KTT Darling vs. TTC Gold Red
An in-depth look at the KTT Darling and the TTC Gold Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the KTT Darling and the TTC Gold Red mechanical keyboard switches, it becomes evident that both switches offer unique and appealing characteristics. The KTT Darling, a linear switch, boasts a typing sensation that is described as chewy and substantial, with a pronounced bounciness that adds a springy responsiveness to each keystroke. Its high-pitched and resonant sound profile provides a satisfying blend of tactile and auditory feedback. On the other hand, the Gold Red linear switches provide a buttery smooth typing experience with a light-medium level of resistance. The snappy sound profile adds a touch of personality without being too overpowering. While the Darling is known for its bouncy and clacky feel, the Gold Red stands out for its thocky and silky smoothness. Both switches have their own strengths and appeal, making them suitable for different preferences. 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
43g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
50g
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 housing materials of the KTT Darling and TTC Gold Red switches are quite similar in terms of the materials used. Both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing that creates a sharp, higher-pitched, and crisp sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which leads to a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that incorporate RGB lighting. On the other hand, both switches also utilize a nylon bottom housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, giving switches a duller and rounder sound.
While the housing materials of the KTT Darling and TTC Gold Red switches are similar, the way these materials are utilized in the switches can affect the overall typing experience. The qualities of the polycarbonate top housing will impact the sound when a key is released, while the nylon bottom housing will affect the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed. This means that the sound profile of these switches will be determined by a combination of the top and bottom housing materials, resulting in a unique typing experience for each switch. Despite these differences, both switches maintain a high-quality construction that enhances the overall typing experience.
In conclusion, the KTT Darling and TTC Gold Red switches showcase the importance of housing materials in creating a distinct sound profile and typing experience. Both switches utilize polycarbonate for the top housing, resulting in a sharp and crisp sound, while nylon is used for the bottom housing to produce a deeper and fuller sound. The combination of these materials in each switch allows for a unique typing experience that is influenced by the qualities of both the top and bottom housing. Overall, both switches offer a high-quality construction and provide a satisfying typing experience for users looking for a premium switch option.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Darling linear switch and the TTC Gold Red linear switch, it is evident that the Gold Red is the lighter option. The Darling has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, while the Gold Red has an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. This makes the Gold Red switch slightly lighter in terms of both actuation and bottom out forces. The actuation force determines the force required to trigger a keystroke, while the bottom out force measures how much force is needed to press the key all the way down. For those looking for a more substantial typing experience, the Darling switch may be preferable due to its slightly heavier forces. On the other hand, those who prefer a lighter touch for longer typing or gaming sessions might find the Gold Red switch more suitable. Overall, both switches offer similar results in terms of actuation and bottom out forces, with the main difference lying in the slight variation in weight.
Travel distance
The KTT Darling linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the TTC Gold Red linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Gold Red has a slightly longer travel distance than the Darling. The Darling's 3.5 mm distance offers a shorter travel distance, which may appeal to gamers looking for quicker response times. On the other hand, the Gold Red's 4 mm travel distance provides a bit more depth, which some users may prefer for a more satisfying key press. Ultimately, the choice between the two will come down to personal preference in terms of 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 Red 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 Red 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
When comparing the sound of the KTT Darling linear switch to the TTC Gold Red linear switch, it is evident that they offer distinct auditory experiences. The Darling switch provides a high-pitched and resonant sound profile, delivering a satisfying clacky and crisp sound upon each keystroke. In contrast, the Gold Red switch offers a more thocky and low-pitched sound, adding a deep and rich tone to typing. Both switches give unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences, with the Darling being more bright and percussive, while the Gold Red offers a mellower and bass-heavy tone. Depending on personal preference and the setup of the keyboard, users can expect to get a distinctive auditory feedback from each switch.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the KTT Darling is described as bouncy, providing a spring-like and lively feedback sensation. On the other hand, the TTC Gold Red switch offers a more mild and subtle typing experience, with a smooth and polished feel. The Gold Red switch is designed to offer a gentle resistance and smooth key travel, ensuring a comfortable typing experience. While the Darling switch focuses more on providing a bouncy and responsive feel to each keystroke. Whether one prefers a more lively and bouncy typing experience or a smoother and polished feel, both switches cater to different tactile preferences, offering unique sensations to the user.
In conclusion, the KTT Darling linear switch and the TTC Gold Red linear switch offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Darling switch provides a more vibrant and bouncy typing experience with a high-pitched and resonant sound profile, the Gold Red switch offers a smoother and polished feel with a thocky and low-pitched sound. Depending on personal preferences for sound and feel, both switches provide a unique typing experience that can enhance the overall satisfaction of using a mechanical keyboard. Ultimately, users can expect to get similar results in terms of typing comfort and feedback, with each switch offering its own distinct characteristics that cater to different preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the KTT Darling linear switch and the TTC Gold Red linear switch, consider your preferences for typing sensation, sound profile, and feel. If you enjoy a chewy and substantial typing experience with a bouncy and springy feel, along with a high-pitched and resonant sound, the KTT Darling switch may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a buttery smooth typing experience with a light-medium resistance, accompanied by a snappy and thocky sound profile, the TTC Gold Red switch could be the better option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on what qualities you value most in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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