What is the difference between 这类 and 这种? As far as I know they both mean this kind (of).
Is the latter more versatile or less?
Does that have any influence on the choice of word?

Is it an etymological feature that provides or shows a differentiation, if such a differentiation is existent ?
种类 (n): 'kind, sort, kind, species'



  种 as a noun means carries the meaning of 'seed'



种: things came from the same origin and divert slightly, but still belong to the same kind nonetheless. 


For example, knife and sword are both a kind(种) of cold weapon because 'created to be a cold weapon' is their origin; Football and basketball are both a kind of a ball sport because 'created to be a ball sport' is their origin. 


  类 as a verb carries the meaning of 'to classify'



类: things that's being classified into the same sort, type or kind based on similar origin, feature,  function or other qualities  


For example, knife and sword are both a kind/ class/ type(类) of cold weapon ; Horse and cow are both a kind of cattle; Football and basketball are both a kind of ball sport. (we classify them based on their similarity)