TTC Iron vs. KTT Miaowu
An in-depth look at the TTC Iron and the KTT Miaowu switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Iron and KTT Miaowu both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The TTC Iron, a linear switch, stands out for its distinct clacky sound signature that adds a satisfying auditory element to typing. With a light actuation and smooth travel, it promises fatigue-free typing sessions for enthusiasts and daily users alike. On the other hand, the KTT Miaowu, also a linear switch, boasts enhanced stem stability and a bouncy feel, thanks to its POK stem. While the TTC Iron is characterized as easy-to-press and mild, the Miaowu is bouncy and clacky. 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
41g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POK
Top housing material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The TTC Iron and the KTT Miaowu both feature unique housing materials that contribute to their overall sound profiles. The Iron's POM top housing produces a deeper and more muted sound, whereas the Miaowu's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound with more clarity and resonance. This difference in sound can impact the overall typing experience, with the POM housing offering a softer and more pleasing tone, while the polycarbonate housing provides a crisper and more distinctive sound.
In terms of bottom housing materials, the Iron's POM housing once again offers a deep and muted sound profile, while the Miaowu's nylon bottom housing elicits a fuller and deeper sound. Nylon is known for absorbing more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound compared to the POM material. This difference in bottom housing materials can greatly impact the overall typing experience, with the nylon housing providing a more mellow and subdued sound compared to the POM housing.
While the top and bottom housing materials of the TTC Iron and the KTT Miaowu offer contrasting sound profiles, the combination of different materials in each switch serves to provide a balanced and nuanced typing experience. The bottom housing material has a significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key, while the top housing material influences the sound when releasing a key. Both switches offer unique characteristics based on their housing materials, providing users with a variety of options to suit their preferences in terms of sound and typing feel.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the TTC Iron linear switch and the KTT Miaowu linear switch, both switches have a bottom out force of 50 grams, providing a similar typing experience in terms of pressure needed to fully depress the key. In terms of actuation force, the Iron is lighter at 41 grams compared to the Miaowu at 43 grams. The lighter actuation force of the Iron may make it more suitable for long typing sessions or gaming, where a lighter touch is preferred. On the other hand, the Miaowu's slightly heavier actuation force may appeal to users who prefer a more substantial keystroke feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences regarding typing pressure and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the TTC Iron linear switch and the KTT Miaowu linear switch, we see that the Iron has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Miaowu has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are becoming more popular, especially among gamers seeking faster response times. The Iron switch would provide a slightly deeper key press feel due to its longer travel distance, making it a better choice for those who prefer a more substantial keystroke. On the other hand, the Miaowu switch's shorter travel distance may appeal to those who value quick, precise movements and a more responsive typing experience. Overall, while both switches offer a similar feel in terms of travel distance, the slight variation could make a difference depending on individual preferences.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Iron has an MSRP of $5.40 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Iron for $4.30.
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.
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, both the TTC Iron and KTT Miaowu switches are described as "clacky," producing a sharp and snappy sound when pressed. This means users can expect a crisp, bright, and percussive sound profile with each keystroke. The choice of keyboard and keycaps can further influence the overall sound experience, but the fundamental clacky nature remains consistent between the two switches.
In terms of feel, the TTC Iron is known for its easy-to-press nature, offering gentle resistance and requiring minimal force to activate. This light actuation force makes typing effortless and comfortable, reducing fatigue during extended typing sessions. On the other hand, the KTT Miaowu switch is described as "bouncy," providing a spring-like or elastic feedback sensation that gives users rebound when pressed. While the Iron switch leans towards a softer and easy-going typing experience, the Miaowu switch offers a more dynamic and lively feel, catering to those who prefer a bit more bounce in their keystrokes.
Considering the sound qualities and feel profiles of the TTC Iron and KTT Miaowu switches, it's evident that they offer distinct experiences to users. While both switches share a clacky sound signature, the Iron switch focuses on being easy-to-press and providing a smooth typing experience, ideal for those seeking precision and comfort. On the other hand, the Miaowu switch stands out with its bouncy feel, offering a more lively and dynamic typing experience. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on personal preferences for sound and feel, but rest assured that both options will deliver satisfying results for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the TTC Iron linear switch and the KTT Miaowu linear switch, consider the following guidelines. If you value a pronounced clacky sound signature and a light actuation force for swift typing sessions, then the TTC Iron switch would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with enhanced stem stability and smoother keystroke action, along with a bouncy feel for lively feedback when typing, then the KTT Miaowu switch may be more suitable for your preferences. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on your personal typing style and the specific characteristics you prioritize in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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