Everglide Bamboo Green vs. KTT Darling
An in-depth look at the Everglide Bamboo Green and the KTT Darling switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
If you are in the market for a mechanical keyboard switch that offers a unique typing experience, you may find yourself torn between the Everglide Bamboo Green and the KTT Darling switches. The Bamboo Green switch is a tactile switch that is known for its clacky sound signature and crisp tactility, providing a satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the KTT Darling switch is a linear switch that offers a chewy and substantial typing sensation with a pronounced bounciness that adds a springy responsiveness to each keystroke. Both switches have their own unique characteristics that cater to different preferences in typing feel and sound. 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
62g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
PBT
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
PBT
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Everglide Bamboo Green and the KTT Darling, one key difference lies in their top housings. The Bamboo Green utilizes PBT, which offers a neutral sound profile that is neither sharp nor dull. In contrast, the Darling features a polycarbonate top housing, known for creating a sharper and crisper sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting, adding an aesthetic appeal to the overall design.
Another point of comparison is found in the bottom housings of the two switches. The Bamboo Green's PBT bottom housing provides a similar neutral sound profile to its top housing. In contrast, the Darling's nylon bottom housing creates a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, absorbing more sound and resulting in a rounder sound. This contrast highlights the impact that different housing materials can have on the overall sound and feel of a switch.
Despite their differences, it is important to note that the qualities of the top and bottom housings will interact to create the overall sound and feel of each switch. While the Bamboo Green may offer a more consistent sound profile with its PBT housings, the Darling's use of polycarbonate and nylon allows for a variety of tones throughout the typing experience. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics based on their housing materials, providing users with options to suit their preferences in sound and feel.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch and the KTT Darling linear switch, there are some key differences to consider. The Bamboo Green has a slightly lighter actuation force of 43 grams compared to the Darling's 45 grams, making it easier to trigger keystrokes. However, the bottom out force of the Bamboo Green is heavier at 62 grams compared to the Darling's 53 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience. This means that while the Bamboo Green may be lighter to initially press, it requires more force to fully press down compared to the Darling. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing feel and weight preferences.
Travel distance
Comparing the travel distance of the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch and the KTT Darling linear switch, the Bamboo Green has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Darling has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. The shorter travel distance of the Darling switch may appeal to those looking for a faster response time, such as gamers. On the other hand, the slightly longer travel distance of the Bamboo Green may provide a more satisfying depth and tactile feel for some users. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for travel distance and key feel. If you prefer a more traditional travel distance, the Bamboo Green may be the better option, while the Darling may be preferable for those seeking a shorter travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Everglide Bamboo Green has an MSRP of $9.67 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Bamboo Green for $7.19.
The KTT Darling has an MSRP of $4.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Darling for $3.90.
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 Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch and the KTT Darling linear switch offer different auditory experiences. The Bamboo Green provides a high-pitched and resonant sound when typing, delivering a sharp and crisp noise. On the other hand, the Darling switch emits a clacky and high-pitched sound, resonating with a percussive quality upon bottoming out. The sound of a switch can also be influenced by external factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps being used.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the Bamboo Green offers a tactile experience characterized by a stepped and accented sensation. This means the keystrokes have two stages, with a mild tactile feedback that is neither overwhelming nor subtle. Additionally, the switches feel sharp and polished, providing a distinct and refined typing experience. On the other hand, the KTT Darling switch offers a bouncy feel, giving a springy and elastic feedback to the keys when pressed.
In conclusion, the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch and the KTT Darling linear switch each have their unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Bamboo Green excels in providing a sharp and tactile typing experience with a distinctive sound profile, while the Darling offers a chewy and substantial feel with a resonant and clacky sound. Both switches cater to different preferences and typing styles, so choosing between them ultimately depends on personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, if you are looking for a tactile switch with a medium bottom out force and a clacky sound signature along with a crisp and sparkling tactility, the Everglide Bamboo Green would be an excellent choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a linear switch with a medium-light bottom out force that offers a chewy and substantial typing sensation along with pronounced bounciness and a high-pitched, resonant sound upon bottoming out, the KTT Darling might be more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will come down to your personal preferences in terms of sound, feel, and typing experience.
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