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KTT Darling vs. Bsun Hutt

An in-depth look at the KTT Darling and the Bsun Hutt switches—which one is the best fit for you?

Overview

When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the KTT Darling and the Bsun Hutt offer unique typing experiences that cater to different preferences. The Darling, a linear switch, provides a satisfyingly chewy and substantial typing sensation with a bouncy and responsive feel to each keystroke. It produces a high-pitched, resonant sound upon bottoming out, blending tactile and auditory feedback. On the other hand, the Hutt, a tactile switch, features a medium-heavy spring and a pronounced tactile bump, delivering a distinctive and enjoyable typing experience with a balanced sound profile. While the Darling is characterized by its bouncy and clacky feel, and high-pitched sound, the Hutt is known for its snappy and invigorating tactile bump with sharp accents. Each switch has its own unique qualities that may appeal to different users based on personal 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

40g

Bottom-out force

53g

Bottom-out force

49g

Pre-travel

2.00 mm

Pre-travel

2.00 mm

Total travel

3.50 mm

Total travel

3.50 mm

Factory lubed

Yes

Factory lubed

Yes

Stem construction

Standard

Stem construction

Standard

Stem material

POM

Stem material

POK

Top housing material

Polycarbonate

Top housing material

Polycarbonate

Bottom housing material

Nylon

Bottom housing material

Nylon

Mount type

PCB (5-pin)

Mount type

PCB (5-pin)

Spring

Stainless steel

Spring

20.5mm single-staged spring

Housing materials

Both the KTT Darling and the Bsun Hutt feature polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate being a relatively stiffer plastic that leads to a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that plan to use RGB lighting. However, despite these similarities, the Darling and the Hutt may have slight variations in their polycarbonate material, which could result in nuanced differences in sound and feel.

In terms of bottom housing, both the Darling and the Hutt utilize nylon, a classic switch housing material that elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon is softer than polycarbonate, which helps absorb more sound and create a duller, rounder sound. While the top housing primarily impacts the sound when pressing down on a switch, the bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and feel. Therefore, the choice of nylon for the bottom housing in both switches contributes to the overall typing experience by providing a more subdued and cushioned sound profile.

Overall, both the KTT Darling and the Bsun Hutt benefit from the unique qualities of their housing materials. While polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper sound profile, nylon bottom housing enhances the typing experience with a deeper and fuller sound. These differences in material composition allow each switch to offer a distinct typing experience for users. Whether it's the crisper sound of the polycarbonate top housing or the cushioned feel of the nylon bottom housing, both switches excel in combining different materials to create an optimal typing experience.

Weight

The KTT Darling linear switch and the Bsun Hutt tactile switch both offer different experiences when it comes to actuation force and bottom out force. The Darling has a slightly higher actuation force at 45 grams compared to the Hutt's 40 grams, making it slightly heavier to trigger a keystroke. Additionally, the Darling has a higher bottom out force of 53 grams compared to the Hutt's 49 grams, indicating a firmer feel when pressing all the way down. The Darling switch provides a more medium-light typing experience, while the Hutt switch offers a lighter touch overall. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience for longer periods may lean towards the Hutt switch, while those who enjoy a bit more resistance may opt for the Darling switch for a more substantial feel. Ultimately, the weight difference between the two switches can cater to different preferences of typing style and comfort.

Travel distance

Both the KTT Darling linear switch and the Bsun Hutt tactile switch have a travel distance of 3.5 mm, making them equal in this aspect. The travel distance is the same for both switches, so you can expect similar results in terms of keypress feel and response. This means that whether you choose the Darling or the Hutt, you can enjoy a consistent typing experience with a travel distance that provides a good balance of feedback and smoothness. Both switches offer a comfortable typing experience without sacrificing key travel distance.

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 Bsun Hutt has an MSRP of $6.20 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Hutt for $5.39.

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 and high-pitched sound profile that is both sharp and resonant, providing a satisfying auditory experience that accompanies each keystroke. On the other hand, the Bsun Hutt tactile switch also offers a resonant sound profile, which is clean and sharp, enhancing the overall typing experience. While both switches have a similar resonant quality, the Darling leans towards a higher-pitched and crisper sound, whereas the Hutt offers a more balanced and immersive auditory feedback. It is essential to note that the sound produced by a switch is also influenced by the keyboard layout, keycaps, and other external factors.

Regarding the feel of the switches, the KTT Darling linear switch is described as bouncy, providing a spring-like and elastic feedback sensation that adds a lively and responsive feel to each key press. In contrast, the Bsun Hutt tactile switch offers a range of descriptors such as snappy, invigorating, sharp, and accented, highlighting its strong and crisp tactile bump and pronounced feedback. The Hutt switch aims to offer a tactile typing experience that is responsive, firm, and reactive, creating a dynamic and immersive sensation for the user. While the Darling focuses on a bouncy and springy feel, the Hutt emphasizes a more intense and pronounced tactile feedback.

In conclusion, both the KTT Darling linear switch and the Bsun Hutt tactile switch offer unique and enjoyable typing experiences, each with its distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Darling provides a chewy and substantial typing sensation with a pronounced bounciness and high-pitched sound, while the Hutt offers a medium-heavy spring with a prominent tactile bump and a balanced sound profile. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on the user's preference for sound, feel, and the overall typing experience they seek. Whether you opt for the Darling or the Hutt, you can expect a satisfying and engaging typing experience that aligns with your personal preferences for mechanical keyboard switches.

Conclusion

To sum up, when choosing between the KTT Darling linear switch and the Bsun Hutt tactile switch, consider your preferences for typing sensation, sound, and feel. If you enjoy a chewy and substantial typing experience with pronounced bounciness and a high-pitched, resonant sound, the Darling switch may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a prominent tactile bump, balanced sound profile, and medium-heavy spring for a snappy, invigorating feel, then the Hutt switch could be the better option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on what kind of typing experience you find most enjoyable and comfortable.

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