KTT Laurel vs. Outemu Yellow Silver
An in-depth look at the KTT Laurel and the Outemu Yellow Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options are the KTT Laurel and the Outemu Yellow Silver, both of which are linear switches. The KTT Laurel is best known for its medium-light linear switch with a full POM housing, short travel, and long pole design. This combination results in a perfect balance of responsiveness and comfort, making it a great choice for users who value typing comfort. Additionally, the KTT Laurel switch offers a subtly low-pitched sound profile, which can be pleasing to the ears. On the other hand, the Outemu Yellow Silver switch, produced by the reliable brand Outemu, is favored by gamers and typists who prioritize speed and responsiveness. With its light actuation force and neutral sound profile, the Yellow Silver switch caters to those who seek a quick and efficient typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities to help you make the best decision based on your individual preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
43g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
1.30 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22m spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The KTT Laurel and the Outemu Yellow Silver have different housing materials, resulting in distinct sound profiles. The Laurel features a POM top housing, which creates a deeper and more muted sound. In contrast, the Yellow Silver has a polycarbonate top housing that produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. While both materials contribute to a pleasing and unique sound, the POM creates a more subdued tone, while the polycarbonate offers a more resonant and clear sound. Additionally, the polycarbonate top housing of the Yellow Silver allows for RGB lighting due to its translucency, providing a visually appealing element to the switch.
In terms of bottom housing, the Laurel utilizes a POM material, resulting in a deep and muted sound profile. On the other hand, the Yellow Silver employs a nylon bottom housing, which elicits a deeper and fuller sound. Nylon is known for being a softer plastic that absorbs more sound than harder plastics, leading to a duller and rounder sound. As a result, the bottom housing of the Yellow Silver contributes to a more impactful and resonant bottom-out sound and feel compared to the Laurel's POM bottom housing.
It is important to note that the top and bottom housing materials each have their own specific impact on the overall sound and feel of the switch. While the Laurel may have a POM top and bottom housing, resulting in a consistent deeper and muted sound profile, the Yellow Silver splits the qualities between its polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing. Thus, when pressing down on the Yellow Silver, the bottom housing's impact is more prominent, providing a deeper and fuller sound. Conversely, the sound created when releasing a key is notably influenced by the polycarbonate top housing. Despite these differences, both switches offer unique sound experiences that can enhance typing or gaming experiences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the KTT Laurel linear switch and the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch, there are some similarities and differences to consider. The Laurel has an actuation force of 43 grams, while the Yellow Silver has a slightly higher actuation force of 45 grams. Both switches have relatively light actuation forces, which would be suitable for those who prefer a lighter typing experience for extended periods of use.
In terms of bottom out force, the Laurel requires 50 grams of force to fully depress the key, while the Yellow Silver has a slightly higher bottom out force of 55 grams. This means that for individuals who prefer a more substantial typing experience and a greater sensation of key activation, the Yellow Silver would be a better choice as it offers a heavier push feel.
Weight is an important factor to consider, as a lighter switch can be advantageous for prolonged typing or gaming sessions. The light actuation and bottom out forces of the Laurel make it ideal for those who require a lighter typing experience. On the other hand, the Yellow Silver, with its slightly higher forces, would appeal to individuals who prefer a more pronounced key activation and a stronger push feel.
In conclusion, the KTT Laurel linear switch offers a lighter actuation and bottom out force compared to the Outemu Yellow Silver switch. These differences cater to different preferences, with the Laurel providing a lighter typing experience for extended periods, while the Yellow Silver delivers a more substantial feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on an individual's personal typing preferences and requirements.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the KTT Laurel linear switch is 3.5 mm, while the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In terms of travel distance, the Laurel offers a slightly shorter distance compared to the Yellow Silver. A travel distance of 4.0 mm is considered traditional, while 3.0 mm is the most shallow. However, there is a growing preference for shorter travel distances, particularly among gamers who prioritize faster response times. If you value responsiveness, opting for a shorter travel distance like the Laurel would be more suitable. On the other hand, some individuals may find shorter travel distances to be too abrupt, preferring a switch with a longer travel distance like the Yellow Silver for a more substantial key press. Both options provide different travel distances, allowing users to choose based on their 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 Outemu Yellow Silver comes in at $3.40 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
When it comes to sound, the KTT Laurel linear switch stands out with its subtly low-pitched sound profile. This means that it produces a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. On the other hand, the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch has a neutral sound profile. This means that it has a moderate sound with no distinctive characteristics. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps being used.
Moving on to the feel, the Laurel switch is described as snappy, which indicates that it provides a super responsive typing experience. This can be attributed to its full POM housing, short travel, and long pole design. These features contribute to a switch that feels lively and quick to actuate. Unfortunately, there is no specific information available about the feel of the Yellow Silver switch.
Taking all the available information into account, the KTT Laurel linear switch offers a medium-light linear switch with a low-pitched sound profile and a snappy feel. It strikes a balance between responsiveness and comfort, making it suitable for various typing preferences. In comparison, the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch is known for its light actuation force and neutral sound profile. While we don't have specific information about its feel, it can be assumed that it offers a degree of responsiveness and comfort similar to the Laurel switch due to its light actuation force. Overall, both switches provide their own unique qualities, and depending on individual preferences, each can deliver an enjoyable typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, to sum up the comparison between the KTT Laurel linear switch and the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch, it is clear that both switches have their unique features and advantages. The Laurel, with its light bottom out force of 50 grams, offers a perfect balance of responsiveness and comfort. Its full POM housing, short travel, and long pole design contribute to its snappy feel, providing a lively typing experience. Additionally, the Laurel has a subtly low-pitched sound profile, which adds to its distinct characteristics.
On the other hand, the Yellow Silver switch from Outemu is known for its light actuation force and neutral sound profile. With a bottom out force of 55 grams, it falls into the medium-light category and is favored by gamers and typists who value speediness and responsiveness. The neutral sound profile of the Yellow Silver makes it suitable for a wide range of purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced user, or if you intend to use these switches at home or work.
Ultimately, the choice between the KTT Laurel and Outemu Yellow Silver depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you prioritize a snappy feel and a subtly low-pitched sound, the Laurel may be the better option for you. However, if you lean towards speediness, responsiveness, and a neutral sound profile, the Yellow Silver could be your ideal choice. Consider your needs and preferences carefully to make an informed decision on which switch will enhance your typing experience.
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