KTT Miaowu vs. KTT Orange
An in-depth look at the KTT Miaowu and the KTT Orange switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering different mechanical keyboard switches, the KTT Miaowu and the KTT Orange both offer unique features and characteristics to consider. The Miaowu switch stands out for its enhanced stem stability and smoother keystroke action, thanks to its POK stem. Known for being 'Bouncy' and 'Clacky', the Miaowu switch provides a tactile typing experience. On the other hand, the KTT Orange switch features a long spring for a bouncy feel, along with a polycarbonate milky top housing and a vivid orange nylon bottom housing. Categorized as 'Bouncy', 'Frictionless', and 'Low-pitched', the Orange switch offers a smooth typing experience with minimal friction and a low-pitched sound profile. 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
46g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 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
POK
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
22mm gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the KTT Miaowu and KTT Orange both feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, leading to a more resonant sound. However, the Miaowu sets itself apart with a nylon bottom housing, eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Orange's polycarbonate bottom housing. Nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches.
In terms of aesthetics, both the Miaowu and Orange switches benefit from the translucency of polycarbonate in their top housings, making them ideal for use with RGB lighting. However, when considering the sound profile, the choice between nylon and polycarbonate for the bottom housing becomes significant. While the Miaowu's nylon bottom housing provides a deeper and fuller sound, the Orange's polycarbonate bottom housing contributes to a sharper and crisper sound. Depending on the user's preference for sound profile, this difference in bottom housing material can make a noticeable impact on the overall typing experience.
Ultimately, the housing materials of the KTT Miaowu and KTT Orange offer distinct sound profiles and tactile experiences due to the differences in their bottom housing materials. The split between the top and bottom housings allows each material to contribute unique qualities to the switch, affecting both the typing sound and feel. Whether one prefers the deeper sound of nylon or the sharper sound of polycarbonate, both switches offer a high-quality construction that enhances the overall typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the KTT Miaowu linear switch and the KTT Orange linear switch, it is evident that the Miaowu is lighter in terms of actuation force and bottom out force compared to the Orange switch. The Miaowu has an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Orange switch has an actuation force of 46 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams. The Miaowu offers a lighter typing experience, making it ideal for longer typing sessions or extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, the Orange switch provides a slightly heavier push feel, offering a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer it. Overall, the actuation and bottom out forces of these two switches cater to different preferences, with the Miaowu being lighter and the Orange being medium-light. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the KTT Miaowu linear switch and the KTT Orange linear switch, both switches have the same travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that when you press down on a key using either switch, you will experience the same distance of travel from the top to the bottom. Therefore, in terms of travel distance, you can expect similar results with both the Miaowu and Orange linear switches. Whether you choose the Miaowu or Orange linear switch, you can be confident that the travel distance will be consistent and provide a smooth typing experience.
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 KTT Orange has an MSRP of $5.55 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Orange for $4.15.
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 KTT Miaowu linear switch is known for its clacky sound profile, which is sharp, snappy, crisp, bright, and percussive when pressed. On the other hand, the KTT Orange linear switch offers a low-pitched sound, featuring a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. Both switches provide distinct auditory experiences, with the Miaowu offering a sharper sound and the Orange delivering a mellower tone. However, individual preferences may vary, so it's essential to consider other factors like your keyboard and keycap choices when evaluating the sound profile of these switches.
In terms of feel, both the KTT Miaowu and Orange linear switches are described as bouncy. Bouncy switches provide a spring-like or elastic feedback sensation, offering a lively feel with rebound when pressed. Additionally, the Orange switch is noted for its frictionless typing experience, providing an extremely smooth and effortless key travel that minimizes any sense of resistance or friction. This feature enhances the overall typing experience, making it more fluid and comfortable for users. With both switches sharing a bouncy feel, users can expect similar tactile feedback and responsiveness when typing.
In conclusion, the KTT Miaowu and Orange linear switches offer distinct sound and feel qualities that cater to different preferences. The Miaowu switch provides a clacky sound profile with enhanced stem stability and smoother keystroke action, while the Orange switch delivers a low-pitched sound with a bouncy and frictionless typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and overall typing experience. For users seeking a sharp and snappy sound, the Miaowu switch may be more suitable, while those who prefer a mellower tone and smooth key travel might prefer the Orange switch. Both switches offer unique characteristics that can enhance the overall typing experience based on personal preferences.
Conclusion
In summary, when deciding between the KTT Miaowu linear switch and the KTT Orange linear switch, you should consider your preference for bottom out force and sound profile. If you prefer a lighter bottom out force of 50 grams and enjoy a clacky sound profile, the Miaowu switch may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force of 53 grams and enjoy a low-pitched sound profile, the Orange switch may be more suitable. Both switches offer a bouncy feel, but the Orange switch also provides a frictionless typing experience. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will come down to your personal preference for typing feel and sound.
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