Outemu Crystal vs. KTT Darling
An in-depth look at the Outemu Crystal and the KTT Darling switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When looking at the Outemu Crystal and KTT Darling mechanical keyboard switches, both linear switches offer unique typing experiences that cater to different preferences. The Outemu Crystal is lauded for its unique linear typing feel with a medium-light weight, providing an elastic sensation while maintaining a neutral sound profile. On the other hand, the KTT Darling stands out for its chewy and substantial typing sensation, accompanied by a pronounced bounciness that adds springy responsiveness to each keystroke. Additionally, the Darling produces a resonant, high-pitched sound upon bottoming out, giving users a blend of tactile and auditory feedback. While both switches have their own distinctive qualities, deciding between the Outemu Crystal and KTT Darling ultimately comes down to personal preference and specific typing needs. 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
55g
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
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Outemu Crystal and the KTT Darling switches are both made of polycarbonate for the top housing. This choice of material results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the stiffness of polycarbonate. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that plan to use RGB lighting, as it allows the light to shine through, enhancing the visual appeal of the keyboard. In contrast, the bottom housing of the Crystal switch is also made of polycarbonate, while the Darling switch utilizes nylon for its bottom housing. The nylon material in the Darling switch creates a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Crystal's polycarbonate bottom housing.
With the top housing being the same material in both the Outemu Crystal and KTT Darling switches, users can expect a similar sharp and clear sound profile along with the benefit of enhanced RGB lighting effects. However, the choice of material for the bottom housing sets the switches apart in terms of sound characteristics. The polycarbonate bottom housing of the Crystal switch adds to the overall sharpness and clarity of the sound, while the nylon bottom housing of the Darling switch contributes to a deeper and fuller sound experience. When typing on these switches, the bottom housing material will have a significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, highlighting the differences in sound profile between the two switches.
In conclusion, while both the Outemu Crystal and KTT Darling switches share the use of polycarbonate for the top housing, the choice of material for the bottom housing sets them apart in terms of sound characteristics. The polycarbonate bottom housing of the Crystal switch emphasizes sharpness and clarity, while the nylon bottom housing of the Darling switch enhances the depth and fullness of the sound. Ultimately, the housing materials chosen for each switch contribute to a unique typing experience, making them suitable for different preferences in sound profile.
Weight
The Outemu Crystal linear switch and the KTT Darling linear switch both have the same actuation force of 45 grams, making them equal in terms of the force required to trigger a keystroke. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Crystal has a slightly heavier force of 55 grams compared to the Darling's 53 grams. This means that the Crystal switch provides a slightly more substantial typing experience, while the Darling switch is slightly lighter, making it more suitable for longer typing sessions without fatigue setting in. Overall, both switches fall into the medium-light category, making them suitable for a wide range of users depending on individual preferences for typing feel and key press resistance.
Travel distance
The Outemu Crystal linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the KTT Darling linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. In this case, the Darling switch has a shorter travel distance compared to the Crystal switch. The Crystal's 4.0 mm travel distance is more traditional, offering a slightly deeper key press feel, while the Darling's 3.5 mm travel distance is shallower, providing a quicker response time that is favored by gamers. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on personal preference - those who prefer a more responsive feel may opt for the Darling switch, while those who prefer a bit more depth in their key presses may lean towards the Crystal switch. Both switches offer different experiences, but are equally efficient in their own ways.
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 Outemu Crystal comes in at $3.40 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 Outemu Crystal linear switch offers a unique chirpy and high-pitched sound profile, which can set it apart from other switches in terms of auditory feedback. On the other hand, the KTT Darling linear switch provides a clacky, high-pitched, and resonant sound, giving a different kind of tactile and auditory experience to the user. Depending on personal preference in sound profile, users can choose between the more distinct chirpy sound of the Crystal or the clacky and resonant sound of the Darling.
In terms of feel, the Outemu Crystal switch is described as polished, offering a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the contrary, the KTT Darling switch is known for its bouncy feedback, providing a springy and elastic sensation with a lively feel to each key press. Depending on whether a user prefers a smoother typing experience or a more responsive and rebounding feel, they can choose between the polished Crystal or the bouncy Darling switches.
In conclusion, both the Outemu Crystal and KTT Darling linear switches offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Crystal provides a chirpy and high-pitched sound with a polished feel, the Darling offers a clacky, resonant sound paired with a bouncy feedback. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will come down to personal preference in sound profile and typing experience. Both switches promise a satisfying typing experience, ensuring that users will get similar results in terms of performance and quality regardless of their choice.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a linear switch with a medium-light bottom out force that provides a unique, linear typing experience with a neutral sound profile, the Outemu Crystal switch might be the best choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a linear switch that offers a chewy and substantial typing sensation with pronounced bounciness and a resonant, high-pitched sound upon bottoming out, the KTT Darling switch could be the perfect fit. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you value a smooth and refined typing experience (Crystal) or a lively, springy feedback (Darling), as well as your preference for sound profiles (Crystal: chirpy and high-pitched; Darling: clacky, high-pitched, and resonant). Consider these factors to select the mechanical keyboard switch that aligns best with your typing preferences.
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