Durock Koala vs. KTT Miaowu
An in-depth look at the Durock Koala and the KTT Miaowu switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two options that stand out are the Durock Koala, a tactile switch, and the KTT Miaowu, a linear switch. The Koalas are renowned for offering a perfect balance for those who enjoy a tactile typing experience without too much resistance. With a distinct bump during keypresses that doesn't overshadow the entire stroke, they also provide a subtle amount of sound without being overly noisy. On the other hand, the Miaowu Switch by KTT showcases the latest molds for superior stem stability and a smoother typing feel. Its unique POK stem sets it apart from other switches with traditional POM stems, offering a bouncy and clacky typing experience. Both switches have their own set of qualities that appeal to different preferences. 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
N/A
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
67g
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
Polycarbonate
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
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The Durock Koala and KTT Miaowu both feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the stiffness of the material. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is beneficial for switches that utilize RGB lighting. Conversely, the Koala and Miaowu differ in their bottom housings, with the Koala employing nylon for a deeper and fuller sound profile, while the Miaowu also utilizes nylon for a similar effect. Nylon's softer properties absorb more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound experience when typing on switches using this material.
Although both switches use polycarbonate for their top housings, the Durock Koala and KTT Miaowu showcase their individuality through their choice of bottom housing materials. The Koala's use of nylon for the bottom housing provides a different typing experience compared to the Miaowu's nylon bottom housing. The split in housing materials allows for a unique typing feel, as the bottom housing impacts the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing affects the sound when releasing a key. Despite similar top housings, the differences in bottom housings ultimately shape the overall typing experience and sound profile of each switch.
In summary, while the Durock Koala and KTT Miaowu share the sharp and crisp sound profile enabled by their polycarbonate top housings, they diverge in their choice of bottom housing materials. The Koala's nylon bottom housing creates a deeper sound experience, while the Miaowu's nylon bottom housing contributes to a fuller sound profile. The split in housing materials allows for a nuanced typing feel, where the qualities of each material are felt differently when pressing down on the switch. Overall, despite their differences, both switches offer unique sound profiles and typing experiences thanks to their distinct housing materials.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Koala tactile switch and the KTT Miaowu linear switch, it is evident that the Miaowu is the lighter option while the Koala is the heavier one. The Koala has a medium-heavy bottom out force of 67 grams, whereas the Miaowu has a lighter bottom out force of 50 grams. The actuation force for the Koala is not specified, while the Miaowu has an actuation force of 43 grams. This means that the Miaowu will require less force to trigger a keystroke compared to the Koala. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Miaowu, while those who enjoy a more substantial typing feel may opt for the Koala. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on personal preference regarding typing force.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Durock Koala tactile switch and the KTT Miaowu linear switch, it's clear that the Koala has a longer travel distance of 4 mm, while the Miaowu has a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. The 4.0mm travel distance of the Koala is more traditional, providing a deeper keypress feel, which some users may prefer for a more substantial typing experience. On the other hand, the 3.5 mm travel distance of the Miaowu offers a shallower keypress, ideal for those seeking a faster response time, such as gamers. Ultimately, the choice between a shorter or longer travel distance will depend on personal preference and the type of typing experience you are looking for.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock Koala has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Koala for $4.21.
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
When it comes to sound, the Durock Koala tactile switch offers a low-pitched and neutral tone, providing a bass-heavy and mellow sound that is suitable for various typing environments. On the other hand, the KTT Miaowu linear switch is described as clacky, producing a sharp and snappy sound that adds a crisp and bright element to your typing experience. Both switches have distinct sound profiles that can be further influenced by factors such as keycaps and keyboard build.
Moving on to feel, the Durock Koala switch offers a polished, accented, and stepped tactile experience. With a smooth and refined finish, these switches provide a sleek typing experience while offering a moderate amount of tactility that is not overwhelming. The Miaowu switch, on the other hand, is described as bouncy, providing a spring-like feedback sensation that adds a lively feel to your keystrokes. Each switch offers a unique feel that caters to different preferences in terms of tactility and typing style.
In conclusion, the Durock Koala tactile switch and the KTT Miaowu linear switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Koala provides a neutral and low-pitched sound along with a polished and stepped tactile feel, while the Miaowu delivers a clacky sound and a bouncy sensation when typing. Depending on your preferences for sound and feel, both switches offer unique characteristics that can enhance your typing experience. By considering factors such as keycaps, keyboard build, and personal typing style, you can achieve similar results with either switch based on your preferences and requirements.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Durock Koala tactile switch and the KTT Miaowu linear switch, consider your preference for key feel and sound. If you enjoy a polished, accented, stepped, and stiff typing experience with a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, the Koala may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a bouncy feel with a clacky sound, the Miaowu could be the better option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing preferences and the type of typing experience you desire.
Mentioned in this article
