Bsun Pine vs. KTT Darling
An in-depth look at the Bsun Pine and the KTT Darling switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the BSUN Pine and KTT Darling offer unique and contrasting typing experiences. The Pine is a tactile switch known for its sharp tactile bump and quick bottom-out, providing clear-cut feedback and fast action for those who prefer direct tactility. On the other hand, the Darling is a linear switch that offers a chewy and substantial typing sensation, with a pronounced bounciness and springy responsiveness to each keystroke. While the Pine is categorized as 'Accented', 'Invigorating', 'Sharp', 'Snappy', the Darling is categorized as 'Bouncy', 'Clacky', 'High-pitched', 'Resonant'. Choosing between these switches ultimately comes down to personal preference and typing style. 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
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Bsun Pine and the KTT Darling, it is clear that both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing. This choice results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both switches. Polycarbonate's stiffness contributes to a more clear and resonant sound, making it an ideal material for switches that prioritize sound quality. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is advantageous for switches designed with RGB lighting in mind. Therefore, users can expect similar sound characteristics and aesthetic benefits from both the Pine and the Darling due to their shared top housing material.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the Pine and the Darling use nylon, a classic switch housing material. Typing on switches with nylon bottom housings produces a deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon's softer nature absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. As a result, the bottom housing of these switches plays a significant role in the overall sound experience, particularly influencing the bottom-out sound and feel when typing. By utilizing nylon for the bottom housing, both the Pine and the Darling offer users a satisfying typing experience with well-rounded sound characteristics.
While the Bsun Pine and the KTT Darling share similarities in their choice of housing materials, such as polycarbonate for the top housing and nylon for the bottom housing, the impact of these materials is distributed differently in each switch. The qualities of the bottom housing material are more prominent during key presses, affecting the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing material has a greater influence on the sound when releasing a key. Despite these differences, users can expect consistent sound profiles and overall typing experiences from both the Pine and the Darling, thanks to their well-chosen housing materials.
Weight
The Bsun Pine tactile switch and the KTT Darling linear switch both have an actuation force of 45 grams, meaning that the force required to trigger a keystroke is the same for both switches. However, when it comes to bottom out force, there is a difference between the two. The Pine has a bottom out force of 65 grams, making it heavier compared to the Darling, which has a bottom out force of 53 grams, making it lighter. This means that while the initial keystroke feel is similar for both switches, the Pine will provide a more substantial typing experience due to its heavier bottom out force. Conversely, the Darling will offer a lighter typing experience, which may be preferred by those looking for a more effortless typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference and whether a lighter or heavier feel is preferred for typing or gaming.
Travel distance
The Bsun Pine tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the KTT Darling linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, with the Darling being slightly longer than the Pine. For those seeking a faster response time, the Pine with its shorter travel distance may be the preferred choice, especially for gamers. However, if you prefer a more substantial key press and a bit more depth to your typing experience, the Darling switch with its slightly longer travel distance may be more suitable. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences in terms of tactile feedback and keypress depth.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Bsun Pine has an MSRP of $4.70 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Pine for $3.70.
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
When it comes to sound, the BSUN Pine switch offers a more subtle and quiet typing experience compared to the KTT Darling switch. The Pine switch is known for its smooth and almost muted sound profile, making it a great choice for those who prefer a quieter typing experience. On the other hand, the Darling switch produces a distinct and high-pitched sound upon bottoming out, which some users may find more engaging and satisfying in terms of auditory feedback.
In terms of feel, the BSUN Pine switch is praised for its sharp and accented tactile bump, providing a quick and invigorating typing sensation. The tactile feedback on the Pine switch is pronounced and direct, giving users a responsive and satisfying keystroke experience. In contrast, the KTT Darling switch offers a bouncy and springy feel, adding a sense of cushioning and rebound to each keystroke. This gives the Darling switch a unique and almost playful typing sensation that some users may find enjoyable.
Overall, both the BSUN Pine tactile switch and the KTT Darling linear switch offer distinct and enjoyable typing experiences, each with their own unique qualities. The Pine switch provides a direct and sharp tactile feedback with a quieter sound profile, ideal for those who appreciate a more subtle typing experience. On the other hand, the Darling switch offers a bouncy and springy feel with a high-pitched sound, catering to users who seek a more engaging and lively typing sensation. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for sound, feel, and typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the BSUN Pine tactile switch and the KTT Darling linear switch, consider your typing preferences and priorities. If you value a sharp tactile bump and fast action, opt for the Pine switch, which offers an invigorating and sharp typing sensation with distinct feedback. On the other hand, if you prefer a chewy and substantial typing experience with a pronounced bounciness and springy responsiveness, the Darling switch may be the better choice for you. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics in terms of sound and feel, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference and what typing experience you find most enjoyable.
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