KTT Miaowu vs. Outemu Crystal Brown
An in-depth look at the KTT Miaowu and the Outemu Crystal Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the KTT Miaowu and the Outemu Crystal Brown offer distinct typing experiences. The Miaowu is a linear switch crafted with KTT's cutting-edge molds, providing improved stem stability and a smoother key press. Known for its bouncy and clacky feel, the Miaowu stands out with its unique POK stem. On the other hand, the Outemu Crystal Brown is a tactile switch that boasts a different typing sensation compared to the linear Miaowu. While not having a specific standout feature, the Crystal Brown offers a different typing experience. If you prefer a bouncy and clacky feel, the Miaowu might be the way to go, whereas if you enjoy a tactile typing experience, the Crystal Brown could be the right choice for you. 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
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POK
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The KTT Miaowu and the Outemu Crystal Brown both feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate being a relatively stiffer plastic, leading to a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is ideal for switches that plan to use RGB lighting. The similarities in their top housing material mean that both switches will likely produce similar sound profiles and aesthetics.
However, when it comes to the bottom housing material, the KTT Miaowu utilizes nylon, while the Outemu Crystal Brown also features a nylon bottom housing. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile, as it is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound. This results in a duller and rounder sound compared to switches with harder plastic bottom housings. Despite their similar bottom housing material, each switch may still offer slightly different typing experiences due to variations in design and construction.
The combination of polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing in the KTT Miaowu and the Outemu Crystal Brown offers a unique typing experience. The split of qualities between the top and bottom housing materials means that users will feel the impact of the bottom housing in the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch. Conversely, the top housing will have more influence on the sound when releasing a key. Overall, both switches provide a balance of sharpness, clarity, and depth in their sound profiles, making them popular choices for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Miaowu linear switch and the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch, it is evident that both switches fall within the lighter range in terms of force required. The Miaowu has an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Crystal Brown has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams. The Miaowu is slightly lighter in both aspects compared to the Crystal Brown, making it a suitable choice for those who prefer a lighter typing experience. However, both switches provide a comfortable typing feel, which can result in similar performance outcomes despite their slight differences in force requirements. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches may come down to personal preference for either a lighter or slightly heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
The KTT Miaowu linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, making it slightly shorter than the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch, which has a travel distance of 4 mm. Both switches fall within the range of travel distances commonly found in mechanical keyboards. Gamers may lean towards the Miaowu switch for its shorter travel distance, allowing for quicker response times during gameplay. On the other hand, those who prefer a more substantial key press may opt for the Crystal Brown switch with its longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for key feel and response speed.
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 Outemu Crystal Brown comes in at $3.10 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
When it comes to sound, the KTT Miaowu linear switch is known for its clacky sound profile, producing a sharp and snappy noise when pressed. On the other hand, there is no information available on the sound properties of the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch. It is important to note that the sound produced by a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard layout and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Miaowu switch is described as bouncy, offering a spring-like and elastic feedback sensation. This gives the keys a lively feel and provides a subtle rebound when pressed. Unfortunately, there is no information available on the feel of the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch.
Overall, while the Miaowu linear switch offers a clacky sound profile and a bouncy feel, the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch lacks information on these subjective qualities. If you are looking for similar results to the Miaowu switch, you may consider looking for switches with clacky sound profiles and bouncy feel to achieve a comparable typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on your personal preferences for sound and feel while typing.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the KTT Miaowu linear switch and the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch, consider your preferences for typing experience. If you prefer a lighter switch with a smoother keystroke action and a bouncy feel, the Miaowu may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier switch with a medium-light bottom out force and no specific standout feature, the Crystal Brown may be more suitable for your needs. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will come down to your personal preferences for typing feel and sound. Happy typing!
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