KTT Darling vs. Gateron Lunar Probe
An in-depth look at the KTT Darling and the Gateron Lunar Probe switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the KTT Darling and Gateron Lunar Probe stand as two compelling contenders in the realm of linear switches, each offering unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The KTT Darling is celebrated for its chewy and substantial typing sensation, evoking an immersive experience that feels like your fingers are gently sinking into each key. With a pronounced bounciness, it not only delivers a springy responsiveness but also provides a high-pitched, resonant sound upon bottoming out, giving users an engaging auditory feedback that some may find exhilarating. On the other hand, the Gateron Lunar Probe emphasizes smoothness and stability, thanks to Gateron’s innovative dual rail mechanism that ensures consistent keypresses. These switches come pre-lubed, enhancing the overall feel by providing a silky linear experience with a more subtle sound profile. Both switches have their own merits, appealing to enthusiasts who might prioritize an engaging auditory experience or smooth keystrokes. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Double-staged spring
Housing materials
The KTT Darling and Gateron Lunar Probe both feature polycarbonate as their material for the top housing, which significantly influences their acoustic characteristics. Polycarbonate's stiff nature allows for a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This shared material results in a clear and resonant sound, making the acoustics of both switches appealing for those who prefer a more pronounced auditory feedback while typing. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of the switches but also complements the integration of RGB lighting, illuminating the switches evenly and creating a vibrant visual effect. Users can expect a similar sound profile from both switches due to this uniformity in top housing material.
Contrasting the top housings, the KTT Darling and Gateron Lunar Probe utilize nylon for their bottom housings. Nylon is known for its softer texture, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to harder plastics. This material absorbs sound more effectively, resulting in a duller, rounder auditory experience when typing. As the bottom housing plays a critical role in the bottom-out sound and feel of a switch, both the Darling and Lunar Probe will present similar tactile responses due to their identical bottom housing materials. Consequently, switches will yield a softer sounding experience during key presses while maintaining their overall sound clarity through their polycarbonate top.
In summary, while both the KTT Darling and Gateron Lunar Probe share the same polycarbonate top housing, creating a consistent, crisp sound, their nylon bottom housings will deliver a deeper acoustic quality. The combination of these materials ensures that users will experience a nuanced sound signature where the top housing dictates the sharpness and clarity upon releasing a key, while the bottom housing influences the warmth and depth during the act of pressing a key. This balance of materials not only provides an enjoyable typing experience but also aligns closely, allowing enthusiasts to achieve comparable audio and tactile sensations across both switches.
Weight
When comparing the KTT Darling linear switch and the Gateron Lunar Probe linear switch, both exhibit the same actuation force of 45 grams, which means users will experience similar keystroke triggers with both switches. However, the bottom out force differs slightly; the Darling has a bottom out force of 53 grams, making it feel a bit heavier when fully pressed down compared to the Lunar Probe’s lighter bottom out force of 50 grams. This means that while both switches are easy to press down initially, the Darling will require slightly more force to bottom out, providing a more substantial typing feel that some might prefer. Overall, the Gateron Lunar Probe, being lighter overall with both a lower bottom out force and lighter actuation, may be better suited for those who type for extended periods or engage in long gaming sessions, whereas the KTT Darling, with its heavier bottom out force, could appeal more to users who enjoy a firmer response from their switches.
Travel distance
The KTT Darling linear switch features a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Gateron Lunar Probe linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. This difference of just 0.1 mm may seem minimal, but it can influence the overall typing experience. Gamers seeking rapid response times might prefer the shorter KTT Darling, as its 3.5 mm travel distance can facilitate quicker key presses. Conversely, those who appreciate a bit more depth in their keystrokes may find the Gateron Lunar Probe more satisfying due to its 3.6 mm travel distance. While both switches are relatively close in their travel distances, the Darling offers a slightly more responsive feel, while the Lunar Probe provides a deeper, more substantial 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 Gateron Lunar Probe has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Lunar Probe for $4.19.
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
When it comes to sound, the KTT Darling switch stands out with its clacky and resonant auditory profile. Users can expect a crisp and bright sharpness, often described as high-pitched and immersive. This creates an engaging experience each time a key bottoms out, providing lively auditory feedback that contributes to an overall enjoyable typing session. In contrast, the Gateron Lunar Probe features a subtle sound signature, though specific descriptive qualities regarding its acoustic performance are not provided. Due to sound being influenced by other factors such as the keyboard construction and keycap material, it’s possible the Lunar Probe can deliver a more muted experience compared to the Darling.
In terms of feel, the KTT Darling excels with its chewy and substantial typing sensation, paired with a notable bounciness that gives an enjoyable spring-like response. This lively feedback enhances the overall engagement during typing, making each keystroke feel satisfying and responsive. On the other hand, the Gateron Lunar Probe is characterized by an incredibly smooth linear sensation, thanks in part to its unique dual rail mechanism. However, since there are no additional details available about its tactile feedback, a direct comparison regarding the feel of these switches remains uncertain.
In conclusion, while both switches offer distinct subjective experiences, the KTT Darling is clearly recognized for its prominent auditory and tactile feedback. The pronounced sound characteristics and bouncy feel make it a choice for those seeking an engaging typing experience. The Gateron Lunar Probe, with its smooth operation and subtle sound, appeals to users preferring a more subdued experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two linear switches will depend on personal preferences, but both promise to deliver quality and satisfaction within their respective sound and feel parameters.
Conclusion
To conclude, the decision between the KTT Darling and the Gateron Lunar Probe linear switches ultimately depends on your typing preferences and the kind of experience you seek. If you enjoy a typing experience that feels chewy and substantial, accompanied by a pronounced bounciness and a higher-pitched, clacky sound profile, the KTT Darling is likely a better fit for you. Its medium-light bottom out force of 53 grams provides a satisfying, engaging sensation that can enhance your overall typing experience, making it ideal for those who appreciate both tactile and auditory feedback. Conversely, if you prioritize an incredibly smooth, light touch with a subtler sound signature, the Gateron Lunar Probe might be your switch of choice, especially given its bottom out force of just 50 grams and the stability offered by Gateron's innovative dual rail mechanism. This switch will be perfect for users who favor a consistent, whisper-quiet keystroke experience, making it an excellent option for a quiet workspace or late-night typing sessions. Ultimately, your choice should reflect your unique balance of factors: tactile feedback, sound level, and overall keystroke comfort.
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