KTT Miaowu vs. Everglide Tourmaline Blue
An in-depth look at the KTT Miaowu and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the KTT Miaowu and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue, both of which are linear switches. The Miaowu switch from KTT stands out for its enhanced stem stability and smooth keystroke action, thanks to its utilization of POK in its stem, setting it apart from switches with conventional POM stems. Categorized as 'Bouncy' and 'Clacky', the Miaowu offers a unique typing experience. On the other hand, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue boasts a deep and thocky sound profile, providing a satisfying typing experience with its lengthened single-stage spring that offers a bouncy feel. Categorized as 'Buttery', 'Easy-to-press', 'Mild', and 'Neutral', the Tourmaline Blue strikes a balance with its standard spring weight, making it appealing to a wide range of users. It ultimately comes down to personal preference when choosing between these switches; 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
59g
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
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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
In comparing the KTT Miaowu and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue, both keyboards feature polycarbonate top housings that contribute to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Polycarbonate's stiffness enhances clarity and resonance, making it an ideal choice for users looking for a precise typing experience. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for compatibility with RGB lighting, adding a visually pleasing element to the keyboards. However, where they differ is in their bottom housing materials. The Miaowu utilizes nylon for its bottom housing, providing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to nylon's softer nature that absorbs more sound. On the other hand, the Tourmaline Blue maintains consistency with a polycarbonate bottom housing, further enhancing the clear and resonant sound profile associated with this material.
Despite the differences in bottom housing materials between the KTT Miaowu and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue, both keyboards offer unique typing experiences that blend the characteristics of their chosen housing materials. The nylon bottom housing of the Miaowu emphasizes a deeper and fuller sound profile, creating a more rounded typing sensation. In contrast, the Tourmaline Blue's polycarbonate bottom housing maintains the keyboard's sharp and crisp sound profile, adding to the overall clarity and resonance of the typing experience. While the bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and feel of the keys, the top housing material plays a significant role in the sound produced when releasing a key, showcasing the importance of both components in creating a well-rounded typing experience.
Overall, the choice between the KTT Miaowu and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue ultimately comes down to personal preference regarding sound profile and typing feel. The Miaowu's combination of polycarbonate top and nylon bottom housings offers a unique blend of sharpness and depth in sound, providing a versatile typing experience for users. On the other hand, the Tourmaline Blue's consistent use of polycarbonate throughout the housing delivers a more uniform and consistent sound profile with added clarity. Whether it's the stiffer, clear resonance of polycarbonate or the softer, fuller sound of nylon, both keyboards offer distinct qualities that cater to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Miaowu linear switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch offer a clear contrast in weight. The Miaowu has a lighter actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, providing a softer typing experience. In comparison, the Tourmaline Blue has a heavier actuation force of 59 grams and a bottom out force of 67 grams, offering a more substantial push feel. The Miaowu switch would be ideal for users who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions, while the Tourmaline Blue switch would be better suited for those who seek a stronger push feel. Both switches provide distinct advantages based on individual preferences, with the Miaowu being the lighter option and the Tourmaline Blue being the heavier of the two.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the KTT Miaowu linear switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch, it is clear that the Miaowu has a shorter travel distance at 3.5 mm, while the Tourmaline Blue has a longer travel distance at 4 mm. The Miaowu's shorter travel distance may appeal to gamers looking for faster response times, while the Tourmaline Blue's longer travel distance may offer a more tactile and satisfying typing experience for those who prefer more depth in their key presses. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style, as both offer different advantages based on their travel distance.
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 Everglide Tourmaline Blue has an MSRP of $6.86 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Tourmaline Blue for $3.89.
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 switch is known for its clacky sound profile, providing a sharp and snappy sound when pressed. On the other hand, the Tourmaline Blue switch offers a neutral sound profile, making it suitable for a wide range of users and purposes. The sound of both switches can be further influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
Regarding feel, the Miaowu switch offers a bouncy experience with a spring-like feedback sensation, giving keys a lively feel and rebound when pressed. In comparison, the Tourmaline Blue switch is described as buttery, providing a smooth and fluid keystroke experience. Additionally, it is noted for being easy-to-press, requiring minimal force to activate, reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. The Tourmaline Blue switch falls under the category of mild switches, offering a gentle typing experience that is approachable to most users.
Overall, while the Miaowu and Tourmaline Blue switches differ in sound and feel qualities, both switches aim to enhance the typing experience in unique ways. The Miaowu switch is characterized by its clacky sound and bouncy feel, while the Tourmaline Blue switch offers a neutral sound profile and a buttery, easy-to-press typing experience. Depending on individual preferences and typing needs, both switches provide distinct options for users to explore and enjoy. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on personal preference for sound, feel, and typing style.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the KTT Miaowu linear switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch, consider the factors that matter most to you. If you prioritize a light bottom out force and a bouncy feel with a clacky sound profile, the Miaowu switch may be the best choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force with a buttery feel, easy-to-press keys, and a neutral sound profile, the Tourmaline Blue switch could be the better option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences and typing style to ensure a satisfying typing experience.
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