Gateron Melodic vs. KTT Miaowu
An in-depth look at the Gateron Melodic and the KTT Miaowu switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Melodic and the KTT Miaowu offer distinct experiences suited for different preferences. The Gateron Melodic is a clicky switch that brings together the classic clicky sound and tactile feedback with smooth factory lubing and dual-railed stems, resulting in a 'buttery' and 'invigorating' typing experience. On the other hand, the KTT Miaowu is a linear switch known for its enhanced stem stability and smooth keystroke action, thanks to KTT's latest molds and the use of POK in its stem. It offers a 'bouncy' and 'clacky' typing feel. Both switches have their unique appeal, with the Melodic excelling in clicky feedback and the Miaowu providing a smoother linear action. 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
60g
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
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
Both the Gateron Melodic and KTT Miaowu feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate being a relatively stiff plastic, allowing for a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. However, the Melodic's nylon bottom housing provides a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Miaowu's nylon bottom housing, which absorbs more sound and creates a duller and rounder sound.
Despite both switches having polycarbonate top housings, the differences in their bottom housings impact the overall sound and feel of typing on each switch. The split qualities between the top and bottom housings mean that the bottom housing of the Melodic will have a more pronounced impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the Miaowu's bottom housing will create a different sound profile. This shows how the combination of different housing materials can result in unique typing experiences, even when using the same top housing material.
In conclusion, while both the Gateron Melodic and KTT Miaowu share similarities in their polycarbonate top housings, the differences in their nylon bottom housings contribute to distinct sound profiles. The Melodic offers a sharper and crisper sound due to its nylon bottom housing, while the Miaowu provides a deeper and rounder sound profile. Ultimately, the combination of different housing materials in a switch can greatly impact the overall typing experience, showcasing the importance of material choices in mechanical keyboard design.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Melodic clicky switch and the KTT Miaowu linear switch, there are noticeable differences in weight. The Melodic has a bottom out force of 60 grams, making it a moderately heavy switch in terms of keypress resistance. In contrast, the Miaowu switch has a lighter bottom out force of 50 grams, providing a smoother and easier typing experience. While the actuation force for the Melodic switch is not specified, the Miaowu switch has an actuation force of 43 grams, indicating a light touch is needed to register a keystroke. This makes the Miaowu switch suitable for users who prefer a lighter feel, such as those who type for extended periods or engage in long gaming sessions. In contrast, the Melodic switch may be more appealing to users who prefer a more substantial typing experience with a heavier keypress resistance. Overall, the Melodic switch is heavier in bottom out force compared to the Miaowu switch, offering users a different typing experience based on their preferences for keypress resistance.
Travel distance
The Gateron Melodic clicky switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, which falls on the more traditional side of the spectrum. On the other hand, the KTT Miaowu linear switch has a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm, making it a better choice for those seeking a quicker response time. Gamers, in particular, may appreciate the shorter travel distance of the Miaowu switch for its faster reaction capabilities. However, individuals who prefer a more solid feel and depth when typing may lean towards the Gateron Melodic switch 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 Gateron Melodic has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Melodic for $6.00.
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 Gateron Melodic clicky switch offers a resounding and crunchy typing experience, with a higher-pitched and immersive auditory profile reminiscent of crisp autumn leaves. On the other hand, the KTT Miaowu linear switch provides a clacky and sharp sound, creating a bright and percussive typing experience. Both switches have distinct sound profiles that cater to different preferences, ensuring that users can enjoy a satisfying auditory feedback while typing.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Melodic switch provides a buttery and invigorating typing experience, with smooth and fluid keystrokes that offer a seamless and immersive sensation. The Miaowu linear switch, on the other hand, offers a bouncy and spring-like feedback sensation, giving users a lively and rebounding feel with each key press. While both switches offer unique tactile sensations, the Melodic switch is focused on smoothness and uniformity, while the Miaowu switch emphasizes a lively and elastic feedback.
Overall, the Gateron Melodic clicky switch and the KTT Miaowu linear switch offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Melodic switch provides a resonant and crunchy sound with a buttery and invigorating feel, the Miaowu switch offers a clacky sound with a bouncy and lively typing experience. Depending on your personal preference for sound and feel, both switches can provide a satisfying typing experience, ensuring that newcomers to mechanical keyboards have a variety of options to choose from based on their preferences.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when considering whether to choose the Gateron Melodic clicky switch or the KTT Miaowu linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a medium bottom out force and enjoy a resonant or crunchy sound profile with a buttery or invigorating feel, then the Gateron Melodic switch is the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force and a clacky sound profile with a bouncy feel, then the KTT Miaowu switch would be more suitable for you. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences, so choose wisely based on what features resonate with you the most.
Mentioned in this article
