KTT Miaowu vs. SP-Star Duck
An in-depth look at the KTT Miaowu and the SP-Star Duck switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the KTT Miaowu and SP-Star Duck stand out for their unique characteristics. The Miaowu switch by KTT is a linear switch that offers enhanced stem stability and a smooth keystroke action, thanks to the utilization of POK in its stem. Known for being 'Bouncy' and 'Clacky', the Miaowu switch provides a satisfying typing experience for those who prefer a more tactile feel. On the other hand, the SP-Star Duck switch offers a more subtle tactile typing experience, with a gentle tactility and a clean, crispy sound profile. Categorized as 'Neutral', 'Mild', 'Buttery', and 'Polished', the Duck switch is perfect for those who appreciate a quieter typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these 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
58g
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
Both the KTT Miaowu and the SP-Star Duck utilize polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the stiffness of the plastic. This material is especially useful for switches that will be used with RGB lighting, as its translucency allows for light to shine through effectively. However, the Miaowu's nylon bottom housing offers a deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound than polycarbonate. On the other hand, the Duck's polycarbonate bottom housing maintains the sharp and clear sound profile seen in its top housing, providing consistency throughout the switch.
While the use of polycarbonate in the top housing of both the Miaowu and the Duck results in similar sound profiles, the differences lie in the choice of materials for the bottom housing. The Miaowu's nylon bottom housing creates a duller and rounder sound compared to the sharper sound produced by the Duck's polycarbonate bottom housing. This contrast in sound profiles can impact the overall typing experience, with the Miaowu offering a softer and more absorbent typing feel while the Duck delivers a crisper and more resonant keystroke.
Ultimately, the housing materials of the KTT Miaowu and the SP-Star Duck play a significant role in shaping the sound and feel of these switches. While both keyboards utilize polycarbonate in the top housing for a sharp and clear sound profile, the choice of nylon for the Miaowu's bottom housing creates a deeper and fuller sound experience. In contrast, the Duck's polycarbonate bottom housing maintains consistency with its top housing for a more uniform typing experience. These differences in material choices highlight how even subtle variations in housing materials can have a noticeable impact on the overall performance of mechanical keyboards.
Weight
The KTT Miaowu linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 43 grams compared to the SP-Star Duck tactile switch, which has an unknown actuation force. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Duck has a heavier force of 58 grams, while the Miaowu requires 50 grams to bottom out. The Miaowu is lighter in both actuation and bottom out force, making it more suitable for those who prefer a lighter typing experience for extended periods of time. Meanwhile, the Duck provides a more substantial typing experience with its heavier bottom out force, appealing to those who prefer a stronger push feel. Both switches have their own advantages and it ultimately comes down to personal preference in terms of typing feel and force requirement.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the KTT Miaowu linear switch and the SP-Star Duck tactile switch, it is clear that the Miaowu has a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Duck has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. The 0.5 mm may seem like a small difference, but it can have a significant impact on the typing experience. The Miaowu's shorter travel distance may appeal to gamers looking for faster response times, while the Duck's longer travel distance may provide a more satisfying feel for those who prefer deeper key presses. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style. But regardless of the preference, both switches offer reliable and consistent performance for any typist or gamer.
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 SP-Star Duck has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Duck for $5.40.
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 offers a clacky experience, producing a sharp and snappy sound when pressed, giving it a crisp and bright sound profile. On the other hand, the SP-Star Duck tactile switch has a neutral sound profile, with a moderate actuation force requirement, making it suitable for various purposes. Keep in mind that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard, keycaps, and typing technique.
Moving on to the feel, the Miaowu switch is described as bouncy, providing a spring-like feedback sensation with lively keys that rebound when pressed. In contrast, the SP-Star Duck switch offers a mild tactile experience, offering a gentle typing feel that falls in a safe middle ground zone. Additionally, the Duck switch is likened to being buttery and polished, providing a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and seamless key travel.
In conclusion, if you prefer a sharper sound with a bouncy tactile feedback, the KTT Miaowu linear switch would be the way to go. On the other hand, if you're looking for a more subtle sound profile and a mild, smooth typing experience, the SP-Star Duck tactile switch would be a great choice. Ultimately, both switches aim to provide a satisfying typing experience, so you can expect similar results in terms of quality and performance.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you're looking for a light linear switch with enhanced stem stability and a smoother keystroke action, the KTT Miaowu switch would be a great choice for you. The 50g bottom out force provides a bouncy and lively typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium tactile switch with a gentle tactility and clean sound profile, the SP-Star Duck switch would be more suitable for your needs. With a 58g bottom out force, these switches offer a mild and approachable typing experience, making them versatile for various typing scenarios. Ultimately, both switches have their own unique characteristics, so choose based on your preference for linear or tactile switches and the specific feel and sound profile you desire in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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