KTT Miaowu vs. Jwick Taro
An in-depth look at the KTT Miaowu and the Jwick Taro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When looking at the KTT Miaowu and Jwick Taro mechanical keyboard switches, it's clear that they offer unique features and experiences for users. The Miaowu switch stands out for its smooth keystroke action and enhanced stem stability, making it a great option for those who prefer a linear switch. On the other hand, the Taro switch provides a comfortable typing experience with a medium level of tactility and crisp clacks, appealing to fans of tactile switches. Both switches have their own distinct characteristics, with the Miaowu being categorized as 'Bouncy' and 'Clacky', while the Taro is categorized as 'Neutral', 'Buttery', and 'Stepped'. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The KTT Miaowu and the Jwick Taro both feature a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the stiffness of the material. This results in a more resonant sound when typing. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is ideal for switches with RGB lighting. On the other hand, the Miaowu's nylon bottom housing provides a deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, creating a rounder sound. The Taro also utilizes a nylon bottom housing, offering similar acoustic benefits to the Miaowu.
While both the Miaowu and Taro share similar benefits when it comes to their top housing material, with both utilizing polycarbonate, they differ in their bottom housing material. The nylon bottom housing of both switches provides a deeper and fuller sound profile, absorbing more sound to create a duller and rounder tone. This showcases how the combination of different housing materials can impact the overall sound and feel of a switch. The split qualities between the top and bottom housing allow for a unique typing experience, with the bottom housing influencing the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing affects the sound when releasing a key.
In conclusion, the Miaowu and Taro switches offer a blend of polycarbonate and nylon housing materials to create a distinct sound profile. While both switches share similar characteristics in their polycarbonate top housing, such as sharper and crisper sound profiles, they diverge when it comes to their nylon bottom housing, with both providing a deeper and fuller sound experience. The combination of these different materials showcases how varying housing choices can impact the overall typing experience, with each material contributing unique qualities to the sound and feel of the switch.
Weight
The KTT Miaowu linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 43 grams compared to the Jwick Taro tactile switch, which has an unknown actuation force. However, the Miaowu also has a lighter bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Taro has a heavier bottom out force of 67 grams. This means that the Miaowu switch offers a lighter typing experience overall. Some users may prefer the Miaowu for its lighter actuation and bottom out forces, which allow for longer typing sessions without fatigue. On the other hand, the Taro switch may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial typing experience with a heavier bottom out force. In either case, choosing between the two switches would depend on personal preference for typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
The KTT Miaowu linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, which is shorter than the Jwick Taro tactile switch with a travel distance of 3.7 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them ideal for gamers looking for faster response times. However, the slight difference in travel distance may affect the overall feel and responsiveness of the key when pressed. Those who prefer a more abrupt key press may opt for the Miaowu, while those who enjoy a slightly deeper key press may lean towards the Taro. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and how each individual user perceives and interacts with the travel distance of the keys.
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 Jwick Taro has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Taro for $4.25.
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 and sharp sound when pressed, providing a crisp and percussive auditory experience. On the other hand, the Jwick Taro tactile switch offers a more neutral sound profile with a moderate actuation force requirement, suitable for a variety of typing environments. Ultimately, the sound produced by these switches will also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard itself and the keycaps used.
Moving on to feel, the KTT Miaowu switch is characterized by its bouncy nature, providing a spring-like feedback sensation that gives a lively and rebounding feel when keys are pressed. In contrast, the Jwick Taro tactile switch is described as offering a buttery smooth and fluid keystroke experience, along with a stepped tactile sensation that provides a mild bump at different stages of actuation. Both switches offer unique tactile feedback that can cater to different preferences in typing feel.
In conclusion, the KTT Miaowu linear switch and the Jwick Taro tactile switch each bring their own subjective qualities to the table. While the Miaowu switch offers a clacky sound and bouncy feel, the Taro switch provides a neutral sound profile along with a buttery and stepped tactile experience. Depending on personal preferences for sound and feel, both switches can offer a satisfying typing experience for newcomers looking to explore the world of mechanical keyboards. Ultimately, experimenting with different switches on varied typing setups will help in determining which switch suits an individual's preferences best.
Conclusion
In closing, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force and a smoother keystroke action, the KTT Miaowu linear switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a medium-heavy bottom out force and a snappy tactile typing experience, the Jwick Taro tactile switch would be more suited to your preference. Consider your typing style, desired sound profile, and preferred feel when making your decision between the Miaowu and Taro switches. Ultimately, both switches offer unique features that cater to different preferences, so choose the one that aligns best with your typing needs.
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