KTT Darling vs. TTC Gold Brown Pro
An in-depth look at the KTT Darling and the TTC Gold Brown Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the KTT Darling linear switch to the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch, it's evident that each offers a unique typing experience. The Darling provides a chewy and substantial sensation with a pronounced bounciness, delivering a satisfyingly clacky and high-pitched sound upon bottoming out. In contrast, the Gold Brown Pro offers a subtle and nuanced tactile feedback with a subdued sound profile, perfect for those who prefer a more understated typing experience. If you value a more immersive and engaging feel with pronounced auditory feedback, the Darling may be the switch for you. On the other hand, if you seek a gentle and polished keystroke with minimal distraction, the Gold Brown Pro could be the better choice. 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
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
NPI
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
18mm spring
Housing materials
Both the KTT Darling and TTC Gold Brown Pro feature a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, both switches produce a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it an ideal material for switches that utilize RGB lighting. This commonality in housing material ensures that both switches offer a similar sound experience and aesthetic appeal.
In contrast, the Darling's nylon bottom housing provides a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing on the switch. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Gold Brown Pro also utilizes a nylon bottom housing, offering a comparable typing experience with a similar focus on sound quality. Despite the difference in bottom housing materials, both switches aim to enhance the overall typing experience by providing a unique sound profile.
It is essential to note that the bottom housing material significantly impacts the bottom-out sound and feel of a switch, while the top housing material influences the sound when releasing a key. Although the KTT Darling and TTC Gold Brown Pro feature different bottom housing materials, they both aim to enhance the overall typing experience by leveraging the unique qualities of each material. Whether it be the sharp and crisp sound of polycarbonate or the deeper and fuller sound of nylon, both switches offer a distinct typing experience that caters to various preferences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Darling linear switch and the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch, it is evident that both switches have the same actuation force of 45 grams. However, the Darling has a bottom out force of 53 grams, while the Gold Brown Pro's bottom out force is unknown. This means that the Darling switch is slightly heavier in terms of bottom out force compared to the Gold Brown Pro. Weight is an important factor to consider when choosing a switch, as a lighter actuation force allows for longer typing sessions, ideal for work or gaming. On the other hand, a heavier bottom out force provides a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. In this case, both switches offer a similar actuation force but differ in the bottom out force, making the Darling slightly heavier in this aspect.
Travel distance
The KTT Darling linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5mm, which is shorter than the 3.8mm travel distance of the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch. The Darling offers a quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance, making it a popular choice for gamers looking for speed and agility in their key presses. On the other hand, the Gold Brown Pro tactile switch provides a slightly deeper travel distance, which may be preferred by those who enjoy a more substantial feel when typing. Despite the difference in travel distance, both switches offer a smooth key press experience, ensuring that regardless of which one you choose, you will still receive a reliable and satisfying typing 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 Pro has an MSRP of $6.11 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gold Brown Pro for $2.90.
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
In terms of sound, the KTT Darling linear switch is known for its high-pitched and resonant sound profile, delivering a crisp and engaging auditory feedback with a clacky tone upon bottoming out. On the other hand, the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch offers a more subdued and thocky sound, allowing for a quieter and more understated typing experience. If you prefer a sharper and more resonant sound, the Darling would be the way to go, while the Gold Brown Pro provides a subtle and gentle acoustical experience.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the KTT Darling is praised for its bouncy and springy responsiveness, adding a dynamic and lively sensation to each key press. In contrast, the TTC Gold Brown Pro is described as polished, silky, mild, subtle, and stepped, offering a smooth and refined typing experience with a gentle resistance and subtle tactility. If you prefer a more elastic and lively feel, the Darling would be the ideal choice, while the Gold Brown Pro provides a more refined and subtle typing experience.
Overall, the KTT Darling linear switch and the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch offer distinct subjective qualities in both sound and feel. The Darling provides a chewy and substantial typing sensation with a high-pitched and clacky sound, coupled with a bouncy feel that adds a springy responsiveness to each keystroke. On the other hand, the Gold Brown Pro offers a subtle and nuanced feedback with a thocky and low-pitched sound profile, providing a polished and silky typing experience with gentle resistance and smooth key travel. Ultimately, the choice between these switches would depend on your preference for either a more pronounced and lively typing experience (Darling) or a more refined and understated feel (Gold Brown Pro).
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the KTT Darling linear switch and the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch, consider the type of typing experience you prefer. If you enjoy a keyboard switch that offers a chewy and substantial typing sensation with a pronounced bounciness and high-pitched sound, the KTT Darling may be the best choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a more subtle and nuanced tactile feedback with a subdued sound profile, the TTC Gold Brown Pro could be the ideal option. Think about whether you value a lively and engaging typing experience or a smooth and polished one, and choose the switch that aligns best with your preferences. Ultimately, the decision comes down to your personal typing style and what feels most comfortable and satisfying to you.
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