KTT Miaowu vs. KTT Sea Salt Lemon
An in-depth look at the KTT Miaowu and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon 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 Sea Salt Lemon both offer unique characteristics worth considering. The Miaowu switch is renowned for its enhanced stem stability and smoother keystroke action, thanks to KTT's latest molds and the utilization of POK in its stem. This switch falls into the categories of 'Bouncy' and 'Clacky', providing a distinct typing experience. On the other hand, the Sea Salt Lemon showcases a buttery smooth typing experience with its progressive spring and dry-lube design by KTT. Categorized as 'Low-pitched', 'Neutral', and 'Mild', these switches offer a different feel for typists. 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
53g
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
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
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
13mm progressive spring
Housing materials
The KTT Miaowu and KTT Sea Salt Lemon both feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the relatively stiffer nature of polycarbonate, leading to a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. While both switches share this feature, they may have differences in terms of design and aesthetics to appeal to different preferences of users.
On the other hand, the Miaowu and Sea Salt Lemon differ in their bottom housing material, with the Miaowu featuring a nylon bottom housing. Nylon is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile, thanks to its softer nature that absorbs more sound than harder plastics. This results in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches with nylon bottom housings. In contrast, the Sea Salt Lemon also features a nylon bottom housing, highlighting the importance of the bottom housing material in impacting the overall sound and feel of a switch.
While the Miaowu and Sea Salt Lemon share similarities in their choice of housing materials, the differences in their top and bottom housings can lead to variations in sound and feel when using the switches. The bottom housing material primarily impacts the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing material has a greater influence on the sound when releasing a key. Ultimately, the combination of materials in each switch contributes to their unique sound profiles, catering to different preferences and typing experiences for users.
Weight
The KTT Miaowu linear switch has a lighter actuation force and bottom out force compared to the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch. The Miaowu requires 43 grams to actuate and 50 grams to bottom out, while the Sea Salt Lemon requires 45 grams to actuate and 53 grams to bottom out. This means that the Miaowu provides a lighter typing experience overall. Some users may prefer this for longer typing sessions or gaming. On the other hand, the Sea Salt Lemon offers a slightly heavier typing experience, which some users may find more satisfying for a stronger push feel. Both switches provide similar results in terms of actuation and bottom out forces, with the Sea Salt Lemon being slightly heavier overall. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the KTT Miaowu linear switch is 3.5 mm, while the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which have become more popular in recent years. Gamers tend to prefer shorter travel distances for quicker response times, while others may find longer travel distances to provide a more satisfying typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences 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 KTT Sea Salt Lemon comes in at $2.80 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 nature, producing a sharp and snappy sound when pressed, giving a crisp, bright, and percussive tone. On the other hand, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch is described as having a low-pitched sound, featuring a more bass-heavy and mellow tone, with a neutral profile that suits various users and environments. Both switches offer distinct acoustic profiles, providing users with options based on their sound preferences and typing environments.
Moving on to feel, the KTT Miaowu linear switch is characterized as bouncy, providing a spring-like or elastic feedback sensation that makes typing feel lively and responsive. In contrast, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch offers a mild typing experience, with a gentle feel that falls into a safe, middle-ground zone suitable for a broad range of users. Whether you prefer a more dynamic and bouncy typing experience or a softer and more approachable feel, both switches deliver on different tactile preferences, catering to varying typing styles and preferences.
Considering the available information, the KTT Miaowu and KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switches offer users distinct options in terms of sound and feel. While the Miaowu is more clacky and bouncy, providing a sharper sound and livelier typing experience, the Sea Salt Lemon offers a low-pitched sound and mild feel, catering to users looking for a more mellow and gentle typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference, with both switches guaranteeing a smooth and stable keystroke action thanks to KTT's design expertise.
Conclusion
To sum up, when selecting between the KTT Miaowu linear switch and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch, consider the weight of your typing preference. If you prefer a lighter touch, the Miaowu with a 50-gram bottom out force may suit you best. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly firmer typing experience, the Sea Salt Lemon with a 53-gram bottom out force could be more to your liking. Additionally, think about the sound and feel you desire in a switch. If you prefer a bouncy and clacky sound and feel, the Miaowu may be the way to go. However, if you prefer a more mild and neutral sound and feel, the Sea Salt Lemon could be the better option for you. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches will depend on your personal preferences for typing experience.
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