KTT Miaowu vs. Durock White Lotus
An in-depth look at the KTT Miaowu and the Durock White Lotus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When selecting a mechanical keyboard switch, the choice between a linear switch like the KTT Miaowu and a tactile switch like the Durock White Lotus can greatly impact your typing experience. The Miaowu switch, known for its smooth keystroke action and stem stability due to the POK material used in its stem, offers a 'bouncy' and 'clacky' typing feel. On the other hand, the White Lotus switch is designed for typists seeking a light tactile option with a delicate tactility that is perfect for extended typing sessions. With features like a removable light column for customizable RGB lighting effects, the White Lotus switch provides an 'easy-to-press', 'low-pitched', 'mild', 'neutral', and 'subtle' typing experience. 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
46g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
56g
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
Modified PC & UPE Blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Gold-plated long spring
Housing materials
In terms of the housing materials used in the KTT Miaowu and the Durock White Lotus, both switches utilize polycarbonate in their top housing. Polycarbonate is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its relatively stiffer plastic composition. This material is particularly useful for switches with RGB lighting as its translucency allows the light to shine through. On the other hand, the White Lotus employs a modified PC & UPE Blend top housing, giving it a unique and premium feel. While both switches offer a clear housing, the White Lotus stands out with its distinct blend of materials.
When it comes to the bottom housing, both the Miaowu and the White Lotus utilize nylon material. Nylon is a classic switch housing material that provides a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to harder plastics. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound that is favored by many keyboard enthusiasts. Despite using the same housing material for the bottom, the switches may still offer subtle differences in sound and feel due to other factors such as stem material and switch design.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in a switch can greatly impact its sound profile and overall feel. While the Miaowu and White Lotus share similarities in utilizing polycarbonate for the top housing and nylon for the bottom housing, the modifications made to these materials give each switch its own unique characteristics. Whether you prefer a sharper, crisper sound from the polycarbonate top housing of the Miaowu or the premium feel of the modified PC & UPE Blend top housing of the White Lotus, both switches offer distinct experiences worth exploring for keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
The KTT Miaowu linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 43 grams compared to the Durock White Lotus tactile switch with an actuation force of 46 grams. Additionally, the Miaowu has a lighter bottom out force of 50 grams, while the White Lotus has a slightly heavier bottom out force of 56 grams. This means that the Miaowu switch offers a lighter typing experience overall, making it more suitable for extended typing or gaming sessions where fatigue may be a concern. On the other hand, the White Lotus switch provides a bit more resistance, giving users a more pronounced tactile feedback and a firmer typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for a lighter or heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
The KTT Miaowu linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Durock White Lotus tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the White Lotus has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Miaowu. A 4.0mm travel distance is considered to be traditional, while a 3.0mm travel distance is shallower. Gamers tend to prefer shorter travel distances for faster response times, making the Miaowu a good choice for them. On the other hand, those who prefer a more substantial key press may prefer the White Lotus with its 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 White Lotus has an MSRP of $5.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the White Lotus for $4.57.
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 KTT Miaowu linear switch is best described as having a clacky sound, which is sharp, snappy, crisp, bright, and percussive. On the other hand, the Durock White Lotus tactile switch is noted for its low-pitched sound profile, providing a more bass-heavy and mellow tone. The White Lotus switches also offer a neutral sound that is moderate and suitable for various purposes. It's important to remember that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
Moving on to feel, the KTT Miaowu linear switch is known for its bouncy feel, providing a spring-like or elastic feedback sensation that gives keys a lively rebound when pressed. In comparison, the Durock White Lotus tactile switch offers an easy-to-press experience with gentle resistance during key presses, requiring minimal force to activate. This light actuation force makes typing effortless and comfortable, reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. The White Lotus switches also provide a mild and subtle typing experience, offering a gentle resistance and a light typing feel that is approachable to most users.
Taking into consideration the information provided, it is clear that the KTT Miaowu linear switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch offer distinct characteristics in terms of sound and feel. The Miaowu switch provides a clacky sound and bouncy feel, while the White Lotus switch offers a low-pitched sound, easy-to-press feel, and a mild typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preferences regarding sound, feel, and typing experience. Both switches are designed to enhance the typing experience in their own unique ways, ensuring a satisfying and customizable option for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the KTT Miaowu linear switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch, consider the following guidelines. If you prefer a lighter bottom out force and a smoother keystroke action, the Miaowu switch is a great option with its POK stem and enhanced stability. Additionally, if you enjoy a clacky sound and a bouncy feel while typing, the Miaowu switch would be a good fit for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force and a delicate tactility that is perfect for extended typing sessions, the White Lotus switch is the way to go. With its light column for vibrant RGB lighting effects, low-pitched sound, and easy-to-press and mild tactile feel, the White Lotus switch offers a tranquil typing experience without overwhelming the user. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches will depend on your personal preferences in terms of force, sound, and feel during typing sessions.
Mentioned in this article
