KTT Darling vs. TTC Gold Brown
An in-depth look at the KTT Darling and the TTC Gold Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the KTT Darling and TTC Gold Brown are excellent options to compare. The KTT Darling is a linear switch that offers a unique typing sensation with its chewy and substantial feel, coupled with a pronounced bounciness that adds a springy responsiveness to keystrokes. On the other hand, the TTC Gold Brown is a tactile switch known for its balanced nature, featuring a slight, satisfying bump and moderate weightiness. The Gold Brown also offers a softer sound profile compared to many other switches. While the Darling provides a more clacky and high-pitched experience, the Gold Brown is described as buttery and polished. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference and specific typing needs. However, let's dive a bit deeper beyond these general characteristics to help you make an informed decision on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
63g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The KTT Darling and TTC Gold Brown both feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate being a relatively stiff plastic that leads to a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is especially useful for switches with RGB lighting. However, the nylon bottom housing of the Darling and Gold Brown switches differs slightly, with nylon offering a deeper and fuller sound profile by absorbing more sound than harder plastics.
While both the KTT Darling and TTC Gold Brown share the same polycarbonate top housing material, the nylon bottom housing of each switch offers a unique typing experience. The nylon bottom housing of both switches elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile, but the difference in sound characteristics may be due to the individual design and construction of each switch. The split between the top and bottom housing materials allows for a balance in sound and feel when typing on the switches, with the qualities of each material being experienced differently depending on the action of pressing down or letting go of a key.
In conclusion, the use of polycarbonate in the top housing of the KTT Darling and TTC Gold Brown switches provides a consistent sharp, high-pitched, and clear sound profile. The difference in the nylon bottom housing material may contribute to a nuanced typing experience, with the Darling potentially offering a slightly duller and rounder sound compared to the Gold Brown. Overall, the combination of different housing materials in each switch results in a unique tactile and auditory experience for users, showcasing the importance of housing material in keyboard switches.
Weight
The KTT Darling linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch, which has a slightly heavier actuation force of 55 grams. In terms of bottom out force, the Darling requires 53 grams of force, while the Gold Brown needs 63 grams. Both switches fall into the medium category, with the Darling being on the lighter side and the Gold Brown being slightly heavier. Those who prefer a lighter keypress may lean towards the Darling for longer typing sessions or gaming, while users who enjoy a more substantial typing experience may opt for the Gold Brown. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The KTT Darling linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Gold Brown switch has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Darling switch. In terms of typing or gaming experience, the shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm on the Darling switch may provide a quicker response time, which can be preferred by gamers looking for speed. On the other hand, the longer travel distance of 4 mm on the Gold Brown switch may offer a more substantial feel to the key press, which some users may find more satisfying. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and whether a shorter or longer travel distance is desired for the desired typing or gaming experience.
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 TTC Gold Brown has an MSRP of $5.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gold Brown for $3.28.
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 KTT Darling linear switch is known for its clacky, high-pitched, and resonant characteristics, producing a sharp and crisp sound that adds to the overall typing experience. On the other hand, the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch offers a more neutral sound profile, with a moderate actuation force requirement and sound level that is suitable for various settings. The Darling switch provides a more engaging auditory feedback compared to the Gold Brown switch, which has a softer and more balanced sound profile.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the KTT Darling linear switch is praised for its bouncy sensation, giving users a spring-like and lively feel with each keystroke. In contrast, the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch offers a more mild and approachable typing experience, with a buttery and accented feel that falls within a safe middle-ground zone. The Gold Brown switch also boasts a polished finish, providing smooth key travel and reduced friction for a sleek typing experience.
In conclusion, while the KTT Darling linear switch delivers a more tactile and high-pitched sound with a bouncy typing feel, the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch offers a more balanced sound profile with a subtle bump and a smoother, more gentle typing experience. Both switches have their unique qualities, catering to different preferences and typing styles. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and overall typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the KTT Darling linear switch and the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch, consider the typing experience you prefer. If you enjoy a chewy and substantial typing sensation with a pronounced bounciness and high-pitched resonant sound, the Darling would be an excellent choice for you. On the other hand, if you are looking for a balanced switch with a slight bump, moderate weightiness, and a rounded, softer sound profile, the Gold Brown would be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prefer a more bouncy and high-pitched typing experience (Darling) or a balanced and softer feel (Gold Brown). Choose the switch that aligns best with your typing preferences and enjoy a satisfying typing experience.
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