KTT Miaowu vs. KTT Purple Star
An in-depth look at the KTT Miaowu and the KTT Purple Star switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the KTT Miaowu and the KTT Purple Star stand out as top contenders, each offering unique features and benefits to enhance your typing experience. The Miaowu switch is praised for its enhanced stem stability and smoother keystroke action, thanks to KTT's latest molds and the use of POK in its stem. This switch is characterized as 'Bouncy' and 'Clacky', catering to those who prefer a more tactile typing feel. On the other hand, the Purple Star switch boasts an all-POM construction, delivering a buttery smooth typing experience with a light 45g bottom-out force. Categorized as 'Mild', 'Low-pitched', and 'Easy-to-press', the Purple Star switch is perfect for light typists seeking comfort and ease of use. 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
43g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The KTT Miaowu and the KTT Purple Star both have unique housing materials that contribute to their sound profiles. The Miaowu features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. On the other hand, the Purple Star's POM top housing produces a deeper and more muted sound. Despite these differences, both switches offer distinct sound experiences that cater to different preferences. While the Miaowu's polycarbonate top housing may be better suited for those who enjoy a clearer and resonant sound, the Purple Star's POM top housing provides a unique and deeper sound profile.
In terms of the bottom housing materials, the KTT Miaowu utilizes a nylon bottom housing, known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile. Conversely, the Purple Star features a POM bottom housing, which also contributes to a deeper and more muted sound profile. Although both switches have different bottom housing materials, they offer similar sound experiences that cater to those who prefer a rounder and duller sound profile. The use of nylon and POM in the bottom housing allows for a more consistent sound experience throughout typing, regardless of the switch being used.
Overall, the choice between the KTT Miaowu and the KTT Purple Star ultimately comes down to personal preference when it comes to sound profile. The Miaowu's polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing create a unique combination of sharper and fuller sound, whereas the Purple Star's POM top and bottom housing offer a deeper and more muted sound profile. Both switches cater to different tastes in sound, allowing users to choose the one that best suits their preferences. While the housing materials may differ between the two switches, they both provide a high-quality typing experience with unique sound characteristics.
Weight
Comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Miaowu linear switch and the KTT Purple Star linear switch reveals that they are identical in terms of weight. Both switches have an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making them light switches. This means that users can expect a consistent typing experience in terms of force required to trigger a keystroke and pressing all the way down. The light weight of these switches makes them ideal for those who prefer typing for extended periods without experiencing fatigue. Overall, both the KTT Miaowu and KTT Purple Star linear switches offer a light and comfortable typing experience suitable for various uses.
Travel distance
Both the KTT Miaowu and KTT Purple Star linear switches have the same travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key with either of these switches, you will experience the same amount of travel distance. The travel distance of both switches allows for a consistent and smooth typing experience. Therefore, in terms of travel distance, the KTT Miaowu and KTT Purple Star linear switches offer similar results and no significant differences can be observed between them.
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 Purple Star comes in at $4.88 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 offers a clacky typing experience, characterized by a sharp and snappy sound that is crisp, bright, and percussive. On the other hand, the KTT Purple Star linear switch provides a low-pitched typing sound, featuring a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. Both switches offer distinct sound profiles that cater to different preferences, with the Miaowu delivering a more pronounced and lively typing sound, while the Purple Star offers a more subdued and soothing typing experience.
In terms of feel, the KTT Miaowu linear switch is described as bouncy, providing a spring-like feedback sensation that gives keys a lively feel with rebound when pressed. In contrast, the KTT Purple Star linear switch is characterized as mild and easy-to-press, offering a gentle typing experience with minimal resistance during key presses. The Purple Star's light actuation force makes typing effortless and comfortable, reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. Overall, the Miaowu switch offers a more dynamic and responsive typing feel, while the Purple Star provides a comfortable and smooth typing experience ideal for light typists.
In conclusion, the KTT Miaowu and KTT Purple Star linear switches offer unique subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Miaowu switch stands out for its clacky sound and bouncy feel, providing a more energetic typing experience. Meanwhile, the Purple Star switch excels in delivering a low-pitched sound and a mild, easy-to-press feel, catering to those seeking a smooth and effortless typing experience. Depending on individual preferences for sound and typing feel, both switches offer distinct advantages that can enhance the overall typing experience for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. Ultimately, choosing between the Miaowu and Purple Star switches will depend on personal preferences for typing sound and feel.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the KTT Miaowu linear switch and the KTT Purple Star linear switch, consider the following guidelines. If you prefer a bouncy and energetic typing experience with a clacky sound profile, the Miaowu switch may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you lean towards a milder and easy-to-press typing feel with a low-pitched sound, the Purple Star switch could be the perfect fit. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for typing feel and sound characteristics. Whether you value a lively feedback or a gentle typing experience, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences.
Mentioned in this article
