KTT Miaowu vs. Gateron Zero Degree 0°
An in-depth look at the KTT Miaowu and the Gateron Zero Degree 0° switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the KTT Miaowu linear switch to the Gateron Zero Degree 0° linear switch, the Miaowu stands out for its enhanced stem stability and smoother keystroke action thanks to its POK stem. This switch is noted for its 'Bouncy' and 'Clacky' feel, providing a unique tactile experience for users. On the other hand, the Zero Degree 0° from Gateron is praised for its innovative self-padding design and dual-rail structure, offering users unparalleled smoothness, stability, and a soft, elastic feel that minimizes noise while typing. Both switches have their own strengths and appeals, making them suitable for different preferences and requirements. 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
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
20mm extended spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the KTT Miaowu and the Gateron Zero Degree 0°, both switches feature polycarbonate top housings that create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate's stiffness, which leads to a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is ideal for switches with RGB lighting. However, the Miaowu and Zero Degree 0° differ in their bottom housing materials. The Miaowu utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile thanks to nylon's softer properties that absorb more sound. On the other hand, the Zero Degree 0° also features a nylon bottom housing, resulting in a similar sound experience to the Miaowu in terms of richness and depth.
While the top housing materials of the Miaowu and Zero Degree 0° are the same, the bottom housing materials distinguish their sound profiles. The nylon bottom housing of both switches allows for a deeper and fuller sound experience, providing a more rounded and dull sound compared to harder plastics. This difference in housing materials affects the typing experience, with the bottom housing impacting the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch. However, the top housing plays a significant role in the sound produced when a key is released, showcasing the importance of both housing materials in creating a unique typing experience for each switch.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in mechanical switches like the KTT Miaowu and the Gateron Zero Degree 0° can significantly impact the sound profile and typing feel. While both switches feature polycarbonate top housings that create a sharp and crisp sound, their use of nylon in the bottom housing results in a deeper and fuller sound experience. The split between top and bottom housing materials allows for a balanced typing experience that combines the best qualities of both materials, ultimately enhancing the overall sound and feel of each switch.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Miaowu linear switch and the Gateron Zero Degree 0° linear switch, it becomes apparent that the Miaowu is the lighter of the two with an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. On the other hand, the Zero Degree 0° has a slightly higher actuation force of 45 grams, but its bottom out force is unknown. Both switches provide a smooth linear typing experience, but the Miaowu may be more suitable for those who prefer a lighter touch, allowing for longer typing sessions without fatigue. In contrast, the Zero Degree 0° might be favored by users who enjoy a slightly heavier push for a more substantial typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The KTT Miaowu linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Gateron Zero Degree 0° linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. Both switches offer a relatively short travel distance compared to traditional switches, making them more popular among users looking for quick response times. Gamers, in particular, may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Miaowu for its faster response, while those looking for a more substantial keypress experience might lean towards the slightly longer travel distance of the Zero Degree 0°. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference for keypress depth 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 Gateron Zero Degree 0° has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Zero Degree 0° for $5.50.
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 sound, which is sharp, snappy, crisp, bright, and percussive when pressed. On the other hand, the Gateron Zero Degree 0° linear switch's sound characteristics are not specified, so it's difficult to make a direct comparison. Both switches are likely to provide a satisfying typing experience, but the Miaowu may offer a more pronounced and distinctive sound profile compared to the Zero Degree 0°.
Turning to the feel of the switches, the Miaowu switch is described as bouncy, offering a spring-like or elastic feedback sensation that gives the keys a lively feel and a rebound when pressed. Conversely, information about the feel of the Gateron Zero Degree 0° switch is not provided. Based on the description of the Miaowu, it seems to prioritize a tactile and responsive typing experience that emphasizes the physical feedback of each keystroke.
In conclusion, the KTT Miaowu linear switch stands out for its clacky sound profile and bouncy typing feel, thanks to its enhanced stem stability and POK stem material. The Gateron Zero Degree 0° linear switch, while lacking specific information on sound and feel, focuses on silent typing with its self-padding design and dual-rail structure. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference, with the Miaowu offering a potentially more tactile and pronounced typing experience, while the Zero Degree 0° prioritizes quiet operation and smooth keystrokes. Experimenting with different switches on various keyboards and keycap setups will allow newcomers to find the perfect switch that suits their individual typing preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the KTT Miaowu linear switch and the Gateron Zero Degree 0° linear switch, consider the following. If you are looking for a light bottom out force and a switch that leverages advanced molds for enhanced stem stability and smoother keystroke action, then the Miaowu may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prioritize silent typing and innovative design features like self-padding and dual-rail structure for unparalleled smoothness and noise reduction, the Zero Degree 0° might be the switch to go for. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your preferences for bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel.
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