KTT Darling vs. TTC Gold Red Pro
An in-depth look at the KTT Darling and the TTC Gold Red Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to compare are the KTT Darling and the TTC Gold Red Pro, both linear switches. The KTT Darling is known for its chewy and substantial typing sensation, accompanied by a bouncy and responsive feel with a high-pitched, resonant sound upon bottoming out. In contrast, the TTC Gold Red Pro offers a versatile typing experience with easy pressability and a neutral sound signature that is suitable for various environments. While the Darling emphasizes tactile and auditory feedback, the Gold Red Pro focuses on versatility and adaptability. 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
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 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
18.5mm spring
Housing materials
Both the KTT Darling and the TTC Gold Red Pro utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound produced. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches designed to incorporate RGB lighting, enhancing the visual appeal of the keyboards. As a result, both switches offer similar sound profiles and aesthetic benefits when it comes to their top housing material.
However, the key point of differentiation between the two switches lies in their choice of bottom housing material. The KTT Darling utilizes nylon for its bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. Nylon's softer texture absorbs more sound than harder plastics, creating a duller and rounder sound that complements the sharper tones produced by the polycarbonate top housing. On the other hand, the TTC Gold Red Pro also uses nylon for its bottom housing, providing a similar deeper and fuller sound profile to the KTT Darling. This commonality in bottom housing material suggests that users can expect a comparable typing experience in terms of sound and feel from both switches.
Overall, while the KTT Darling and TTC Gold Red Pro share the use of polycarbonate for their top housing, their choice of nylon for the bottom housing sets them apart. The KTT Darling offers a combination of a crisp top housing sound with a deep bottom housing sound, creating a unique typing experience. In contrast, the TTC Gold Red Pro provides a similar typing experience with its nylon bottom housing, producing a deeper and fuller sound profile. Ultimately, the choice between these switches may come down to personal preference in terms of sound and typing feel.
Weight
Comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Darling linear switch and the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch reveals some key differences. The Darling has a slightly higher actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Gold Red Pro's 43 grams, making it slightly heavier. However, the Darling has a lower bottom out force of 53 grams compared to the Gold Red Pro, where the bottom out force is unknown. Both switches offer a medium-light typing experience overall. The actuation force is crucial for triggering keystrokes, while the bottom out force measures the force required to press the key all the way down. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for typing experiences, with some preferring a lighter touch for prolonged typing sessions and others seeking a heavier push feel for a more substantial typing experience.
Travel distance
The KTT Darling linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. In this case, the Darling switch has a shorter travel distance compared to the Gold Red Pro switch. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are becoming increasingly popular, especially among gamers looking for faster response times. However, some may find that the Darling switch's 3.5 mm travel distance feels too abrupt, while others might prefer the slightly longer 3.8 mm travel distance of the Gold Red Pro switch for a more substantial key press feel. Ultimately, choosing between the two hinges on personal preference for travel distance and key press 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 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 Red 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 best described as clacky, high-pitched, and resonant, providing a sharp, crisp, and immersive auditory experience. On the other hand, the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch offers a more thocky, low-pitched, and neutral sound profile, producing a deep, rich, and satisfying tone that is moderate and suitable for various settings. While the Darling leans towards a sharper and brighter sound, the Gold Red Pro offers a mellower and bass-heavy tone, catering to different preferences in keyboard sound experiences.
When it comes to feel, the KTT Darling switch is known for its bouncy feedback, offering a spring-like and lively sensation that enhances the typing experience with a sense of rebound upon each key press. In contrast, the TTC Gold Red Pro switch is described as polished, silky, mild, and subtle, providing a smooth, refined, and gentle typing feel that minimizes resistance and friction. Both switches offer unique tactile feedback, with the Darling focusing on a more dynamic and responsive bounce, while the Gold Red Pro emphasizes a smoother and more subtle typing experience.
Overall, the KTT Darling linear switch and the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch each bring their own distinct qualities to the table. The Darling excels in providing a chewy and substantial typing sensation with a pronounced bounciness and high-pitched, resonant sound, creating a tactile and auditory delight for users. On the other hand, the Gold Red Pro showcases versatility with its ease of press, neutral sound signature, and polished, silky feel, making it adaptable to various typing environments and preferences. Depending on individual preferences for sound and feel, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing experiences, ensuring that users can find a suitable match for their mechanical keyboard needs.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the KTT Darling linear switch and the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing needs. If you are seeking a switch with a medium-light bottom out force and enjoy a typing sensation that is chewy and substantial, with a pronounced bounciness and a resonant, high-pitched sound, then the KTT Darling may be the perfect fit for you. On the other hand, if you prioritize versatility and adaptability in your typing experience, with a switch that offers a seamless typing experience, a neutral sound signature, and suitability for various settings, then the TTC Gold Red Pro could be the ideal choice. Consider the sound and feel characteristics described for each switch to determine which aligns best with your preferences. Ultimately, both switches have their own unique qualities that cater to different typing styles and environments, so choose the one that resonates most with your needs.
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