Kailh Box White vs. KTT Darling
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box White and the KTT Darling switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Kailh Box White, known for its clicky feedback, and the KTT Darling, a linear switch. The Box White switch offers a unique typing experience with its "stepping on autumn leaves"-like crunch and accented tactility, making it a great choice for those who enjoy maximum audio feedback. On the other hand, the Darling switch provides a chewy and substantial typing sensation with a pronounced bounciness that adds a springy responsiveness to each keystroke. While the Box White is categorized as resonant, high-pitched, crunchy, and polished, the Darling is categorized as bouncy, clacky, high-pitched, and resonant. 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
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
Yes
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
Both the Kailh Box White and the KTT Darling switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The translucency of polycarbonate allows for the easy integration of RGB lighting, making it a popular choice for aesthetic purposes as well. However, the Kailh Box White's nylon bottom housing provides a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition, which absorbs more sound than harder plastics. The split between the two housing materials allows for a unique typing experience, with the bottom housing impacting the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing influences the sound when a key is released.
While both switches feature a similar polycarbonate top housing known for its clear and resonant sound profile, the differences lie in their bottom housings. The nylon bottom housing of the KTT Darling brings a more rounded and dull sound, in contrast to the Kailh Box White's deeper and fuller sound produced by its nylon bottom housing. These variations in sound profile between the two switches can make a noticeable difference in typing experiences, with some users preferring the crisper sound of the Kailh Box White while others may favor the more muffled sound of the KTT Darling.
Ultimately, the choice between the Kailh Box White and the KTT Darling hinges on individual preferences for sound profiles and typing experiences. While both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, the differences in their nylon bottom housings create distinct sound profiles that cater to different preferences. Whether you prefer a sharper, crisper sound or a deeper, fuller sound, understanding the impact of housing materials on typing experiences can help you make an informed decision between the Kailh Box White and the KTT Darling switches.
Weight
The Kailh Box White clicky switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams compared to the KTT Darling linear switch, which has an actuation force of 45 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Box White requires 60 grams of force while the Darling only requires 53 grams. This makes the Darling switch slightly lighter overall in terms of bottoming out. Both switches fall into the medium to medium-light range in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. The Box White switch may provide a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel, while the Darling switch might be more suitable for those who prefer a lighter touch for longer typing sessions. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on individual preferences for typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box White clicky switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the KTT Darling linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. Both of these switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are becoming more popular, especially among gamers seeking faster response times. The Box White switch offers a slightly longer press compared to the Darling, which may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial keypress. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for key feel and response time, as both provide similar results due to their close travel distance measurements.
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 White comes in at $2.76 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
When it comes to sound, the Kailh Box White clicky switch offers a high-pitched and crunchy typing experience, resembling the sound of stepping on autumn leaves. On the other hand, the KTT Darling linear switch provides a clacky and resonant sound, giving off a sharp and crisp auditory feedback when typing. Both switches offer distinct sound profiles that cater to different preferences, with the Box White being more sharp and crunchy while the Darling leans towards a brighter and more percussive sound.
In terms of feel, the Kailh Box White switch is noted for its polished finish, providing a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. In contrast, the KTT Darling linear switch offers a bouncy sensation, giving keys a lively feel and providing rebound when pressed. While the Box White focuses on a sleek and polished feel, the Darling emphasizes a springy responsiveness that enhances the typing experience with its chewy and substantial sensation.
Overall, the Kailh Box White clicky switch and the KTT Darling linear switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Box White delivers a crisp and crunchy sound along with a polished typing experience, while the Darling provides a clacky and resonant sound paired with a bouncy and substantial feel. Depending on personal preferences for typing feedback, users can choose between the sharp and tactile experience of the Box White or the chewy and springy sensation of the Darling, knowing they can expect a high-quality typing experience with either switch option.
Conclusion
In summary, when deciding between the Kailh Box White clicky switch and the KTT Darling linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your preference for typing experience. If you enjoy a clicky and tactile typing experience with a medium bottom out force and resonant, high-pitched sound profile, then the Box White switch would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a linear switch with a slightly lighter bottom out force and a chewy, bouncy feel accompanied by a clacky, high-pitched sound, then the Darling switch may be more suited to your typing style. Consider the type of feedback and sound you prefer when selecting between these two switches to ensure a satisfying typing experience. Ultimately, the decision should be based on personal preference and the specific typing experience you are looking for.
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