KTT Darling vs. Gateron Ink Box Black
An in-depth look at the KTT Darling and the Gateron Ink Box Black switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the KTT Darling and the Gateron Ink Box Black both offer unique experiences for typists and gamers. The KTT Darling, a linear switch, boasts a typing sensation that is chewy and substantial, with a pronounced bounciness that adds a springy responsiveness to keystrokes. This switch delivers a high-pitched, resonant sound upon bottoming out, combining tactile and auditory feedback in a pleasing way. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Box Black, also a linear switch, is known for its incredibly smooth and creamy feel, reminiscent of shaking a spray paint can. It offers a clacky and high-pitched sound signature, along with a silky and polished typing experience. Each switch has its own strengths and characteristics, making them suitable for different preferences and typing styles. 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
60g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
70g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the KTT Darling and the Gateron Ink Box Black, we see a difference in their top housings. The Darling utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate's stiffness, resulting in a clear and resonant sound. On the other hand, the Ink Box Black features Gateron's proprietary INK blend top housing, characterized by a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound profile, described as clacky. While both offer unique sound profiles, the Darling's polycarbonate top housing may provide a clearer and sharper sound compared to the Ink Box Black.
In terms of bottom housings, the Darling features a nylon bottom housing known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer plastic that absorbs more sound. This creates a duller and rounder sound profile, offering a different typing experience compared to the Ink Box Black's proprietary INK blend bottom housing. The Ink Box Black's INK blend bottom housing also contributes to a relatively high-pitched sound profile that is often described as clacky. Both switches offer distinct sound profiles based on their bottom housing materials, with the Darling providing a deeper and fuller sound compared to the Ink Box Black's more high-pitched sound.
When considering how the top and bottom housing materials interact in a switch, the qualities each material brings play a role in the overall typing experience. The bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch, while the top housing impacts the sound when releasing a key. While the Darling and the Ink Box Black have different top and bottom housing materials, they both provide unique sound profiles that cater to individual preferences. Whether it's the sharper and crisper sound of the Darling's polycarbonate top housing or the satisfying clacky sound of the Ink Box Black's INK blend bottom housing, both switches offer a variety of auditory experiences for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
The KTT Darling linear switch and the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch differ in terms of actuation force and bottom out force. The Darling has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Ink Box Black's heavier actuation force of 60 grams. Similarly, the Darling has a lighter bottom out force of 53 grams, whereas the Ink Box Black has a heavier bottom out force of 70 grams. This means that the Darling switch provides a softer and more gentle typing experience, ideal for those who prefer a lighter touch, while the Ink Box Black switch offers a more substantial and firm typing feel, suitable for users who prefer a heavier touch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and whether one prefers a lighter or heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the KTT Darling linear switch is 3.5 mm, while the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are becoming popular, especially among gamers seeking faster response times. The Darling's 3.5 mm travel distance may appeal to those who prioritize quick keypresses, while the Ink Box Black's 3.6 mm travel distance could provide a slightly more substantial feel for those who prefer a bit more depth in their keystrokes. Ultimately, the difference between the two travel distances is minimal, so you can expect similar results in terms of responsiveness regardless of which switch you choose.
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 Gateron Ink Box Black has an MSRP of $8.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ink Box Black for $7.65.
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 unique and engaging auditory experience with its clacky, high-pitched, and resonant characteristics. The sound produced is sharp, bright, and crisp, enhancing the tactile feedback during typing sessions. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch also provides a clacky and high-pitched sound profile, reminiscent of a spray paint can being shaken. While both switches offer distinct sound signatures, users can expect a satisfying and immersive sound experience with either option, depending on personal preference and setup.
When it comes to feel, the KTT Darling linear switch is known for its bouncy and springy responsiveness, giving each keystroke a lively and energetic feel. This bounciness adds a unique sensation to typing, providing users with a satisfying rebound when pressing the keys. In contrast, the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch is described as silky and polished, offering an exceptionally smooth typing experience with reduced friction and enhanced smoothness. Both switches provide a different tactile feel, with the Darling focusing on bounciness and the Ink Box Black prioritizing smoothness and refinement.
Overall, the KTT Darling linear switch and the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Darling provides a chewy and substantial typing sensation with a pronounced bounciness and resonant sound profile, the Ink Box Black offers an incredibly smooth and creamy typing experience with a clacky and high-pitched sound signature. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on personal preference for sound, feel, and overall typing experience, ensuring that users can achieve satisfying results with either option.
Conclusion
Bringing it all together, when choosing between the KTT Darling linear switch and the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch, consider the following guidelines. If you prefer a typing sensation that is chewy, substantial, and bouncy, with a pronounced bounciness and a high-pitched, resonant sound profile, then the KTT Darling switch might be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you value an incredibly smooth and creamy typing experience with a sound signature reminiscent of a spray paint can being shaken, then the Gateron Ink Box Black switch could be more suitable for your preferences. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize the tactile and auditory feedback of the Darling or the smoothness and sound profile of the Ink Box Black. Consider your typing style and preferences to choose the switch that best fits your needs.
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