KTT Darling vs. SP-Star Meteor Orange
An in-depth look at the KTT Darling and the SP-Star Meteor Orange switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the KTT Darling, a linear switch, and the SP-Star Meteor Orange, a tactile switch, offer distinct typing experiences. The Darling stands out for its chewy and substantial typing sensation, accompanied by a pronounced bounciness that adds a springy responsiveness to keystrokes. With a resonant, high-pitched sound upon bottoming out, this switch provides a unique blend of tactile and auditory feedback. On the other hand, the Meteor Orange switches are praised for their gentle tactility and neutral sound profile, offering a softer and more polished typing experience. While the Darling is characterized by being 'Bouncy', 'Clacky', and 'High-pitched', the Meteor Orange is described as 'Neutral', 'Mild', and 'Thocky'. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
57g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the KTT Darling and the SP-Star Meteor Orange switches offer unique characteristics that impact the sound profile and feel of each switch. The Darling's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, while the Meteor Orange's nylon top housing elicits a deeper and fuller sound. In terms of aesthetics, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting, enhancing the visual appeal of the Darling. On the other hand, the nylon top housing of the Meteor Orange absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Despite these differences, both switches provide a distinct typing experience based on their top housing material.
While the Darling's nylon bottom housing shares similarities with the Meteor Orange in terms of producing a deeper and fuller sound profile, the variation in materials between the top and bottom housings impacts the overall typing experience. The nylon bottom housing of both switches absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound compared to polycarbonate. When pressing down on the switch, the qualities of the bottom housing are more noticeable in the bottom-out sound and feel, influencing the overall typing experience. The split between top and bottom housing materials highlights the importance of considering how each component contributes to the sound and feel of the switch.
In comparing the housing materials of the KTT Darling and the SP-Star Meteor Orange, it is evident that the choice of polycarbonate or nylon significantly influences the sound profile and typing experience of each switch. While polycarbonate offers a crisper and sharper sound in the Darling, nylon in the Meteor Orange creates a deeper and fuller sound. The difference in material properties between the top and bottom housings further enhances the unique characteristics of each switch, affecting how the sound is perceived during key presses and releases. Ultimately, understanding the impact of housing materials is essential for keyboard enthusiasts seeking a specific sound profile and typing feel in their switches.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Darling linear switch and the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch provide different typing experiences. The Darling has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Meteor Orange, which has an unknown actuation force. However, both switches have a similar bottom out force, with the Darling requiring 53 grams and the Meteor Orange requiring 57 grams. Those looking for a lighter typing experience may prefer the Darling switch, as it allows for longer typing sessions without causing fatigue. In contrast, the Meteor Orange offers a slightly heavier bottom out force, providing a more substantial typing feel for those who prefer a firmer key press. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
The KTT Darling linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, which is shorter than the 4 mm travel distance of the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch. Both switches fall within the range of acceptable travel distances for mechanical keyboards, with the Darling being on the shorter end and the Meteor Orange being slightly longer. The Darling may be preferred by those looking for a faster response time, such as gamers, while the Meteor Orange may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial key press feeling. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and 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 SP-Star Meteor Orange has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Meteor Orange for $5.00.
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 linear switch offers a clacky and high-pitched typing experience, accompanied by a resonant and engaging auditory feedback upon bottoming out. On the other hand, the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch provides a neutral sound profile with a thocky quality, resonating a deep and satisfying tone when pressed. Depending on personal preference, the Darling switch may suit those who enjoy a sharper and more pronounced sound, while the Meteor Orange switch caters to individuals looking for a softer and more muted typing noise.
In terms of feel, the KTT Darling switch is characterized by its bouncy and springy feedback, giving each keystroke a lively and elastic sensation. Conversely, the SP-Star Meteor Orange switch offers a mild and polished typing experience, providing a gentle and refined feel with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Those who prefer a more pronounced and lively keystroke may lean towards the Darling switch, while individuals seeking a smoother and more subtle typing experience may opt for the Meteor Orange switch.
Overall, the KTT Darling linear switch and the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch offer distinct qualities in terms of both sound and feel. The Darling switch provides a chewy and substantial typing sensation with a bouncy and clacky sound profile, while the Meteor Orange switch offers a soft and gentle tactility with a neutral and thocky sound profile. Both switches cater to different preferences, so choosing between the two would depend on whether you prioritize a more pronounced and engaging typing experience or a smoother and more subtle feel. Ultimately, selecting the right switch for you will enhance your overall typing enjoyment and satisfaction.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the KTT Darling linear switch and the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch, consider the type of typing experience you prefer. If you enjoy a chewy and substantial typing sensation with pronounced bounciness and a resonant, high-pitched sound, the KTT Darling may be the perfect choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a gentle and soft tactility with a neutral sound profile, the SP-Star Meteor Orange switch would suit your preferences better. Ultimately, the decision should be based on your personal typing style and what qualities you prioritize in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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