KTT Darling vs. TTC Gold Pink
An in-depth look at the KTT Darling and the TTC Gold Pink switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the KTT Darling and the TTC Gold Pink mechanical keyboard switches, it's evident that both offer unique typing experiences. The KTT Darling, a linear switch, provides a chewy and substantial typing sensation with a pronounced bounciness and high-pitched, resonant sound upon bottoming out. On the other hand, the TTC Gold Pink, also a linear switch, boasts a 37g actuation force, making it one of the lightest switches available. It offers a fast and effortless typing experience with a clacky sound, perfect for rapid typing or gaming. While the Darling excels in providing tactile and auditory feedback, the Gold Pink focuses on delivering a light and lively typing experience. 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
37g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
45g
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
Partial box
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
Both the KTT Darling and the TTC Gold Pink feature polycarbonate top housings which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate which leads to a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is ideal for switches that utilize RGB lighting. The similarities in the top housing material of these two switches suggest that users can expect similar sound characteristics when typing on both.
On the other hand, the Darling and Gold Pink differ in their choice of bottom housing material. The Darling utilizes nylon for its bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, producing a duller and rounder sound. Similarly, the Gold Pink also features a nylon bottom housing, providing a similar typing experience to the Darling with a deeper and fuller sound profile. The shared use of nylon in the bottom housing of these switches highlights their commitment to creating an immersive typing experience.
The distinct combination of polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing in both the KTT Darling and TTC Gold Pink showcases a thoughtful approach to crafting switches with unique sound profiles. While the top housings contribute to the sharpness and clarity of the sound, the bottom housings play a significant role in the depth and fullness of the typing experience. Despite their differences in appearance, users can expect a high-quality typing experience from both switches due to the careful selection of housing materials that enhance sound and feel.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Darling linear switch and the TTC Gold Pink linear switch, it is evident that the Gold Pink is lighter in both aspects. The Darling has a medium-light actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, while the Gold Pink has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams. This makes the Gold Pink more suitable for those who prefer a lighter typing experience, allowing for longer typing sessions without fatigue. On the other hand, the Darling provides a slightly stronger push feel, offering a more substantial typing experience for those who enjoy a heavier switch. Both switches provide distinct advantages based on personal preference, with the Darling offering a slightly heavier option compared to the lighter Gold Pink.
Travel distance
The KTT Darling linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, making it slightly shorter than the TTC Gold Pink linear switch with a travel distance of 4 mm. The Darling switch falls into the category of shorter travel distances, which is favored by gamers for its fast response times. On the other hand, the Gold Pink switch offers a bit more depth due to its longer travel distance. Both switches provide a unique typing experience based on their travel distance, with the Darling offering a quicker press and the Gold Pink providing a more substantial keypress feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference for travel distance and 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 Pink has an MSRP of $4.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gold Pink for $4.28.
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 offers a clacky, high-pitched, and resonant experience, providing a sharp and crisp sound that is both engaging and satisfying. On the other hand, information about the sound of the TTC Gold Pink linear switch is unknown. It is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard's construction and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the KTT Darling switch is described as bouncy, offering a spring-like feedback that adds a lively feel to each keystroke. In contrast, the TTC Gold Pink switch is characterized as buttery, mild, feathery, subtle, and polished, providing a smooth, gentle typing experience with reduced finger fatigue and refined key travel. The different descriptors indicate that while both switches offer a pleasing typing experience, they may appeal to different preferences based on the desired level of feedback and resistance.
Taking all available information into consideration, it can be suggested that the KTT Darling and TTC Gold Pink linear switches offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Darling switch provides a chewy and substantial typing sensation with a pronounced bounciness and resonant, high-pitched sound, while the Gold Pink switch offers a light, effortless typing experience with a clacky sound and various subtle qualities. Ultimately, choosing between these switches would depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the KTT Darling linear switch and the TTC Gold Pink linear switch, consider the following guidelines based on your preferences and needs. If you prefer a medium-light bottom out force of 53 grams and enjoy a typing sensation that is chewy, substantial, and bouncy, with a high-pitched and resonant sound profile, then the KTT Darling switch would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force of 45 grams and value a fast, effortless typing experience with a clacky sound, the Gold Pink switch may be more suitable for your needs. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your typing style, desired feedback, and sound preference to enhance your overall typing experience.
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