Durock Black Lotus vs. KTT Miaowu
An in-depth look at the Durock Black Lotus and the KTT Miaowu switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Durock Black Lotus and the KTT Miaowu mechanical keyboard switches, you are looking at two high-quality linear switches with distinct features. The Durock Black Lotus stands out for its silky smooth feel, unparalleled precision, and reduced housing and stem wobble, providing maximum typing pleasure. With a 55g actuation weight that is substantial yet not too heavy, it offers a polished typing experience with in-switch lighting that is fully removable. On the other hand, the KTT Miaowu leverages the latest molds for enhanced stem stability and smoother keystroke action, thanks to the POK material in its stem. This gives the Miaowu switch a bouncy and clacky feel that sets it apart from conventional switches. Both switches have unique qualities that make them desirable, but 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
55g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POK
Top housing material
Modified PC & UPE Blend
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The Durock Black Lotus features a unique modified PC & UPE Blend top housing, while the KTT Miaowu utilizes a polycarbonate top housing. The Black Lotus offers a premium and distinct feel, while the Miaowu provides a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile due to the stiffness of polycarbonate. However, both switches feature a clear housing which allows for RGB lighting, highlighting the aesthetic appeal of polycarbonate in the top housing. In terms of materials, the Black Lotus's nylon bottom housing provides a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Miaowu's nylon bottom housing, as nylon absorbs more sound, creating a rounder sound.
While the Miaowu and Black Lotus both feature nylon bottom housings which create a deeper and fuller sound profile, they differ in their top housings. The flexibility and sound absorption qualities of nylon contribute to a duller sound in both switches' bottom housing. However, the top housing of the Black Lotus, with its modified PC & UPE Blend material, likely offers a different feel and sound compared to the Miaowu's polycarbonate top housing. Despite these differences, both switches benefit from the use of nylon in their bottom housings for a more robust typing experience.
In terms of sound and feel, the Durock Black Lotus and KTT Miaowu showcase the impact of housing materials on switch performance. The split between top and bottom housing qualities means that when using these switches, users can feel the characteristics of both materials during typing. The bottom housing impacts the bottom-out sound and feel, with the softer nylon material creating a deeper sound profile. On the other hand, the top housing plays a role in the sound when releasing a key, with the stiffer polycarbonate of the Miaowu providing a sharper and crisper sound compared to the unique blend in the Black Lotus.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the KTT Miaowu linear switch, we can see significant differences. The Black Lotus has a higher actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, making it a medium-heavy switch. In contrast, the Miaowu has a lighter actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, categorizing it as a light switch. The Black Lotus offers a more substantial typing experience with its heavier forces, ideal for those who prefer a stronger push feel. On the other hand, the Miaowu provides a lighter typing experience, allowing for longer typing sessions without fatigue. Both switches offer distinct advantages based on individual preferences, with the Black Lotus being the heavier option and the Miaowu being the lighter option. Ultimately, the choice between the two would depend on whether one values a lighter or heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
The Durock Black Lotus linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the KTT Miaowu linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. In terms of travel distance, the Miaowu offers a slightly shallower feel compared to the Black Lotus. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Black Lotus being on the longer end and the Miaowu on the shorter end. Gamers may appreciate the faster response time of the Miaowu's shorter travel distance, while those who prefer a more deliberate key press may opt for the Black Lotus with its slightly longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock Black Lotus has an MSRP of $5.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Black Lotus for $4.57.
The KTT Miaowu has an MSRP of $4.32 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Miaowu for $3.71.
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
In terms of sound, the Durock Black Lotus is known for its quiet and smooth operation, providing a satisfying typing experience without being overly loud. On the other hand, the KTT Miaowu is described as having a clacky sound, producing a sharp and snappy noise when pressed. Depending on personal preference, the Black Lotus may be more suitable for those who prefer a quieter typing experience, while the Miaowu may appeal to those who enjoy a more audibly tactile feel.
When it comes to feel, the Durock Black Lotus is characterized by its silky and buttery smoothness, offering a refined typing sensation with minimal resistance. The switch is also described as mild, providing a gentle typing experience that caters to a wide range of users. In contrast, the KTT Miaowu is known for its bouncy feel, offering a spring-like elasticity that gives keys a lively rebound when pressed. Those who prefer a more cushioned and soft keystroke may lean towards the Black Lotus, while the Miaowu may be favored by individuals who enjoy a more dynamic and responsive typing feel.
Overall, both the Durock Black Lotus and the KTT Miaowu switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences in mechanical keyboard switches. The Black Lotus provides a smooth and quiet typing experience with a balanced actuation weight, while the Miaowu delivers a clacky sound and bouncy feel for those seeking a more tactile and lively typing sensation. Depending on your personal preference for sound and feel, either switch can provide a satisfying typing experience, ensuring that you'll get similar results of high quality and performance regardless of your choice.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the KTT Miaowu linear switch, consider the bottom out force that best suits your typing preference. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force, the Black Lotus with its 63.5 grams may be more suitable for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch, the Miaowu with its 50 grams bottom out force may be a better fit. Additionally, consider the unique features of each switch; the Black Lotus offers unparalleled precision and a unique light column, while the Miaowu leverages enhanced stem stability and smoother keystroke action. Think about the sound and feel you prefer as well; the Black Lotus provides a silky and buttery typing experience, while the Miaowu offers a bouncy and clacky sensation. Ultimately, your choice between the two switches will depend on your personal typing preferences and the overall typing experience you are looking for.
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