KTT Laurel vs. Outemu Blue Jade
An in-depth look at the KTT Laurel and the Outemu Blue Jade switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When looking at mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options are the KTT Laurel, a linear switch, and the Outemu Blue Jade, a clicky switch. The KTT Laurel is celebrated for its medium-light feel and linear design, making it great for those who prefer a smooth keystroke without the tactile bump. With a full POM housing and short travel distance, the Laurel switch offers a balanced combination of responsiveness and comfort, accompanied by a subtly low-pitched sound profile. On the other hand, the Outemu Blue Jade is known for its clicky feedback and audible sound signature, which can be appealing to those who enjoy the satisfying click sound with each keystroke. 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
65g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.20 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
Nylon
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
When comparing the housing materials of the KTT Laurel and the Outemu Blue Jade, it is clear that both switches use different materials for their top and bottom housings. The Laurel utilizes a POM top and bottom housing, while the Blue Jade uses a nylon top and bottom housing. Both POM and nylon are known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile, with POM being more muted and nylon offering a rounder sound. However, the impact of each housing material will be felt differently when pressing down on the switch or releasing a key.
While both the Laurel and Blue Jade switches have similar sound profiles due to their housing materials, the differences lie in the overall feel of the switch. The POM top and bottom housing of the Laurel may provide a slightly more muted sound compared to the nylon top and bottom housing of the Blue Jade. Additionally, the softer nature of nylon may create a smoother and more rounded sound when typing on the Blue Jade switch. This contrast in feel may be more noticeable for users who prefer a specific type of feedback when typing.
In conclusion, the choice between the KTT Laurel and the Outemu Blue Jade ultimately comes down to personal preference in terms of sound and feel. While both switches share similarities in their housing materials creating a deep and full sound profile, the differences in the specific qualities of POM and nylon may be more discernible to some users. Whether you prefer a more muted sound with the Laurel's POM housing or a smoother sound with the Blue Jade's nylon housing, both switches offer unique typing experiences based on their housing materials.
Weight
The KTT Laurel linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 43 grams compared to the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch, which has a heavier actuation force of 50 grams. Both switches have similar bottom out forces, with the Laurel at 50 grams and the Blue Jade at 65 grams. The Laurel would be preferred by those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions, while the Blue Jade would suit those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel. In terms of actuation force and bottom out force, the Laurel is the lighter option, while the Blue Jade is the heavier choice. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference for typing feel and weight of key presses.
Travel distance
The KTT Laurel linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5mm, while the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch has a travel distance of 4mm. In this case, the Laurel has a shorter travel distance compared to the Blue Jade. The Laurel would provide a quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance, which would be preferred by gamers looking for fast reactions. On the other hand, the Blue Jade with its longer travel distance may feel more satisfying and substantial to those who prefer a deeper key press. Both switches offer their own advantages depending on personal preferences and typing style. Ultimately, choosing between the two would depend on whether you prioritize speed or depth in your typing 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 Outemu Blue Jade comes in at $3.10 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 offers a subtly low-pitched profile, providing a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. On the other hand, the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch's sound profile is unknown. Sound can also be influenced by variables such as the keyboard and keycaps being used, so the overall experience may vary depending on these factors.
In terms of feel, the KTT Laurel switch is described as snappy, offering a super responsive typing experience. This is often attributed to its longer or dual-staged springs, enhancing the overall typing feel and making it feel more alive. Unfortunately, the feel of the Outemu Blue Jade switch is unknown, so it is difficult to make a direct comparison in this aspect.
Overall, the KTT Laurel linear switch seems to offer a low-pitched sound profile and a snappy typing feel, making it a solid choice for those who prefer a combination of comfort and responsiveness in their mechanical keyboard switches. While the specific qualities of the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch remain unknown, it is important to consider personal preferences and the overall typing experience when choosing between these two switches. In general, with a linear switch like the Laurel providing low-pitched sound and snappy feel, you can expect similar results in terms of sound profile and typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the KTT Laurel linear switch and the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch, you should consider your preference for switch weight and typing experience. If you prefer a light switch with a smooth linear feel and a low-pitched sound profile, the Laurel may be the better option for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy clicky switch with a satisfying tactile feedback, the Blue Jade could be a great choice. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to personal preference and the typing experience you are looking for in your mechanical keyboard.
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