KTT Miaowu vs. Outemu Silent Ocean
An in-depth look at the KTT Miaowu and the Outemu Silent Ocean switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to compare and contrast are the KTT Miaowu and the Outemu Silent Ocean, both of which are linear switches. The Miaowu Switch by KTT stands out for its enhanced stem stability and smoother keystroke action, thanks to the utilization of POK in its stem, a departure from the more common POM stems found in other switches. Known for its 'Bouncy' and 'Clacky' feel, the Miaowu switch offers a unique typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Ocean switch is characterized by its silent operation and is categorized as silent. While the Miaowu offers a more tactile and responsive typing experience, the Silent Ocean provides a quieter and more discreet option. 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
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.60 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
When comparing the housing materials of the KTT Miaowu and the Outemu Silent Ocean, both switches use polycarbonate for their top housing. This material creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness, leading to clear and resonant sound. Additionally, polycarbonate's translucency makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. However, the Miaowu's polycarbonate top housing may have a slightly different sound profile compared to the Silent Ocean, depending on other factors such as stem and spring design.
In terms of their bottom housing material, both the Miaowu and the Silent Ocean utilize nylon. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to polycarbonate, as it is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. This difference in material between the top and bottom housing of these switches can affect the overall typing experience, with the bottom housing impacting the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key.
Overall, while the housing materials of the KTT Miaowu and the Outemu Silent Ocean may have some differences in sound profile due to their top and bottom housing materials, both switches offer unique typing experiences. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing of these switches creates a clear and resonant sound, while the nylon bottom housing adds depth and fullness to the typing experience. Whether you prefer a sharper sound profile with polycarbonate or a deeper sound profile with nylon, both switches can provide a satisfying typing experience based on personal preferences.
Weight
The KTT Miaowu linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 43 grams compared to the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch, which has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams. When it comes to bottom out force, the Miaowu requires 50 grams, while the Silent Ocean needs 65 grams, making it the heavier option. This means that the Miaowu switch is better suited for those who prefer a lighter typing experience, allowing for longer typing sessions without fatigue. On the other hand, the Silent Ocean switch provides a more substantial typing experience due to its heavier bottom out force, appealing to users who prefer a stronger push feel. Both switches offer unique advantages based on the user's preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the KTT Miaowu linear switch and the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch, it is evident that the Miaowu has a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm while the Silent Ocean has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. The Miaowu's 3.5 mm travel distance makes it ideal for those seeking a quicker response time, such as gamers who need rapid key presses. On the other hand, the Silent Ocean's 4 mm travel distance caters to individuals who prefer a deeper key press feeling and may find shorter travel distances to be too abrupt. In this case, the Miaowu would be the shorter option for faster responsiveness, whereas the Silent Ocean would be the longer option for a more substantial key press experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to individual preference and desired 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 Outemu Silent Ocean 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, which is sharp, snappy, crisp, bright, and percussive. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch has no specific sound description available. Keep in mind that the sound produced by a switch can be influenced by various factors, including the keyboard housing and keycaps used. Moving on to the feel, the Miaowu switch is characterized as bouncy, offering a spring-like or elastic feedback sensation that gives keys a lively feel with good rebound when pressed. Unfortunately, there is no specific feel description available for the Outemu Silent Ocean switch. Overall, based on the available information, if you prefer a switch with a clacky sound and bouncy feel, the KTT Miaowu would be a suitable choice. However, if you are looking for a silent switch with an unknown sound and feel profile, the Outemu Silent Ocean might be worth considering, although more information would be needed to make a direct comparison.
Conclusion
Ultimately, when deciding between the KTT Miaowu linear switch and the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch, it really comes down to your personal preferences and priorities. If you are looking for a lighter bottom out force and enjoy a bouncy and clacky typing experience, the Miaowu switch may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and are prioritizing silence when typing, the Silent Ocean switch could be the more suitable option. Consider your typing style, sound preferences, and desired key feel to make the best decision for your mechanical keyboard setup.
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