KTT Darling vs. Gateron Ink Box Pink
An in-depth look at the KTT Darling and the Gateron Ink Box Pink switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the KTT Darling and Gateron Ink Box Pink both offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The KTT Darling, a linear switch, provides a typing experience described as chewy and substantial, with a pronounced bounciness that adds a springy responsiveness to each keystroke. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Box Pink, also a linear switch, offers a smoother and lighter typing feel with a higher-pitched clack. While the Darling is known for its high-pitched and resonant sound upon bottoming out, the Ink Box Pink is praised for its silky and polished finish. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
60g
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
The housing materials of the KTT Darling and the Gateron Ink Box Pink bring unique qualities to the switches. The Darling utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. On the other hand, the Ink Box Pink features a proprietary INK blend top housing, characterized by a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound that is not overly sharp. Both materials offer a unique sound profile, with polycarbonate providing a clear and resonant tone, while the INK blend offers a satisfying thin and clacky sound.
In terms of bottom housing, the Darling uses nylon which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound. Conversely, the Ink Box Pink utilizes its proprietary INK blend for the bottom housing, which contributes to a high-pitched and clacky sound profile. Both materials create a different typing experience, with nylon offering a duller and rounder sound, while the INK blend provides a thin and higher-pitched sound. Overall, the bottom housing plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch.
While the housing materials for the Darling and the Ink Box Pink differ, each brings its own set of unique qualities to the switches. The top housing material affects the sound when pressing and releasing a key, with polycarbonate offering a sharper and crisper tone compared to the INK blend's pointed and relatively high-pitched sound. The bottom housing material influences the bottom-out sound and feel, with nylon providing a deeper and fuller tone, while the INK blend contributes to a clacky sound. Despite the differences, both switches offer distinct sound profiles that cater to different preferences among mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Darling linear switch and the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch, it is evident that the Darling is the lighter option. The Darling has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, which is slightly lighter than the Ink Box Pink's actuation force of 50 grams and bottom out force of 60 grams. Both switches provide a smooth linear typing experience, but the Darling offers a slightly lighter touch compared to the slightly heavier feel of the Ink Box Pink. For users who prefer a lighter typing experience for extended periods of time, the Darling may be the preferred choice. Conversely, those who enjoy a more substantial typing feel may opt for the slightly heavier Ink Box Pink for a more satisfying keystroke. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
The KTT Darling linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, with the Darling being slightly shorter than the Ink Box Pink. Gamers looking for faster response times may prefer the Darling switch due to its slightly shorter travel distance, while those who prefer a bit more depth in their keystrokes may lean towards the Ink Box Pink. Ultimately, the difference in travel distance between the two switches is minimal, and users can expect similar overall performance from both options.
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 Pink 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 Pink 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
When comparing the sound qualities of the KTT Darling linear switch and the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch, both switches are described as producing a clacky and high-pitched sound when pressed. However, the Darling switch is also noted for its resonant acoustics, creating a more immersive auditory experience compared to the Ink Box Pink. The Darling switch delivers a sharp and crisp sound upon bottoming out, while the Ink Box Pink offers a lighter and higher-pitched clack. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference for sound, with the Darling providing a more resonant and engaging feedback, while the Ink Box Pink offers a smoother and lighter typing experience.
In terms of feel, the KTT Darling linear switch is known for its bouncy sensation, providing a springy responsiveness to each keystroke. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch is described as silky and polished, offering an exceptionally smooth typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. The Darling switch's bouncy feel enhances the tactile feedback and adds a lively rebound when pressed, while the Ink Box Pink's silky and polished feel minimizes resistance and provides a sleek typing experience. Choosing between these switches will come down to personal preference for the typing feel, whether one prefers a bouncy and substantial sensation or a smooth and polished touch.
Overall, the KTT Darling linear switch and the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of both sound and feel. The Darling switch excels in providing a chewy and substantial typing sensation with a pronounced bounciness and resonant acoustics, while the Ink Box Pink switch offers a lighter and smoother typing feel with a higher-pitched clack. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for sound and feel, but both switches are capable of delivering satisfying results in different ways.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the KTT Darling linear switch and the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch, consider the typing experience you prefer. If you enjoy a chewy and substantial feel with a pronounced bounciness and resonant, high-pitched sound, the Darling switch may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother typing experience with a lighter touch and a higher-pitched clack sound, the Ink Box Pink switch could be more to your liking. Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference and the type of typing sensation you find most enjoyable. Experimenting with both switches may help you determine which one suits your preferences best.
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