KTT Miaowu vs. KTT Phalaenopsis
An in-depth look at the KTT Miaowu and the KTT Phalaenopsis switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the KTT Miaowu and the KTT Phalaenopsis offer distinctive features catering to different preferences. The Miaowu, a linear switch, is praised for its enhanced stem stability and smoother keystroke action thanks to POK in its stem, setting it apart from conventional POM stems. With a categorization of 'Bouncy' and 'Clacky', the Miaowu provides a unique typing experience for those who prefer a more responsive and tactile feel. On the other hand, the Phalaenopsis, a tactile switch, is known for its beautiful translucent design and light actuation force of 37g, reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. With a tactile force of 50g, the Phalaenopsis offers a satisfying and discernible bump with each keystroke, categorized as 'Bassy', 'Stepped', and 'Thocky'. 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
37g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
50g
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
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
22mm gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The KTT Miaowu and KTT Phalaenopsis both feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the stiffness of the material. This makes them ideal for users looking for a clear and resonant sound when typing. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate in the top housing allows for RGB lighting to shine through, adding a visually appealing element to the switches. However, the Miaowu's nylon bottom housing offers a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Phalaenopsis's polycarbonate bottom housing. Nylon's softer nature absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound experience when typing on switches utilizing this material.
It is interesting to note the contrast in sound profiles that result from the different housing materials used in the Miaowu and Phalaenopsis switches. While the polycarbonate top housing in both switches provides a similar crisp and clear sound, the bottom housing materials diverge in their impact on sound quality. The nylon bottom housing in the Miaowu produces a deeper and fuller sound, whereas the polycarbonate bottom housing in the Phalaenopsis contributes to a sharper and higher-pitched sound. This shows that the choice of housing materials can significantly impact the overall sound profile of a switch, catering to different preferences for sound while typing.
Overall, the combination of polycarbonate and nylon in the Miaowu and Phalaenopsis switches showcases how the top and bottom housing materials can work harmoniously to create a unique sound experience. The split between the two housing materials allows for a balance in sound qualities, with the bottom housing affecting the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing has more influence on the sound when releasing the key. This demonstrates the importance of considering both top and bottom housing materials when designing switches to achieve a desired sound profile for users.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Miaowu linear switch and the KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch, it is evident that both switches have a light actuation force of around 37-43 grams, making them suitable for users who prefer a lighter typing experience. Additionally, both switches have a bottom out force of 50 grams, providing a consistent feel when fully pressing the keys. In terms of weight, the Miaowu is slightly heavier with its actuation force, while the Phalaenopsis is slightly lighter. This difference may be subtle but can impact the typing experience for those who have a preference for a specific weight when typing. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on the individual's preference for a lighter or slightly heavier actuation force.
Travel distance
The Miaowu linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, making it shorter than the Phalaenopsis tactile switch, which has a travel distance of 4 mm. The shorter travel distance of the Miaowu switch may appeal to gamers looking for faster response times, while the longer travel distance of the Phalaenopsis switch may provide a more hearty and satisfying key press for those who prefer a deeper feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and the type of typing or gaming experience desired. Despite the difference in travel distance, both switches offer a tactile feedback that enhances the typing experience, so similar results can be achieved with either option.
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 Phalaenopsis has an MSRP of $4.73 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Phalaenopsis 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 Miaowu switch is known for its clacky nature, producing a sharp and snappy sound with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Phalaenopsis switch offers a bassy sound profile that is deeper and richer, creating a satisfying auditory experience. Additionally, the Phalaenopsis switch is also described as thocky, providing a soft and deep "thud" sound, adding to the overall typing experience. Both switches offer unique sound characteristics that can enhance the typing experience, with the Miaowu being more crisp and bright while the Phalaenopsis offers a deeper and richer sound.
In terms of feel, the Miaowu switch is known for its bouncy sensation, providing a spring-like feedback that adds a lively feel to the typing experience. In contrast, the Phalaenopsis switch is described as stepped, offering a two-stage tactile feedback that is more mild compared to hyper-tactile switches. With the Miaowu offering a more rebounding feel and the Phalaenopsis providing a distinct pre-travel and post-travel sensation, both switches cater to different preferences in typing feel. Overall, both switches offer unique and enjoyable tactile feedback that can improve overall typing comfort and performance.
In conclusion, the KTT Miaowu linear switch and the KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch each offer distinctive qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Miaowu provides a clacky sound and bouncy feel, enhancing the typing experience with a sharp sound and spring-like feedback. On the other hand, the Phalaenopsis offers a bassy and thocky sound profile along with a stepped tactile feel, providing a deeper and richer sound with a two-stage tactile feedback. Depending on individual preferences for sound and feel, both switches can cater to different typing experiences, ultimately leading to a satisfying and enjoyable typing session. If you enjoy one, you can expect similar results in the other, making both switches great options for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the KTT Miaowu linear switch and the KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch, you should consider the type of typing experience you prefer. If you enjoy a smooth keystroke action with a light bottom out force, the Miaowu switch may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a more tactile typing experience with a discernible bump and a lower actuation force, the Phalaenopsis switch could be the better option. Additionally, if you prefer a clacky sound and bouncy feel, the Miaowu switch may be more appealing to you. Conversely, if you prefer a bassy or thocky sound and a stepped feel, the Phalaenopsis switch might be more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, the choice between the Miaowu and Phalaenopsis switches comes down to personal preference in terms of sound, feel, and typing experience.
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