Lasers

[Arkangilos]

What do these do as opposed to gauss and plasma weapons?

[Culthrasa]

Short answer, more firepower then gauss, less then plasma...
Longer answer, some damage types have bonusses/penalties against certain armor types. The manual has list.

The jump is in firepower is quite good, but lasers do cost rare metals, so make sure you have a supply/mine...