KTT Miaowu vs. Kailh Sage

Overview

When looking at mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the KTT Miaowu, a linear switch, and the Kailh Sage, a clicky switch. The Miaowu switch from KTT boasts enhanced stem stability and smoother keystroke action, thanks to its latest molds and POK stem material. This switch is known for its 'Bouncy' and 'Clacky' feel. On the other hand, the Kailh Sage switch stands out for its distinct clicky typing experience with a heavy but satisfying weight and sharp clickiness. Categorized as 'Invigorating', 'Sharp', and 'Crunchy', the Sage switch offers a unique tactile feedback. When deciding between these two switches, it ultimately comes down to personal preference in terms of 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

KTT Miaowu Linear

Kailh Sage Clicky

$4.32

$3.71 per 10

$6.25 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

In comparing the KTT Miaowu and Kailh Sage, both keyboards feature polycarbonate top housings. This material creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness, allowing for a more resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. However, the Miaowu and Sage differ in their bottom housings, with the Miaowu utilizing nylon and the Sage also featuring a nylon bottom housing. Nylon is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile, absorbing more sound than harder plastics and creating a duller, rounder sound. Despite the difference in bottom housing material, both keyboards aim to provide an enhanced typing experience through their top and bottom housing combination.

While both the Miaowu and Sage utilize polycarbonate for their top housings, the choice of nylon for the bottom housing sets them apart in terms of sound profile. The Miaowu's nylon bottom housing contributes to a deeper and fuller sound, while the Sage's nylon bottom housing also aims to produce a similar effect. This highlights the importance of housing materials in creating distinct sound profiles for mechanical keyboards, with each material offering its own set of characteristics. The combination of polycarbonate and nylon in these keyboards showcases how different housing materials can work together to enhance the overall typing experience.

The impact of housing materials on sound and feel is evident in the design of both the Miaowu and Sage keyboards. The split between top and bottom housings ensures that different qualities are emphasized depending on whether a key is pressed down or released. The bottom housing of each keyboard plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing influences the sound when a key is lifted. This attention to detail in housing materials allows for a more nuanced typing experience, catering to the preferences of mechanical keyboard enthusiasts seeking a specific sound profile and feel.

Weight

The KTT Miaowu linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 43 grams compared to the Kailh Sage clicky switch, which has an unknown actuation force. Both switches have a similar bottom out force, with the Miaowu requiring 50 grams and the Sage needing 70 grams. The lighter actuation force of the Miaowu switch may be preferred by those who type for extended periods, while the heavier bottom out force of the Sage switch can provide a more substantial typing experience. Overall, the Miaowu switch offers a lighter typing experience, while the Sage switch gives a medium-heavy feel when bottoming out.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distance of the KTT Miaowu linear switch and the Kailh Sage clicky switch, we can see that the Miaowu has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm compared to the Sage's 3.6 mm travel distance. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are becoming increasingly popular, especially among gamers looking for quicker response times. The slightly shorter travel distance of the Miaowu may appeal to those seeking a more responsive typing experience, while the Sage's slightly longer travel distance could provide a more satisfying feeling of key depth. Ultimately, both switches offer similar results in terms of travel distance, with the Miaowu being marginally shorter than the Sage.

Price comparison

Typing experience

Overall, when comparing the subjective qualities of the KTT Miaowu linear switch and the Kailh Sage clicky switch, it is clear that each switch offers a unique typing experience. The Miaowu switch provides a clacky sound and a bouncy feel, creating a sharp and lively typing sensation. On the other hand, the Sage switch offers a crunchy sound and an invigorating feel, with a sharp and reactive tactile feedback. Both switches bring something different to the table in terms of sound and feel, catering to different preferences and typing styles. However, if you prefer a sharper sound with a snappy feel, the Miaowu switch may be the better choice for you. If you enjoy a crisp crunchy sound with a firm actuation force and pronounced feedback, the Sage switch might be more your speed. Ultimately, the decision between these switches will come down to personal preference and what type of typing experience you are looking for.

Conclusion

In closing, when deciding between the KTT Miaowu linear switch and the Kailh Sage clicky switch, consider the factors of bottom out force, key features, sound, and feel. If you prefer a lighter bottom out force and value enhanced stem stability and smooth keystroke action, the Miaowu may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a medium-heavy bottom out force, a distinct clicky typing experience, and a sharp clickiness, the Sage switch might be more suitable for your preferences. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for key feel, sound, and typing experience.

Mentioned in this article

KTT Miaowu Linear

$4.32

$3.71 per 10

Learn more

Kailh Sage Clicky

$6.25 per 10

Learn more