KTT Miaowu vs. Gateron Silent Ink Black
An in-depth look at the KTT Miaowu and the Gateron Silent Ink Black switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between the KTT Miaowu linear switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch, there are distinct characteristics that set them apart. The Miaowu switch is renowned for its enhanced stem stability and smoother keystroke action, thanks to the utilization of POK in its stem, a feature not commonly found in other switches with conventional POM stems. Known for its 'Bouncy' and 'Clacky' typing experience, the Miaowu switch offers a unique feel to users. On the other hand, the Gateron Silent Ink Black switch is perfect for environments where quiet typing is essential. With a cushiony, pillow-like bottom-out feel and minimal audio feedback, this switch is categorized as 'Silky', 'Muted', and 'Polished'. Each switch has its own appeal, but ultimately, the choice will depend on personal preferences and typing needs. 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
60g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
70g
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
Standard
Stem material
POK
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Color coated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the KTT Miaowu and the Gateron Silent Ink Black differ in terms of their composition and resulting sound profiles. The Miaowu features a polycarbonate top housing, which has a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness. In contrast, the Silent Ink Black utilizes a proprietary INK blend top housing, known for its pointed and high-pitched sound that is described as clacky. However, both housings contribute to creating a unique sound experience for the user, with the polycarbonate offering a clear and resonant sound, while the INK blend provides a satisfying and higher-pitched sound.
On the other hand, when it comes to the bottom housing materials, the Miaowu uses nylon, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition. In comparison, the Gateron Silent Ink Black features a proprietary INK blend bottom housing known for its high-pitched and clacky sound profile. The nylon bottom housing of the Miaowu absorbs more sound than harder plastics, creating a duller and rounder sound, while the INK blend bottom housing adds to the overall clacky sound experience of the Silent Ink Black switch.
Overall, the choice of housing materials for a switch can significantly impact the sound and feel of typing. While the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key, the bottom housing plays a crucial role in the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key. Both the Miaowu and the Silent Ink Black switches offer unique sound profiles based on their housing materials, with the Miaowu providing a clear and resonant sound with polycarbonate and nylon, while the Silent Ink Black offers a clacky and high-pitched sound with its proprietary INK blend materials.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the KTT Miaowu linear switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch, it is clear that the Miaowu is lighter while the Silent Ink Black is heavier. The Miaowu has an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it a lighter option overall. In contrast, the Silent Ink Black has an actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams, placing it in the medium-heavy category. The lighter actuation force of the Miaowu may appeal to those who prefer a gentler typing experience for extended periods, such as during work or gaming sessions, while the heavier Silent Ink Black switch may suit those seeking a more substantial and tactile typing feel. Ultimately, selecting between these two switches will depend on individual preference for actuation and bottom out forces to best suit the user's typing style and needs.
Travel distance
The KTT Miaowu linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Miaowu has a shorter travel distance compared to the Silent Ink Black. The Miaowu would provide a slightly quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance, making it a preferred option for gamers looking for faster inputs. On the other hand, the Silent Ink Black offers a bit more depth and may be preferred by those who enjoy a more substantial key press feeling. Both switches offer different experiences based on their travel distances, so the choice between the two would ultimately depend on personal preference for responsiveness versus key press depth.
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 Gateron Silent Ink Black has an MSRP of $8.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Ink Black for $8.35.
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, providing a sharp and snappy sound when pressed. In contrast, the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch offers a muted typing experience, producing softer and quieter sounds. While the Miaowu switch gives a more crisp and percussive sound, the Silent Ink Black switch minimizes noise, making it a great choice for quieter environments. Ultimately, your choice between the two switches will depend on whether you prefer a louder, more tactile typing experience or a quieter, more subdued one.
Moving on to feel, the KTT Miaowu linear switch is described as bouncy, offering a spring-like feedback sensation that is lively and gives a sense of rebound when pressed. On the other hand, the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch provides a silky and polished typing experience, with exceptionally smooth key travel and reduced friction. The Miaowu switch offers a more energetic and responsive feel, while the Silent Ink Black switch focuses on providing a smooth and refined typing experience. Your preference between the two will depend on whether you prioritize bounce and liveliness or a smoother, more polished feel during typing sessions.
In conclusion, the KTT Miaowu linear switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Miaowu switch provides a clacky sound and a bouncy feel, ideal for those seeking a more tactile and energetic typing experience. On the other hand, the Silent Ink Black switch offers a muted sound and a silky, polished feel, perfect for environments where noise reduction and smooth key travel are preferred. While both switches cater to different preferences, you can expect similar results in terms of quality and performance from either switch, ensuring a satisfying typing experience regardless of your choice.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the KTT Miaowu linear switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch, you should consider your preference for bottom out force and noise level. If you prefer a lighter key press with a clacky sound and bouncy feel, the Miaowu switch may be the better option for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy key press with a muted sound and silky, polished feel, the Silent Ink Black switch may be more suitable for your typing needs. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing preferences and the environment in which you'll be using the keyboard.
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