KTT Miaowu vs. Cherry MX Brown
An in-depth look at the KTT Miaowu and the Cherry MX Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the KTT Miaowu linear switch and the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch stand out as popular choices among enthusiasts. The Miaowu switch from KTT is praised for its enhanced stem stability and smooth keystroke action, thanks to its innovative POK stem technology. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Brown switches are known for their subtlety, offering a light typing experience with gentle tactility and subdued audio feedback. While the Miaowu switch is categorized as 'Bouncy' and 'Clacky', the MX Brown switch is categorized as 'Textured', 'Bassy', and 'Low-pitched'. Both switches have their own unique characteristics and 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
43g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POK
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
One key difference between the KTT Miaowu and the Cherry MX Brown is the material used for their top housing. The Miaowu features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate being a stiffer plastic, resulting in a more clear and resonant sound. On the other hand, the MX Brown utilizes a nylon top housing, which elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound and creates a duller and rounder sound compared to polycarbonate.
Moving on to the bottom housing, both the Miaowu and the MX Brown utilize nylon for this component. This results in a similar deep and full sound profile when typing on switches that use nylon for the bottom housing. Since nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, both switches provide a duller and rounder sound when pressing down on the keys. This similarity in material for the bottom housing contributes to a consistent sound experience across both switches, even if their top housings differ in material.
When considering the overall sound profile of the KTT Miaowu and the Cherry MX Brown, the top and bottom housings play a significant role. The split in qualities between the top and bottom housing materials affects the sound and feel of these switches. The bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the keys, while the top housing impacts the sound when releasing a key. Despite the differences in the top housing materials - polycarbonate for the Miaowu and nylon for the MX Brown - the shared nylon bottom housing ensures a level of consistency in the sound produced by both switches.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Miaowu linear switch and the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch, there are noticeable differences. The Miaowu switch has a lighter actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it a lighter option overall. In contrast, the MX Brown switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, making it a medium-light option. The lighter actuation force of the Miaowu switch may appeal to those who prefer a gentler typing experience for extended periods, such as during work or gaming sessions. On the other hand, the slightly heavier actuation force of the MX Brown switch may provide a more substantial typing feel for those who prefer a bit more resistance. Both switches offer a comfortable typing experience, but the Miaowu is lighter, while the MX Brown is slightly heavier.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the KTT Miaowu linear switch is 3.5 mm, while the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Cherry MX Brown switch has a longer travel distance compared to the KTT Miaowu switch. The shorter travel distance of the Miaowu switch may appeal to gamers looking for faster response times, while the longer travel distance of the MX Brown switch may provide a more substantial and satisfying feel when typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the type of typing experience one is seeking. Both switches offer a different tactile feel with their respective travel distances, so users can expect different results when typing on each.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
The Cherry MX Brown comes in at $4.00 per 10 switches.
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
The KTT Miaowu linear switch is known for its clacky sound profile, producing a sharp and percussive sound when pressed. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch offers a bassy and low-pitched sound, providing a deeper and richer audio feedback during key presses. Both switches offer distinct sound characteristics that can enhance the typing experience, with the Miaowu offering a crisper sound while the MX Brown delivers a more mellow tone.
When it comes to feel, the Miaowu switch is described as bouncy, providing a spring-like feedback sensation that gives the keys a lively feel with a noticeable rebound when pressed. In contrast, the MX Brown switch is noted for its textured feel, offering a tactile response with noticeable friction during key presses. This texture may be preferred by some users seeking a more tactile typing experience, while others may prefer a smoother and friction-free feel.
Overall, while the KTT Miaowu linear switch and the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch offer different sound and feel qualities, both switches have their own strengths and can provide a satisfying typing experience. Whether you prefer the clacky sound and bouncy feel of the Miaowu switch or the bassy sound and textured feel of the MX Brown switch, you can expect similar results in terms of key stability and smooth keystroke action provided by both switches. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on your personal preference for sound and feel when typing.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the KTT Miaowu linear switch and the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch, consider the following factors. If you prefer a lighter bottom out force and a smoother keystroke action, the Miaowu switch with its POK stem and enhanced stem stability may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you appreciate a subtle and light typing experience with gentle tactility, the Cherry MX Brown switch offers just that. Additionally, if you prefer a clacky sound profile and a bouncy feel, the Miaowu switch may be more suited to your preferences. Conversely, if you enjoy a bassy sound profile and a textured feel, the MX Brown switch may be the one for you. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for typing experience, sound profile, and tactile feedback.
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