KTT Darling vs. Kailh BCP

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switch can significantly impact your typing experience, and two popular linear switches worth considering are the KTT Darling and the Kailh BCP. The KTT Darling stands out with its unique chewy and substantial feel, reminiscent of sinking one’s fingers into a satisfying medium, along with a pronounced bounciness that enhances the springy responsiveness of each keystroke. This switch also delivers an exciting high-pitched and resonant sound upon bottoming out, making it a great choice for those who appreciate both tactile and auditory feedback. On the other hand, the Kailh BCP reinterprets the beloved Black Cherry Pie switch with a creamy, viscous texture that provides an elastic and bouncy typing sensation. The BCP is designed for convenience with its custom-molded construction, eliminating the need for disassembly, and features a distinctive poppy and clacky sound profile that many typists enjoy. Each switch has its unique attributes that can cater to different preferences; 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

Kailh BCP Linear

$4.50

$3.90 per 10

$5.00

$4.75 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When comparing the KTT Darling and the Kailh BCP switches, a notable contrast arises from the materials used for their top housings. The Darling employs polycarbonate for its top housing, resulting in a sharper and crisper sound profile due to the stiffer nature of the material. This property allows for a more resonant sound, making the Darling particularly suitable for setups that utilize RGB lighting, as the clear polycarbonate enhances the visual effect of the illumination. In contrast, the BCP switch features a nylon top housing, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer quality of nylon helps absorb more sound, producing a more mellow auditory experience. Thus, the differences in top housing materials significantly impact user experience and sound characteristics.

Turning to the bottom housing, both the KTT Darling and Kailh BCP switches utilize nylon, offering a consistent auditory experience in this area. The nylon bottom housing found in both switches is designed to deliver that deeper and more rounded sound profile, as the material inherently dampens sounds more effectively than a harder plastic would. This similarity ensures that despite the difference in top housing materials, the overall sound experience can be comparable when typing, particularly in the bottoming-out phase of the keystroke, where the bottom housing's qualities become most prominent.

Ultimately, the distinct characteristics of the KTT Darling and Kailh BCP switches illustrate how the combination of varying materials influences the sound and feel of each switch. While the Darling's polycarbonate top housing provides a brighter, more resonant response, the BCP’s nylon top housing cultivates a mellower sound. However, both switches benefit from the nylon bottom housing, which harmonizes their performance by producing that deeper, fuller sound. This dual-natured approach showcases how different materials can affect a switch's profile and soundscape, yet lead to a cohesive typing experience by utilizing similar materials in the bottom housing.

Weight

When comparing the KTT Darling linear switch to the Kailh BCP linear switch, distinct differences in actuation and bottom out forces emerge. The KTT Darling features a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, classifying it as medium-light. In contrast, the Kailh BCP requires a heavier actuation force of 52 grams and has a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, making it medium-heavy. This means that users who favor a lighter switch may prefer the Darling for extended typing or gaming sessions, as it allows for less effort with each keystroke. On the other hand, those who appreciate a more substantial typing experience may gravitate towards the BCP's heavier force, which offers a firmer feedback. Overall, the Darling is the lighter option, while the BCP proves to be the heavier switch, providing different tactile experiences to suit varied user preferences.

Travel distance

Both the KTT Darling linear switch and the Kailh BCP linear switch feature the same travel distance of 3.5 mm, meaning that when pressing down on a key, users will experience identical distances for both switches. This similarity ensures that the actuation feel and keypress response are consistent across both options, allowing for a uniform typing experience. Consequently, whether one opts for the Darling or the BCP, they can expect the same traveling distance, resulting in comparable performance during use.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the KTT Darling switch offers a lively auditory experience characterized by a clacky, high-pitched, and resonant quality. Each keystroke produces a crisp and bright sound, ideally suited for those who enjoy sharper, more percussive feedback while typing. This high-pitched sound profile creates an engaging atmosphere that complements its tactile experience. In contrast, the Kailh BCP switch does not have a specific sound profile outlined, so its acoustic qualities remain unknown. However, it's important to remember that sound characteristics can also be influenced by the choice of board and keycaps, meaning that users might achieve similar auditory experiences with different configurations.

In terms of feel, the KTT Darling provides a unique typing sensation that many users describe as chewy and substantial, reminiscent of engulfing one's fingers into a soft, yielding surface. This is accompanied by a pronounced bounce that contributes a level of responsiveness that enhances the overall typing experience. On the other hand, the Kailh BCP linear switch is noted for its creamy, viscous, and elastic feedback, creating an engaging typing experience marked by a notable bounciness. While both switches aim to deliver a dynamic and responsive feel, the Darling stands out for its chewy texture, whereas the BCP focuses more on a smooth, elastic sensation.

Overall, both the KTT Darling and Kailh BCP linear switches cater to users seeking unique auditory and tactile experiences. The Darling excels with its crisp, resonant sound and a chewy, bouncy feel, making it ideal for enthusiasts who enjoy a lively typing experience. The specifics of the BCP's sound remain unknown, but its creamy and elastic feel provides a distinctive option for those who prioritize smoothness in their keystrokes. Ultimately, whether one favors the Darling's pronounced characteristics or the BCP's smooth elasticity, both switches promise engaging experiences that can adapt based on personal preferences and setups.

Conclusion

To conclude, when deciding between the KTT Darling and the Kailh BCP linear switches, it’s essential to consider your own typing style and preferences. If you prefer a lighter touch with a medium-light actuation force and enjoy a typing experience that feels both chewy and springy, the KTT Darling could be the perfect fit for you. Its higher-pitched, clacky sound profile provides an engaging auditory feedback that pairs wonderfully with its bouncy feel, making it well-suited for both typing and gaming scenarios where responsiveness is crucial. On the other hand, if you lean towards a more substantial keypress with a medium-heavy bottom-out force and appreciate a creamy, viscous sensation, the Kailh BCP might be your go-to choice. With a focus on ease of use due to its design, this switch delivers a satisfying, elastic feedback that can enhance your typing experience while producing a unique poppy sound. Ultimately, both switches offer distinct experiences, so aligning your choice with your preferences in sound and feel will lead you to the keyboard that best meets your needs.

Mentioned in this article

KTT Darling Linear

$4.50

$3.90 per 10

Learn more

Kailh BCP Linear

$5.00

$4.75 per 10

Learn more