KTT Darling vs. Zuoce Lavender
An in-depth look at the KTT Darling and the Zuoce Lavender switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the KTT Darling and Zuoce Lavender both offer unique and distinct typing experiences. The KTT Darling, a linear switch, is praised for its chewy and substantial typing sensation, accompanied by a bouncy and springy responsiveness that adds a satisfying touch to each keystroke. On the other hand, the Zuoce Lavender switch stands out for its exceptional smoothness and crisp clacky sound signature right out of the box, providing a satisfying typing experience from the start. While the Darling offers a blend of tactile and auditory feedback with its high-pitched sound upon bottoming out, the Lavender is known for its easy-to-press keys and clacky sound profile. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
48g
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
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Z1 (Ly blend)
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
21mm double-staged spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the KTT Darling and the Zuoce Lavender switches offer unique qualities that contribute to the overall sound profile and feel of the switches. In terms of top housing, the Darling's polycarbonate material provides a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, while the Lavender's POM material creates a deeper and more muted sound. Both materials have their strengths, with polycarbonate offering clarity and resonance, and POM providing a pleasing and unique sound experience. However, the choice between the two will ultimately depend on personal preference for sound output.
Moving on to bottom housing, the Darling's nylon material offers a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound. Similarly, the Lavender's POM bottom housing contributes to a deeper and more muted sound profile. Despite the differences in materials, both switches aim to provide a satisfying typing experience with their respective housing materials. The nylon and POM materials each bring their own qualities to the switches, impacting the overall sound and feel depending on the user's preference for sound depth and resonance.
When comparing the top and bottom housing materials of the KTT Darling and Zuoce Lavender switches, it's clear that the combination of materials plays a significant role in the overall typing experience. While the Darling features polycarbonate and nylon materials for its top and bottom housings respectively, the Lavender utilizes POM for both components. This results in contrasting sound profiles, with the Darling offering a sharper and clearer sound due to the polycarbonate top housing, and a deeper sound courtesy of the nylon bottom housing. On the other hand, the Lavender's POM material for both housings creates a consistent and pleasing sound experience that may appeal to users looking for a more uniform typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for sound profile and typing experience.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Darling linear switch and the Zuoce Lavender linear switch are quite similar, with both switches falling into the category of medium-light switches. The KTT Darling has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, slightly lighter than the Zuoce Lavender which has an actuation force of 48 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams. Both switches offer a relatively light typing experience, making them suitable for those who prefer a lighter touch when typing for extended periods of time. The slight difference in actuation force may result in a slightly different typing feel between the two switches, with the KTT Darling feeling slightly lighter than the Zuoce Lavender. Ultimately, both switches offer a similar typing experience in terms of force requirements, making them both good options for those looking for a medium-light linear switch.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the KTT Darling linear switch and the Zuoce Lavender linear switch, we find that the Darling has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Lavender has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are becoming increasingly popular in keyboards. Gamers especially tend to prefer shorter travel distances for quicker response times. However, some users may find a shorter travel distance to feel too abrupt, while others may appreciate the added depth provided by a slightly longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the Darling and Lavender switches will depend on individual preferences for key feel and responsiveness.
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 Zuoce Lavender has an MSRP of $2.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Lavender for $1.99.
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 high-pitched and resonant typing experience, creating a sharp and crisp sound that is engaging and immersive. On the other hand, the Zuoce Lavender linear switch provides a clacky sound that is described as sharp, snappy, and percussive. Both switches offer distinct sound profiles that can enhance the overall typing experience, depending on personal preference and other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps being used.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the KTT Darling linear switch is known for its bouncy sensation, providing a spring-like feedback that adds a lively feel to each keystroke. In contrast, the Zuoce Lavender linear switch is described as easy-to-press, offering a gentle resistance during key presses that require minimal force to activate. This light actuation force enhances the typing experience by providing a responsive and low-impact feel that reduces finger fatigue during extended typing sessions.
Overall, both the KTT Darling and Zuoce Lavender linear switches offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel that cater to different preferences. The Darling switch provides a chewy and substantial typing sensation with a pronounced bounciness and high-pitched sound, while the Lavender switch boasts exceptional smoothness and a crisp, clacky sound signature. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for typing feel, sound profile, and overall typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the KTT Darling linear switch and the Zuoce Lavender linear switch, you should consider the typing experience you prefer. If you enjoy a chewy and substantial feel with a bouncy and springy responsiveness, along with a high-pitched and resonant sound profile, then the Darling switch may be the best choice for you. On the other hand, if you value exceptional smoothness right out of the box, along with a crisp and clacky sound signature, and an easy-to-press typing sensation that reduces finger fatigue during extended typing sessions, then the Lavender switch might be the better option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for typing feel, sound profile, and overall typing experience.
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