Kailh Box Jade vs. KTT Darling
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Jade and the KTT Darling switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When looking for a mechanical keyboard switch that suits your typing preferences, two options stand out: the Kailh Box Jade and the KTT Darling. The Box Jade is perfect for those who enjoy a medium-heavy typing experience with a clicky sound profile and distinct tactility. On the other hand, the Darling offers a linear switch that provides a chewy and substantial typing sensation, enhanced by a pronounced bounciness and high-pitched sound upon bottoming out. While the Box Jade excels in crisp clicks and crunchy tactile bumps, the Darling stands out for its blend of tactile and auditory feedback. 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
50g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Kailh Box spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Kailh Box Jade and the KTT Darling switches are quite similar in that they both feature polycarbonate top housings. Polycarbonate is known for creating a sharp, high-pitched, and crisp sound profile due to its stiffness. This material is also favored for its translucency, making it an excellent choice for switches that will be used with RGB lighting. However, where they differ is in their bottom housings. The Box Jade uses a nylon bottom housing, which leads to a deeper and fuller sound profile, while the Darling also features a nylon bottom housing for similar sound characteristics.
While both switches have polycarbonate top housings, the housing materials for the bottom of the switches set them apart in terms of sound profile. The nylon bottom housing of the Box Jade creates a rounder and duller sound compared to the Darling, which also features a nylon bottom housing with similar sound qualities. The split in housing materials between the top and bottom of the switch means that the bottom housing will have more of an impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing will affect the sound when releasing a key. This distinction highlights how small differences in housing materials can affect the overall typing experience and sound profile of mechanical switches.
Overall, both the Kailh Box Jade and the KTT Darling switches showcase the importance of housing materials in creating unique sound profiles and typing experiences. While they both utilize polycarbonate top housings for a sharper and crisper sound, it is the nylon bottom housings that set them apart in terms of the depth and fullness of the sound produced. These differences demonstrate how subtle variations in housing materials can significantly impact the overall feel and sound of mechanical switches, catering to different preferences for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
In comparing the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch and the KTT Darling linear switch, it's clear that the Darling is the lighter of the two with an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, while the Box Jade has an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams. Both switches fall within the medium range of actuation force, but the Darling is slightly lighter than the Box Jade. The actuation force of the Darling is lower, making it easier to trigger keystrokes, which may be preferred by those looking for a lighter typing experience. On the other hand, the Box Jade requires a slightly heavier actuation force, providing a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for typing force and feel.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch and the KTT Darling linear switch, we can see that the Box Jade has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm compared to the Darling's 3.5 mm. Despite this minimal difference, both switches fall within the shorter travel distance range, which is favored by gamers for quicker response times. The Box Jade offers a slightly longer keypress feel, which can be preferred by those who like a bit more feedback, while the Darling provides a slightly shorter travel distance for those looking for a more immediate keypress response. In summary, while the Box Jade has a slightly longer travel distance, both switches offer similar results in terms of responsiveness and feel for typing or gaming purposes.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
The Kailh Box Jade comes in at $5.50 per 10 switches.
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 Kailh Box Jade clicky switch and the KTT Darling linear switch offer different auditory experiences. The Box Jade produces a high-pitched and crunchy sound, reminiscent of stepping on autumn leaves, with sharp and crisp clicks that are pleasing to the ear. On the other hand, the Darling switch emits a clacky, high-pitched, and resonant sound that is both engaging and immersive, creating a blend of tactile and auditory feedback that enhances the typing experience.
When it comes to feel, the Box Jade switch provides an accented typing sensation with medium-heavy actuation force, offering a crunchy tactile bump that is invigorating and satisfying. Conversely, the Darling switch offers a bouncy and springy feel, providing a substantial and chewy typing experience with pronounced feedback and responsiveness, making each keystroke feel responsive and lively.
Overall, while the Box Jade and Darling switches differ in sound and feel, both switches offer unique and enjoyable typing experiences. The Box Jade is perfect for those who prefer a clicky switch with medium-heavy actuation force and crunchy tactile feedback, while the Darling switch is ideal for those seeking a linear switch with a bouncy and substantial typing sensation. Ultimately, both switches provide quality performance and can meet the preferences of users looking for specific sound and feel characteristics in their mechanical keyboards.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a medium-heavy typing experience with a clicky sound profile and tactile feedback, the Kailh Box Jade switches would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a linear switch with a chewy and substantial typing sensation, along with a pronounced bounciness and high-pitched sound profile, the KTT Darling switches would suit your preferences better. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to your personal preference for typing feel and sound. Experimenting with both switches may help you determine which one aligns more closely with your typing style and preferences.
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