Considering the available information, the KTT Laurel linear switch is best known for its medium-light linear design, full POM housing, short travel, and long pole design. It strikes a perfect balance between responsiveness and comfort. It also produces a subtly low-pitched sound profile and provides a snappy typing experience.
The SP-Star Yanyu linear switch, on the other hand, offers a delicate typing experience, making it suitable for long periods of typing. Its material blend gives it a crisp sound profile, providing a distinct auditory feedback. The Yanyu switch has a mild feel, is feathery in terms of actuation force, and has a subtle resistance. Furthermore, it is described as polished, delivering a smooth and refined typing experience.
Based on the available information, it can be concluded that while the Laurel and Yanyu switches have different sound and feel qualities, both switches can provide satisfying results depending on the user's preferences. If you are looking for a low-pitched sound profile and a snappy typing experience, the Laurel switch is recommended. On the other hand, if you prefer a more delicate typing experience, a crisp sound profile, and a feather-light feel, the Yanyu switch would be a suitable choice. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches depends on individual preferences and the desired typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a switch with a light bottom out force and a comfortable typing experience, the KTT Laurel linear switch would be a great choice for you. With its medium-light bottom out force of 50 grams and full POM housing, the Laurel offers a responsive and comfortable typing experience. Additionally, the Laurel has a subtly low-pitched sound profile, which adds to its overall appeal.
On the other hand, if you prefer an even lighter bottom out force and a more delicate typing experience, the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch would be more suitable. The Yanyu has a bottom out force of 43 grams, making it even lighter than the Laurel. It is perfect for those who type for long periods of time, as it reduces finger fatigue. Furthermore, the Yanyu has a crisp sound profile, adding to the typing experience.
In terms of sound, the Laurel has a low-pitched sound profile, while the Yanyu has a neutral sound profile with thocky characteristics. Both switches offer different sound experiences, so it would depend on your personal preference.
In terms of feel, the Laurel is described as snappy, giving you a super responsive typing experience. On the other hand, the Yanyu has a mild and feathery feel, making it comfortable for extended typing sessions. It also has a subtle and polished feel, providing a smooth and refined typing experience.
Ultimately, the choice between the KTT Laurel and SP-Star Yanyu linear switches depends on your preferences for bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel. Consider your typing needs and choose the switch that aligns with your desired experience.
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