KTT Darling vs. KTT Kang White
An in-depth look at the KTT Darling and the KTT Kang White switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The KTT Darling and the KTT Kang White are both linear mechanical keyboard switches that offer unique features to enhance your typing experience. The Darling provides a chewy and substantial typing sensation with a pronounced bounciness, creating a satisfying and springy feel with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Kang White offers a dazzling typing sound and unparalleled smoothness, thanks to its self-lubricating material. While the Darling is known for its bouncy, clacky, and high-pitched characteristics, the Kang White is categorized as low-pitched and neutral. These differences give users the option to choose between a more tactile and engaging typing experience with the Darling or a smoother and quieter option with the Kang White. 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
58g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
Both the KTT Darling and the KTT Kang White feature polycarbonate top housings, which are known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a relatively stiff plastic that leads to a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that plan to utilize RGB lighting. The similar top housing material ensures that both switches will have a consistent sound profile and aesthetic appeal when it comes to the top portion of the switch.
On the other hand, the nylon bottom housings of the Darling and the Kang White differ slightly in terms of sound profile. Nylon is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound compared to other housing materials due to its softer nature and sound-absorbing properties. While both switches maintain the classic switch housing material of nylon for their bottom housings, the specific design and implementation of the material may impact the overall typing experience and sound output of each switch. This variation in bottom housing materials allows for a unique typing experience between the two switches.
When it comes to using different housing materials for the top and bottom of a switch, the qualities brought by each material will be distinctly felt depending on where the pressure is applied. The bottom housing material will have a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing material will influence the sound when releasing a key. This means that the combination of polycarbonate and nylon housings in the Darling and Kang White switches allows for a dynamic typing experience that balances the sharpness and clarity of polycarbonate with the depth and fullness of nylon.
Weight
Both the KTT Darling linear switch and the KTT Kang White linear switch have the same actuation force of 45 grams, providing a consistent experience when initiating a keystroke. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Darling has a lighter bottom out force of 53 grams, making it slightly easier to fully press down compared to the Kang White with a bottom out force of 58 grams. This difference means that the Darling may be more suitable for those who prefer a lighter typing experience, while the Kang White offers a slightly heavier push feel for those seeking a more substantial typing sensation. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The KTT Darling linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the KTT Kang White linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the KTT Darling has a shorter travel distance compared to the KTT Kang White. The Darling's 3.5 mm travel distance is shorter than the more traditional 4.0 mm, which may make it favorable for gamers seeking faster response times. On the other hand, the Kang White's 4 mm travel distance offers a slightly deeper feel when typing, which may be preferred by those looking for a more substantial key press experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on individual preference for travel distance and desired typing experience.
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 KTT Kang White comes in at $1.99 per 10 switches.
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 clacky, high-pitched, and resonant typing experience, producing a sharp, crisp, and immersive sound when pressed. On the other hand, the KTT Kang White linear switch provides a low-pitched and neutral typing sound, offering a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to the higher-pitched Darling switch. Depending on personal preference, the Darling switch may be preferred for those who enjoy a more vibrant and engaging typing sound, while the Kang White switch may be favored by those who prefer a calmer and more subdued auditory experience.
When it comes to feel, the KTT Darling linear switch is described as bouncy, providing a springy and elastic feedback sensation that gives a lively feel and rebound when pressed. Unfortunately, information regarding the feel of the KTT Kang White linear switch is not available at this time. However, based on the description of the self-lubricating material used in the Kang White switch, it can be inferred that the switch may offer a smooth and frictionless typing experience.
Overall, the KTT Darling linear switch stands out for its chewy and substantial typing sensation, along with a bouncy and responsive feel, making each keystroke satisfying and engaging. The high-pitched and resonant sound adds to the tactile feedback, creating a dynamic typing experience. On the other hand, the KTT Kang White linear switch offers a dazzling and smooth typing sound, complemented by a self-lubricating material for a frictionless typing feel. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and overall typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a linear switch with a medium-light bottom out force and enjoy a tactile and auditory typing experience, the KTT Darling would be a great choice for you. The Darling offers a chewy and substantial typing sensation with a bouncy and springy responsiveness, creating an engaging blend of feedback. On the other hand, if you prefer a linear switch with a medium bottom out force and prioritize smoothness and a dazzling typing sound, the KTT Kang White would be more suitable for you. The Kang White provides an unparalleled smoothness due to its self-lubricating material and offers a poppy typing sound that is low-pitched and neutral. Ultimately, the choice between the Darling and Kang White switches comes down to your personal preferences for typing feel, sound profile, and bottom out force.
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