Durock Medium Tactile vs. KTT Miaowu
An in-depth look at the Durock Medium Tactile and the KTT Miaowu switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Durock Medium Tactile and the KTT Miaowu stand out as popular options with distinct characteristics. The Durock Medium Tactile is praised for its pronounced yet balanced tactility, giving it a unique feel when typing. Additionally, it offers a jelly-like sound signature that adds to the overall typing experience. On the other hand, the KTT Miaowu is known for its enhanced stem stability and smoother keystroke action, thanks to KTT's latest molds and the use of POK in its stem. While the Medium Tactile falls under the ['accented', 'stepped', 'mild', 'polished'] category, the Miaowu is categorized as ['bouncy', 'clacky']. Both switches have their own strengths and appeal, making them suitable choices for 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
65g
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
Both the Durock Medium Tactile and the KTT Miaowu feature polycarbonate top housings, which are known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which leads to a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that plan to utilize RGB lighting. As such, both switches will provide a similar sound profile and aesthetic appeal in terms of their top housing material.
However, the differences between the two switches become evident when it comes to their bottom housing material. The Medium Tactile utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound compared to the stiffer polycarbonate. On the other hand, the Miaowu also features a nylon bottom housing, which means that both switches will offer a similar typing experience in terms of sound and feel based on their bottom housing material.
Overall, while the Durock Medium Tactile and the KTT Miaowu share similarities in their polycarbonate top housing, their differences lie in their nylon bottom housing. The Medium Tactile will provide a sharper, crisper sound when you let go of a key, while the Miaowu will offer a deeper and fuller sound upon pressing down on a key. These differences in housing materials ultimately contribute to the distinct typing experiences offered by each switch.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Medium Tactile switch and the KTT Miaowu switch, it is clear that the Miaowu is the lighter option. The Durock Medium Tactile has a bottom out force of 65 grams, while the Miaowu has a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it a lighter option. The actuation force of the Durock Medium Tactile is unknown, while the Miaowu has an actuation force of 43 grams. This means that the Miaowu requires less force to trigger a keystroke compared to the Durock Medium Tactile. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference, with some preferring the lighter feel of the Miaowu for longer typing sessions, while others may prefer the heavier bottom out force of the Durock for a more substantial typing experience.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Durock Medium Tactile switch and the KTT Miaowu switch, we see that the Medium Tactile has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Miaowu has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. The Medium Tactile is slightly longer in travel distance than the Miaowu. The difference may not seem significant, but for those who are sensitive to these small variations, it can impact the typing experience. The Medium Tactile will provide a bit more depth when pressing down on the key compared to the Miaowu. However, both switches offer a moderate travel distance that is suitable for typing and gaming. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference for travel distance and the desired typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock Medium Tactile has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Medium Tactile for $4.25.
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 Medium Tactile switch is best known for its jelly-like sound signature. On the other hand, the KTT Miaowu switch is described as clacky, producing a sharp and snappy sound when pressed. The sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used, so keep that in mind when choosing between these two switches.
When it comes to feel, the Durock Medium Tactile switch offers a balanced and pronounced tactility, making it an accented switch that is not overwhelming or too subtle. It also provides a stepped feel, giving a sense of two stages during the keystroke. In contrast, the KTT Miaowu switch is described as bouncy, providing a spring-like feedback sensation with lively key presses. Both switches offer a different tactile experience, catering to different preferences in typing feel.
Overall, the Durock Medium Tactile and KTT Miaowu switches offer unique characteristics in sound and feel. If you prefer a switch with a more balanced tactility and pronounced feel, the Durock Medium Tactile would be a good choice. On the other hand, if you enjoy a switch with a clacky sound and bouncy feedback, the KTT Miaowu switch might be more suited to your preferences. Both switches have their own strengths, so consider your typing preferences and typing environment when choosing between these two options. Ultimately, whether you go with the Durock Medium Tactile or KTT Miaowu switch, you can expect a satisfying typing experience based on the qualities each switch offers.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch or the KTT Miaowu linear switch, you should think about your preferences for tactile feedback and bottom out force. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and a pronounced yet balanced tactility with a jelly-like sound signature, then the Durock Medium Tactile switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force and a smoother keystroke action with enhanced stem stability, then the KTT Miaowu switch would be more suitable for your needs. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will come down to personal preference and what type of typing experience you are looking for.
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