KTT Darling vs. Gazzew LT

Overview

Mechanical keyboard enthusiasts looking for a new switch to enhance their typing experience may find themselves torn between the KTT Darling and the Gazzew LT. The KTT Darling, a linear switch, boasts a typing sensation that is described as chewy and substantial, with a bouncy and springy responsiveness complementing each keystroke. The high-pitched, resonant sound upon bottoming out adds to the tactile and auditory feedback, creating an engaging experience. On the other hand, the Gazzew LT, also a linear switch, stands out with its enticing lilac hue and offers an auditory symphony of deep, resonant thockiness with every key press. The seamless glide provided by the LTs adds to the overall typing experience. While the Darling is characterized as 'Bouncy', 'Clacky', 'High-pitched', 'Resonant', and the GT is 'Bassy', 'Thocky', 'Low-pitched', both switches have their unique qualities that 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

Gazzew LT Linear

$4.50

$3.90 per 10

$6.50 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The housing materials of the KTT Darling and the Gazzew LT switches offer different sound profiles and tactile experiences. The Darling's polycarbonate top housing provides a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness, while the LT's Gazzew blend top housing produces a rich and deep sound because of its softness. In terms of aesthetics, the polycarbonate top housing of the Darling is translucent, making it ideal for switches with RGB lighting, whereas the LT's Gazzew blend top housing does not offer this feature.

In terms of the bottom housing materials, the Darling's nylon bottom housing creates a deeper and fuller sound profile by absorbing more sound with its softer plastic properties. On the other hand, the LT's Gazzew blend bottom housing also delivers a rich and deep sound profile due to its softness, similar to its top housing. Both switches offer a unique tactile experience based on the properties of their respective bottom housing materials, with the Darling providing a duller and rounder sound compared to the LT's deep and rich sound profile.

Overall, the housing materials of the KTT Darling and Gazzew LT switches play a significant role in shaping the sound profile and tactile experience of each switch. While the Darling uses polycarbonate for its top housing and nylon for its bottom housing, creating a crisp and deep sound respectively, the Gazzew LT utilizes a proprietary plastic blend for both the top and bottom housing to deliver a rich and deep sound profile overall. Whether it's the sharper sound of the Darling or the deeper sound of the LT, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences in typing experience.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Darling linear switch and the Gazzew LT linear switch, there are some noticeable differences. The Darling has an actuation force of 45 grams, making it on the lighter side, while the LT's actuation force is unspecified. In terms of bottom out force, the Darling requires 53 grams, still remaining in the medium-light range, whereas the LT has a bottom out force of 65 grams, placing it in the medium-heavy category. Those who prefer a lighter touch may lean towards the Darling for longer typing sessions or gaming, while those who prefer a stronger push feel may opt for the LT for a more substantial typing experience. Overall, the actuation and bottom out forces of these switches provide users with options to cater to their specific preferences for typing feel and performance.

Travel distance

The travel distance of the KTT Darling linear switch is 3.5mm, while the Gazzew LT linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.2mm. Both switches offer a shorter travel distance compared to the more traditional 4.0mm standard. Gamers who prioritize faster response times may prefer the Gazzew LT with its shorter travel distance. On the other hand, those who enjoy a more substantial keypress may opt for the KTT Darling with its slightly longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to individual preference for keypress feel and responsiveness.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The KTT Darling linear switch is known for its unique typing sensation that is described as chewy and substantial, providing a satisfying feeling reminiscent of sinking one's fingers into something enjoyable. It offers a pronounced bounciness, adding a springy responsiveness to each keystroke. Acoustically, the Darling produces a high-pitched sound upon bottoming out, creating a blend of tactile and auditory feedback that is engaging and resonant. On the other hand, the Gazzew LT linear switch is distinguished by its enticing lilac hue and offers an auditory symphony of deep, resonant thockiness. Typing on the LT switches provides a seamless glide with every keystroke, offering a rich and satisfying sound profile with a bassy and thocky tone.

Considering the sound qualities, the Darling switch leans towards a higher-pitched and resonant sound profile with a noticeable clacky characteristic. On the other hand, the LT switch is described with low-pitched, bassy, and thocky attributes that create a deep and rich auditory experience. When it comes to the feel of the switches, the Darling is characterized as bouncy, providing a spring-like feedback sensation that adds to the overall typing experience.

In conclusion, the KTT Darling linear switch and the Gazzew LT linear switch offer unique and distinct qualities in terms of both sound and feel. The Darling switch presents a chewy and bouncy typing experience with a high-pitched and resonant sound profile, while the LT switch delivers a thocky and smooth typing experience with a deep and bassy sound profile. Both switches provide a satisfying typing experience, but the choice between them ultimately depends on personal preferences for sound and feel. If you enjoy a more bouncy and high-pitched typing sensation, the Darling switch may be the preferred option. On the other hand, if you appreciate a smooth glide and deep, resonant thockiness, the LT switch could be more suitable for your needs.

Conclusion

In closing, when deciding between the KTT Darling linear switch and the Gazzew LT linear switch, consider your preferences in typing sensation, sound, and feel. Choose the Darling if you enjoy a chewy and substantial typing experience with a pronounced bounciness and high-pitched, resonant sound upon bottoming out. Opt for the LT if you prefer an auditory symphony of deep, resonant thockiness with a seamless glide during keystrokes. The Darling is great for those who appreciate a bouncy feel, while the LT offers a bassy, thocky sound profile. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences and typing style.

Mentioned in this article

KTT Darling Linear

$4.50

$3.90 per 10

Learn more

Gazzew LT Linear

$6.50 per 10

Learn more