KTT Darling vs. Gateron Ink Yellow
An in-depth look at the KTT Darling and the Gateron Ink Yellow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The KTT Darling and the Gateron Ink Yellow are both linear mechanical keyboard switches, but they offer distinct typing experiences. The Darling is best known for its chewy and substantial typing sensation, coupled with a pronounced bounciness that adds a springy responsiveness to each keystroke. It delivers a high-pitched, resonant sound upon bottoming out, providing a blend of tactile and auditory feedback. On the other hand, the Ink Yellow offers a shorter travel and is recommended for those seeking a typing experience between a laptop and a standard mechanical keyboard. It boasts a smooth and clacky feel. While the Darling is bouncy and clacky, the Ink Yellow is neutral and polished. Both switches have their unique advantages, but diving deeper into their specific characteristics will help you decide on the best switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
60g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.50 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the KTT Darling and the Gateron Ink Yellow switches offer unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences. The Darling's polycarbonate top housing provides a sharper, higher-pitched sound that is clear and resonant, making it ideal for those who prefer a crisper typing experience. On the other hand, the Ink Yellow's proprietary INK blend top housing offers a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound that is described as clacky, providing a satisfying typing experience without being overly sharp.
In terms of the bottom housing materials, the Darling's nylon bottom housing creates a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, absorbing more sound and resulting in a duller and rounder typing experience. Similarly, the Ink Yellow's proprietary INK blend bottom housing also offers a pointed and high-pitched sound profile, contributing to the overall clacky feel of the switch. While both switches have different bottom housing materials, they both aim to provide a unique typing experience that caters to individuals looking for a specific sound profile.
Overall, the choice of housing materials for switches plays a significant role in determining the sound profile and feel of the typing experience. Whether it's the stiffer polycarbonate top housing of the Darling or the softer nylon bottom housing of the same switch, each material contributes uniquely to the overall sound and feel of the switch. Similarly, the INK blend top and bottom housing materials of the Gateron Ink Yellow create a cohesive sound profile that is consistent throughout the typing experience, providing a satisfying clacky feel to users.
Weight
In comparing the KTT Darling linear switch and the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch, there are notable differences in terms of actuation force and bottom out force. The KTT Darling has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, making it a medium-light option. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Yellow has a higher actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 67 grams, placing it in the medium-heavy category. The Darling switch is lighter overall, making it more suitable for those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Ink Yellow switch offers a heavier push feel, which may be preferred by those seeking a more substantial typing experience. Whether one opts for the lighter Darling switch or the heavier Ink Yellow switch will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
The KTT Darling linear switch and the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch both have a travel distance of 3.5 mm, making them equal in this aspect. Both switches offer users the same amount of distance to press down on a key, resulting in a similar typing experience. Whether you choose the Darling or the Ink Yellow switch, you can expect to feel the same travel distance when using either one. So in terms of travel distance, both switches will provide you with comparable results.
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 Yellow has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ink Yellow for $7.35.
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 characterized by a clacky and high-pitched sound that is resonant upon bottoming out, offering a tactile and auditory experience that is engaging and pronounced. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch is described as having a neutral sound profile, with a moderate clackiness that provides a smoother and less sharp typing experience. The sound of both switches can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the KTT Darling linear switch is known for its bouncy and springy feedback, giving each keystroke a lively and responsive feel. In contrast, the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch offers a mild typing experience with a polished finish, resulting in a more gentle and approachable feel for most users. The smoothness and lack of friction in the Ink Yellow switch contribute to a sleek and refined typing sensation.
Considering all the available information, it is clear that the KTT Darling linear switch and the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Darling provides a chewy and substantial typing sensation with a bouncy responsiveness and high-pitched, resonant sound, the Ink Yellow offers a smoother, neutral typing experience with a mild and polished feel. Both switches have their unique characteristics that appeal to different preferences, so choosing between the two would depend on individual preference for sound and feel profiles during typing.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the KTT Darling linear switch and the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch, consider your preferences for typing sensation, sound, and feel. If you prefer a typing experience that feels substantial, bouncy, and produces a resonant, high-pitched sound, the KTT Darling switch may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother typing experience with a shorter travel distance and a clacky sound profile, the Gateron Ink Yellow switch could be more suited to your liking. Ultimately, your decision should be based on what characteristics you prioritize in a mechanical keyboard switch to enhance your typing experience.
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