KTT Miaowu vs. Outemu Purple
An in-depth look at the KTT Miaowu and the Outemu Purple switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the KTT Miaowu and the Outemu Purple offer unique typing experiences. The Miaowu stands out for its smooth keystroke action thanks to KTT's latest molds and POK stem technology, providing a bouncy and clacky feel. On the other hand, the Outemu Purple switch, although lacking a standout feature like the Miaowu, is known for its tactile feedback, making it a popular choice for those who enjoy a more tactile typing experience. 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
50g
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
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 Purple both utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate's stiffness, which enhances resonance and clarity in the sound produced by the switch. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that incorporate RGB lighting. However, while both switches share this commonality in their top housing material, the difference in their bottom housing material sets them apart in terms of sound profile.
In contrast to the shared polycarbonate top housing, the Miaowu features a nylon bottom housing that contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's softer nature absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches utilizing this material for the bottom housing. On the other hand, the Outemu Purple also utilizes a nylon bottom housing, providing similar characteristics in sound profile to the Miaowu. This similarity in bottom housing material would result in comparable typing experiences for both switches, showcasing the importance of housing materials in influencing sound.
When considering the impact of top and bottom housing materials on switch sound and feel, it becomes evident that each material brings distinct qualities to the overall typing experience. The bottom housing has a more significant influence on the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed, while the top housing plays a crucial role in the sound produced when releasing a key. Therefore, the combination of polycarbonate and nylon in the Miaowu and Outemu Purple switches results in a well-balanced typing experience, with the unique properties of each housing material complementing each other to create a dynamic and enjoyable sound profile.
Weight
Comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Miaowu linear switch and the Outemu Purple tactile switch reveals some notable differences. The Miaowu has a lighter actuation force of 43 grams compared to the Purple's 50 grams, making it easier to trigger a keystroke. Additionally, the Miaowu has a bottom out force of 50 grams, providing a consistent typing experience throughout. On the other hand, the Purple's bottom out force is unknown, but it is likely to require a heavier force due to its tactile nature. In terms of weight, the Miaowu is a lighter option, which is ideal for longer typing sessions or gaming marathons. In contrast, the Purple offers a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The KTT Miaowu linear switch and the Outemu Purple tactile switch have different travel distances. The Miaowu has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Purple has a travel distance of 4 mm. The Miaowu offers a slightly shorter travel distance, making it more suitable for those who prefer faster response times, such as gamers. On the other hand, the Purple switch provides a longer travel distance, offering a more substantial key press for those who prefer a deeper feeling when pressing down on keys. Both switches offer unique benefits, so the choice between the two ultimately depends on individual preferences for travel distance.
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 Purple 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 Miaowu linear switch is known for its clacky sound, which is sharp, snappy, crisp, bright, and percussive. On the other hand, there is no information available about the sound produced by the Outemu Purple tactile switch. Keep in mind that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by the keyboard's design, materials, and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Miaowu linear switch is described as bouncy, providing a spring-like or elastic feedback sensation. This means that the keys have a lively feel with a noticeable rebound when pressed. As for the Outemu Purple tactile switch, there is no information provided about its tactile feel.
In conclusion, if you are looking for a linear switch with a clacky sound and a bouncy, responsive feel, the KTT Miaowu switch would be a great choice. However, if you are interested in the Outemu Purple switch, bear in mind that there isn't enough information available to directly compare its sound and feel to the Miaowu switch. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that may appeal to different preferences, and trying out both options yourself is the best way to determine which one suits your typing style and preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the KTT Miaowu linear switch and the Outemu Purple tactile switch, you should consider your preference for key bottom out force. If you prefer a light bottom out force, the Miaowu with 50 grams would be a suitable choice. Additionally, if you value smooth keystroke action and stem stability, the Miaowu's POK stem sets it apart in terms of performance. On the other hand, if you are looking for a tactile switch with undefined bottom out force, the Outemu Purple may be a better fit for you. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your specific preferences for key feel, sound, and performance in order to choose the switch that best suits your typing style.
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