KTT Laurel vs. KTT Miaowu
An in-depth look at the KTT Laurel and the KTT Miaowu switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the KTT Laurel and the KTT Miaowu mechanical keyboard switches, it is important to note that both switches are linear in design, providing a smooth keystroke experience without the tactile feedback of clicky or tactile switches. The Laurel is best known for its medium-light actuation force, full POM housing, and long pole design, making it a great option for those seeking a balance of responsiveness and comfort. On the other hand, the Miaowu leverages KTT's latest molds for enhanced stem stability and features POK in its stem, offering a bouncy and clacky typing experience. While the Laurel is praised for its low-pitched sound profile, the Miaowu stands out for its unique stem design. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on your personal preferences and typing style; 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
43g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22m spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the KTT Laurel and the KTT Miaowu differ in terms of their top and bottom housing materials. The Laurel utilizes POM for both its top and bottom housings, which creates a deeper and more muted sound profile. In contrast, the Miaowu features a polycarbonate top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The nylon bottom housing of the Miaowu contributes to a deeper and fuller sound, absorbing more sound and creating a duller and rounder sound compared to the Laurel's POM bottom housing. Overall, the choice of housing materials in these keyboards greatly influences the sound profile and typing experience for users.
While the POM top housing in the Laurel and polycarbonate top housing in the Miaowu both provide unique sound profiles, they vary in terms of depth and pitch. The POM top housing creates a more muted and deeper sound, while the polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper and crisper sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting, adding an aesthetic appeal to the Miaowu. On the other hand, the nylon bottom housing in the Miaowu contributes to a fuller sound, absorbing more sound and creating a rounder typing experience compared to the Laurel's POM bottom housing. Ultimately, the differences in housing materials between the Laurel and Miaowu offer users distinct sound profiles to choose from based on their preferences.
The impact of housing materials on the overall typing experience is evident in the KTT Laurel and KTT Miaowu keyboards. The split qualities between the top and bottom housings of these switches influence the sound profile and feel of key presses. When pressing down on a switch, the bottom housing plays a larger role in the bottom-out sound and feel, with the nylon bottom housing in the Miaowu creating a deeper and fuller sound. Conversely, the top housing affects the sound when releasing a key, with the polycarbonate top housing in the Miaowu producing a clearer and resonant sound. Understanding the contributions of different housing materials allows users to select a keyboard that aligns with their sound preferences and typing style.
Weight
The KTT Laurel and KTT Miaowu linear switches both have the same actuation force of 43 grams and bottom out force of 50 grams, making them equally light in terms of force required. This means that both switches will provide a consistent typing experience in terms of the amount of force needed to register a keystroke and bottom out. Some users may prefer the lighter weight of these switches for extended typing or gaming sessions, as it can reduce fatigue. However, for those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel, they may prefer options with heavier actuation and bottom out forces. Ultimately, the choice between the Laurel and Miaowu switches will depend on individual preferences for typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
The KTT Laurel linear switch and the KTT Miaowu linear switch both have the same travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that regardless of whether you choose the Laurel or the Miaowu, you can expect a consistent travel distance when pressing down on the keys. While both switches have the same travel distance, they may differ in other aspects such as actuation force, sound, and overall feel. Therefore, when deciding between the Laurel and Miaowu switches, it's important to consider factors beyond just the travel distance to find the switch that best suits your preferences.
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 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 summary, the Laurel linear switch from KTT offers a low-pitched sound profile and a snappy typing feel, making it a well-balanced choice for those seeking a responsive and comfortable typing experience. On the other hand, the Miaowu linear switch also from KTT provides a clacky sound and a bouncy feel, catering to individuals who enjoy a sharper sound and a more elastic feedback sensation while typing. Keep in mind that personal preference plays a significant role in choosing the right switch for you, so it's essential to consider factors like sound, feel, and overall typing experience. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities that can enhance your typing experience, and experimenting with each to see which one aligns best with your preferences will help you achieve optimal results.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the KTT Laurel linear switch and the KTT Miaowu linear switch, consider your preference for sound and feel. If you prefer a switch with a low-pitched sound profile and a snappy typing experience, then the Laurel may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a clacky sound and a bouncy feel, the Miaowu switch could be more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, both switches offer a smooth linear typing experience with a bottom out force of 50 grams, so it ultimately comes down to your personal preference for sound and feel. Consider trying out both switches to see which one fits your typing style and needs best.
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