KTT Miaowu vs. Outemu Milk Tea
An in-depth look at the KTT Miaowu and the Outemu Milk Tea switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular choices to consider are the KTT Miaowu linear switch and the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch. The Miaowu is highly regarded for its smooth keystroke action and enhanced stem stability thanks to KTT's latest molds and the use of POK in its stem. It provides a 'Bouncy' and 'Clacky' typing experience, perfect for those who prefer a linear switch. On the other hand, the Milk Tea from Outemu offers a tactile typing experience without any specific standout features. While the Miaowu provides a more unique and refined typing experience, the Milk Tea is a solid and reliable option for those who prefer a tactile feel. 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
N/A
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
Ly
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
The housing materials of the KTT Miaowu and Outemu Milk Tea switches both feature polycarbonate for the top housing. Polycarbonate is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, making it ideal for those who enjoy a more crisp typing experience. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for RGB lighting to shine through, adding an aesthetic appeal to the switches. On the other hand, while the Miaowu utilizes nylon for the bottom housing, the Milk Tea also features nylon for its bottom housing. Nylon is a classic switch housing material that produces a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its ability to absorb more sound than harder plastics. As a result, both switches offer a unique typing experience with their nylon bottom housing.
However, the key difference between the two switches lies in their top housing materials. The Miaowu utilizes polycarbonate for the top housing, creating a more resonant and clear sound profile during key presses. In contrast, the Milk Tea features Ly for its top housing, offering a bright sound signature with resonant clacks when typing. This variation in top housing material can significantly impact the overall sound and feel of the switches, providing users with different auditory experiences depending on their preference. Despite their different top housing materials, both switches maintain the use of nylon for their bottom housing, ensuring a consistent deep and full sound profile during typing.
In conclusion, while both the KTT Miaowu and Outemu Milk Tea switches share the use of nylon for the bottom housing, they differ in their choice of materials for the top housing. The Miaowu's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper and crisper sound profile, while the Milk Tea's Ly top housing offers a bright sound signature. This distinction in top housing materials gives each switch a unique auditory experience, catering to different preferences among users. Overall, both switches provide a satisfying typing experience with their combination of top and bottom housing materials, allowing for a variety of sound profiles to suit individual tastes.
Weight
The KTT Miaowu linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 43 grams compared to the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch which has an actuation force of 45 grams. In terms of bottom out force, the Miaowu requires 50 grams while the Milk Tea's bottom out force is unknown. The Miaowu provides a lighter typing experience, which may be preferred for longer typing sessions or gaming. On the other hand, the Milk Tea offers a slightly heavier actuation force, which could appeal to those looking for a more substantial typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on individual preferences for typing force and feel.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the KTT Miaowu linear switch is 3.5 mm, while the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Milk Tea switch has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Miaowu switch. When it comes to preference, gamers may opt for the Miaowu switch with its shorter travel distance for faster response times. However, those who enjoy a more substantial keypress may prefer the Milk Tea switch with its longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual typing or gaming preferences. Both switches offer a different feel due to their varying travel distances, but they can still provide a satisfying typing experience depending on personal preference.
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 Milk Tea 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 noise, which is sharp, snappy, crisp, bright, and percussive. On the other hand, the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch does not have a specific sound descriptor provided. However, keep in mind that the sound produced by a switch is influenced by various factors such as the keyboard layout, keycap material, and typing technique.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the KTT Miaowu linear switch is described as bouncy, offering a spring-like or elastic feedback sensation. Typing on these switches will give you a lively feel with a rebound effect when the keys are pressed. In contrast, information about the feel of the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch is not provided. It is important to consider personal preferences when choosing a switch based on the tactile feedback you desire.
In conclusion, the KTT Miaowu linear switch stands out for its clacky sound and bouncy feel, thanks to its enhanced stem stability and smooth keystroke action. While the specific qualities of the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch are not mentioned, if you are looking for a switch with similar characteristics to the Miaowu, you may expect comparable results in terms of sound and feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on your individual preference for sound, feel, and typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a smooth keystroke action with enhanced stem stability, you may want to choose the KTT Miaowu linear switch. This switch is best known for its innovative use of POK in the stem, setting it apart from others. With a light bottom out force of 50 grams, the Miaowu switch offers a bouncy and lively feel while producing a clacky sound when pressed. On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile feedback with a more traditional typing experience, the Outemu Milk Tea switch might be the better choice for you. Although information on the Milk Tea switch is not provided, its tactile feedback and lack of a specified bottom out force suggest a more tactile and responsive typing experience. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will come down to your personal preference for key feel and sound.
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