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KTT Darling vs. Bsun Jade Rosales

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

Overview

When exploring the world of mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options stand out: the KTT Darling and the Bsun Jade Rosales, both linear switches, yet distinctly different in their user experience. The KTT Darling is celebrated for its chewy, substantial feel, which provides a delightful sensory experience akin to sinking your fingers into something comforting. This switch offers a pronounced bounciness, contributing to its springy responsiveness, and it also delivers a resonant, high-pitched sound that adds an engaging auditory element to your typing. In contrast, the Bsun Jade Rosales switches – refined over a year by XY Studio – prioritize smoothness, thanks to their meticulously designed housings and custom lubrication techniques. While the Darling excels in offering both tactile and auditory feedback, the Jade Rosales is focused on providing an exceptionally smooth and refined experience, appealing to those who seek fluidity in their keystrokes. Ultimately, the choice between these switches hinges on personal preference for either a more dynamic typing experience or a silky-smooth ride. 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

45g

Bottom-out force

53g

Bottom-out force

53g

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

Y3X

Top housing material

Polycarbonate

Top housing material

Polycarbonate

Bottom housing material

Nylon

Bottom housing material

Custom Milky Material

Mount type

PCB (5-pin)

Mount type

PCB (5-pin)

Spring

Stainless steel

Spring

20.5mm single-stage nickel-plated spring

Housing materials

The KTT Darling and Bsun Jade Rosales keyboards both utilize polycarbonate for their top housings, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both models. This shared material characteristic enhances the clarity and resonance of the sounds produced by each keyboard when keys are pressed. Additionally, the translucence of the polycarbonate allows for appealing RGB lighting effects, providing a visually striking aesthetic that many gamers and typists appreciate. Since polycarbonate is known for its stiffer properties compared to other plastics, both keyboards are likely to exhibit similar acoustic signatures, giving users consistent auditory feedback regardless of their choice between the two.

In contrast to their top housings, the KTT Darling opts for nylon as its bottom housing material, while the Bsun Jade Rosales features a proprietary Custom Milky Material. The use of nylon in the Darling provides a deeper and fuller sound profile, attributed to its softer properties that absorb more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder acoustic signature. This can lead to a more muted bottom-out feel when keys are pressed. Meanwhile, the unique blend used in the Jade Rosales’s bottom housing is less defined in terms of its sound characteristics but suggests an approach aimed at potentially combining the benefits of various materials. This divergence in bottom housing materials means that while the top sound response may be similar, the overall typing experience and bottom-out sound will differ between the two keyboards.

Ultimately, the divergence in the bottom housing materials significantly influences how each keyboard feels and sounds during use. While the KTT Darling’s nylon housing lends itself to producing a warmer, rounder sound, the Bsun Jade Rosales’s Custom Milky Material may introduce a different feel, which could be tailored to enhance the typing experience in a unique way. As such, the qualities imparted by each bottom housing will create distinct impressions for users, with the top housing still maintaining a shared resonance from the polycarbonate design. Thus, while both keyboards share certain acoustic traits due to their top materials, their overall performance and tactile feedback will ultimately be shaped by the unique properties of their bottom housings.

Weight

When comparing the KTT Darling linear switch to the Bsun Jade Rosales linear switch, it becomes evident that both switches share the same specifications, featuring an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams. This means users of either switch can expect an identical tactile experience when typing or gaming, as the force required to trigger a keystroke is the same, resulting in similar performance. Both switches are categorized as medium-light, making them lighter options that are easier on the fingers during extended typing sessions or long gaming marathons. Consequently, those who prefer a lighter touch will find both switches suitable for their needs, as they offer a comfortable balance between responsiveness and durability without overwhelming users with excessive resistance.

Travel distance

The KTT Darling linear switch and the Bsun Jade Rosales linear switch both feature the same travel distance of 3.5 mm, meaning users can expect a comparable tactile experience when pressing down on the keys for either switch. With identical travel distances, both switches will deliver similar results in terms of key feel and responsiveness. Therefore, whether opting for the Darling or the Jade Rosales, users can anticipate consistent performance and feedback during their typing or gaming sessions, making either choice equally suitable for those who prioritize a specific 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 Jade Rosales has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Jade Rosales 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

The KTT Darling linear switch is notable for its distinct sound profile. It produces a clacky, high-pitched resonance that sharpens the auditory feedback during typing, creating an engaging and immersive experience. This sound is crisp and bright, reminiscent of classic mechanical switches. When the keys are bottomed out, the Darling's resonant tone adds to the immersion, making each keystroke feel definitive. In contrast, the Bsun Jade Rosales linear switch does not have a defined sound profile mentioned, which might lead to expectations of a more subdued acoustic character. However, the sound quality can also vary based on the keyboard's design and the chosen keycaps, so it could lend itself to a softer auditory experience depending on those factors.

When it comes to the feel of these switches, the KTT Darling provides a uniquely satisfying experience marked by its bounciness. This switch delivers a springy, elastic response that enhances the tactile sensation with each keystroke, allowing users to feel a noticeable rebound that contributes to a lively typing experience. This characteristic makes the Darling enjoyable for long typing sessions and could foster a sense of engagement with the keyboard. On the other hand, the feel of the Jade Rosales switches isn't detailed in the information provided, though they are claimed to deliver an exceptionally smooth typing experience. This smoothness could imply a more consistent keystroke without the pronounced bounciness of the Darling, potentially appealing to those who prefer a fluid typing rhythm.

Overall, while both switches offer appealing attributes, they cater to different preferences in terms of sound and feel. The KTT Darling stands out with its clacky sound and bouncy feel, making it ideal for users who appreciate pronounced acoustic and tactile feedback. The Jade Rosales offers the promise of smoothness, potentially offering a quieter experience, although specifics are lacking. Both switches will provide enjoyable typing experiences, and depending on personal preference for sound and feel, you might find that you can grab either for a satisfying typing experience, emphasizing different qualities based on your choice.

Conclusion

To conclude, when determining which switch to choose between the KTT Darling and the Bsun Jade Rosales linear switches, you'll want to consider your personal preferences for both sound and feel in your typing experience. If you’re looking for a switch that offers a chewy sensation with a pronounced bounce and a satisfying auditory feedback—think high-pitched, clacky sounds—then the KTT Darling is your go-to option. This switch is ideal for those who enjoy a more engaging tactile experience and don’t mind the attention that comes with its resonant sound profile. On the other hand, if your priority lies in an exceptionally smooth and quiet typing experience, the Bsun Jade Rosales would suit you better. These switches have been meticulously refined to deliver a sleek keystroke without the added noise, perfect for quieter environments or long typing sessions where sound might be an issue. Ultimately, your decision will hinge on whether you prefer a lively, auditory typing experience or a smooth and subtle one.

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