KTT Darling vs. Gateron Ink Black V2

Overview

When looking at mechanical keyboard switches, the KTT Darling and the Gateron Ink Black V2 both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The KTT Darling, a linear switch, provides a typing sensation that is chewy and substantial, with a pronounced bounciness that adds a springy responsiveness to each keystroke. In terms of acoustics, the Darling delivers a resonant, high-pitched sound upon bottoming out, offering a blend of tactile and auditory feedback. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Black V2 is known for its smooth downstroke and rich clack, providing a more polished and mild experience. While the Darling is characterized as 'Bouncy', 'Clacky', 'High-pitched', and 'Resonant', the Ink Black V2 is labeled as 'Low-pitched', 'Bassy', 'Chirpy', 'Mild', and 'Polished'. Both switches have their own unique appeal, offering distinct typing experiences. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

KTT Darling Linear

Gateron Ink Black V2 Linear

$4.50

$3.90 per 10

$7.50

$7.24 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the KTT Darling and the Gateron Ink Black V2, it is evident that both switches offer unique qualities. The Darling features a polycarbonate top housing, known for creating a sharper and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness. This results in a high-pitched and resonant sound that is ideal for showcasing RGB lighting. In contrast, the Ink Black V2 includes a proprietary INK blend top housing that produces a slightly higher-pitched but not overly sharp sound profile, described as clacky. Both switches offer a distinctive sound experience, with the Darling emphasizing clarity and the Ink Black V2 offering a satisfying clackiness.

On the other hand, the housing materials for the bottom of the switches differ. The Darling utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic that absorbs more sound. This creates a duller and rounder sound compared to the top housing material. Similarly, the Ink Black V2's proprietary INK blend bottom housing contributes to the pointed and high-pitched sound profile of the switch. While both bottom housings offer unique qualities, the Nylon bottom housing of the Darling provides a different sound experience compared to the Ink Black V2's INK blend bottom housing, showcasing the versatility of different materials in switch construction.

Overall, the combination of different housing materials in a switch plays a crucial role in determining the overall sound profile and feel of the switch. The qualities of the top housing material tend to influence the sound when releasing a key, while the bottom housing material has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch. While the Darling and Ink Black V2 utilize different materials for their top and bottom housings, both switches offer distinctive sound profiles that cater to different preferences. Whether you prefer the sharper and clear sound of the Darling or the clacky sound of the Ink Black V2, the housing materials play a significant role in defining the overall typing experience.

Weight

The KTT Darling linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch, which has a heavier actuation force of 60 grams. When it comes to bottom out force, the Darling is still lighter at 53 grams, while the Ink Black V2 requires a heavier 70 grams to bottom out. This means that the Darling switch will provide a smoother and easier typing experience due to its lighter actuation and bottom out forces, making it suitable for those who prefer a lighter touch. On the other hand, the Ink Black V2 switch offers a more substantial typing experience with its heavier actuation and bottom out forces, appealing to users who prefer a stronger push feel. Overall, the choice between the two switches ultimately depends on individual preferences for typing feel and force requirements.

Travel distance

The KTT Darling linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, making it the shorter option compared to the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch, which has a travel distance of 4 mm. The Darling offers a slightly quicker response time, which can be preferred by gamers looking for swift reactions. On the other hand, the Ink Black V2 provides a bit more depth with its longer travel distance, which may be more suitable for those who enjoy a more tactile feel when typing or gaming. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are becoming increasingly popular. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference for response time versus tactile feedback.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the KTT Darling linear switch offers a clacky and high-pitched experience, providing a sharp and resonant sound when pressed, enhancing the overall typing sensation with its tactile and auditory feedback. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch produces a low-pitched and bassy sound, characterized by a smooth downstroke and a rich clack, offering a more mellow and deep acoustic profile. Choosing between the two switches will depend on personal preference for sound, with the Darling delivering a more vibrant and engaging auditory experience, while the Ink Black V2 offers a more subdued and soothing typing sound.

Regarding feel, the KTT Darling switch is known for its bouncy sensation, providing a springy and elastic feedback that adds liveliness to each keystroke. In contrast, the Gateron Ink Black V2 switch offers a mild and polished typing experience, with a gentle feel that appeals to a wider range of users due to its approachable qualities and smooth key travel. The Darling's bouncy feel may appeal to those seeking a more dynamic typing experience, while the Ink Black V2's mild and polished characteristics offer a refined and consistent feel that is comfortable for extended typing sessions.

Overall, when comparing the KTT Darling linear switch and the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch, it's evident that they offer distinct subjective qualities in both sound and feel. The Darling excels in providing a chewy and substantial typing sensation with a pronounced bounciness and resonant sound, while the Ink Black V2 stands out for its smooth downstroke and rich, low-pitched clack with a mild and polished feel. Depending on individual preferences for sound and feel, both switches offer unique attributes that cater to different typing styles. Ultimately, selecting either switch will result in a satisfying and high-quality typing experience, albeit with varying characteristics that suit different user preferences.

Conclusion

In closing, when considering whether to choose the KTT Darling linear switch or the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch, it all comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you enjoy a lighter bottom out force, a chewy and substantial typing sensation with a pronounced bounciness, and a high-pitched, resonant sound profile, then the KTT Darling might be the perfect fit for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force, a smooth downstroke with a rich clack, and a low-pitched, bassy sound profile, then the Gateron Ink Black V2 could be the switch you're looking for. Ultimately, both switches have their own unique qualities, so it's important to consider what matters most to you when choosing between them.

Mentioned in this article

KTT Darling Linear

$4.50

$3.90 per 10

Learn more

Gateron Ink Black V2 Linear

$7.50

$7.24 per 10

Learn more