KTT Miaowu vs. Durock Sea Glass
An in-depth look at the KTT Miaowu and the Durock Sea Glass switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the KTT Miaowu and Durock Sea Glass linear switches both offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Miaowu switch boasts enhanced stem stability and a smooth keystroke action thanks to its POK stem, setting it apart from traditional POM stem switches. Categorized as 'Bouncy' and 'Clacky', the Miaowu switch provides a tactile typing experience. On the other hand, the Sea Glass switch series by Durock offers a visually captivating selection of pastel colors and a distinct dry, wispy typing experience due to its proprietary material blend. Despite a 62g bottom-out force, the Sea Glass switches feel weightless and easy to press, categorized as 'Frictionless', 'Mild', 'Feathery', and 'Easy-to-press'. 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
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POK
Stem material
P3+
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The KTT Miaowu and the Durock Sea Glass have different materials used for their housing components. The Miaowu features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper and crisper sound profile due to its stiffer nature. On the other hand, the Sea Glass utilizes a unique Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend top housing that offers a more pleasant and brighter sound profile. While both materials enhance the switch's sound quality, they provide different tones and characteristics.
In terms of the bottom housing, the Miaowu incorporates nylon, a classic switch housing material that produces a deeper and fuller sound profile. Its softer nature absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, the Sea Glass utilizes the same Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend for its bottom housing, resulting in a sound profile that is equally unique and pleasant, albeit a bit brighter. Despite using different materials, both switches offer distinct sound profiles that cater to different preferences.
Overall, the choice of housing materials plays a significant role in determining the sound profile of a switch. While the Miaowu and Sea Glass use different materials for their top and bottom housings, each material contributes unique qualities to the overall sound experience. Whether it's the sharper and crisper sound of polycarbonate in the Miaowu or the pleasant and bright sound of the unique Polymer blend in the Sea Glass, both switches offer distinct characteristics that cater to different preferences. Ultimately, the choice between the two would depend on individual preferences for sound profiles and materials used.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Miaowu linear switch and the Durock Sea Glass linear switch, we can see some notable differences. The Miaowu switch has a lighter actuation force of 43 grams and a lighter bottom out force of 50 grams, making it ideal for those who prefer a gentle typing experience. On the other hand, the Sea Glass switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a significantly heavier bottom out force of 62 grams, providing a more substantial typing feel. This difference in weight between the two switches caters to different preferences, with the Miaowu being lighter and the Sea Glass being heavier. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience for extended use, the Miaowu switch would be a suitable choice, while those who prefer a more forceful keypress may lean towards the Sea Glass switch for a more satisfying typing experience. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches depends on individual typing preferences and comfort levels.
Travel distance
The KTT Miaowu linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Durock Sea Glass linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. This means that the Sea Glass has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Miaowu. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them suitable for those who prioritize faster response times. Gamers, in particular, may find the shorter travel distance of the Miaowu beneficial for quick keystrokes. On the other hand, individuals who prefer a more substantial keypress may lean towards the Sea Glass due to its slightly longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for key feel and responsiveness.
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 Durock Sea Glass has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sea Glass for $4.87.
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
In terms of sound, the Miaowu linear switch is known for its clacky sound profile, which produces a sharp and percussive sound when pressed. On the other hand, the Durock Sea Glass linear switch offers a uniquely hollow sound signature, adding a touch of airiness to the typing experience. Both switches provide distinct auditory feedback, with the Miaowu delivering a crisp and bright sound, while the Sea Glass offers a more ethereal and light tone, depending on the keyboard and keycap setup. Overall, users can expect different sound experiences from these switches, allowing for personalized preferences based on sound characteristics.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Miaowu linear switch is lauded for its bouncy sensation, providing a spring-like feedback that enhances typing performance. In contrast, the Durock Sea Glass linear switch offers a frictionless typing experience with a mild and feathery feel. This light actuation force of the Sea Glass switch reduces finger fatigue and ensures comfortable typing for extended periods. While the Miaowu switch offers a lively and rebounding feel, the Sea Glass switch presents a smooth and effortless keystroke action, catering to users who prefer a gentler typing experience. Ultimately, the feel of these switches differs in terms of feedback and resistance, allowing users to choose based on their preferred typing characteristics.
In conclusion, the KTT Miaowu linear switch and the Durock Sea Glass linear switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Miaowu switch is characterized by its clacky sound and bouncy feel, providing a sharp and lively typing experience. On the other hand, the Sea Glass switch emits a unique hollow sound and offers a frictionless, mild, and feathery feel, ensuring effortless typing with minimal resistance. While both switches excel in different aspects, users can achieve similar results in terms of typing comfort and performance depending on their preference for sound and feel characteristics. Ultimately, the choice between the Miaowu and Sea Glass switches comes down to personal preference and desired typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the KTT Miaowu linear switch and the Durock Sea Glass linear switch, consider your preferences for bottom out force, sound, and feel. If you prefer a lighter bottom out force of 50 grams and are looking for a switch with enhanced stem stability and smoother keystroke action, the Miaowu may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force of 62 grams and are drawn to switches with a distinct dry, wispy, and airy typing experience, the Sea Glass switch might be the more suitable option. Additionally, if you enjoy a clacky sound and a bouncy feel, the Miaowu could be the way to go. Conversely, if you prefer a frictionless, mild, feathery, or easy-to-press feel, the Sea Glass switch may better cater to your typing preferences. Ultimately, the decision between the Miaowu and Sea Glass switches will depend on your individual typing preferences and whether you prioritize stem stability, bottom out force, sound, or feel in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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