KTT Darling vs. SP-Star Meteor White
An in-depth look at the KTT Darling and the SP-Star Meteor White switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two options stand out for their unique characteristics: the KTT Darling and the SP-Star Meteor White, both of which are linear switches. The Darling is renowned for its chewy and substantial typing sensation, coupled with a bouncy and springy responsiveness that makes each keystroke a delight. It also produces a resonant, high-pitched sound upon bottoming out, providing a blend of tactile and auditory feedback. In contrast, the Meteor White offers a more subdued experience, with an easy push and a gentle, pitter-patter sound profile that exudes softness. While the Darling is categorized as 'Bouncy', 'Clacky', 'High-pitched', 'Resonant', the Meteor White falls under 'Neutral', 'Mild', 'Thocky', 'Polished'. If you prefer a more engaging and bouncy typing experience, the Darling may be the choice for you; 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
Gold plated
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the KTT Darling and the SP-Star Meteor White, we see that the Darling boasts a polycarbonate top housing, known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile due to its relatively stiffer plastic composition. Additionally, the translucent nature of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that utilize RGB lighting. On the other hand, the Meteor White features a nylon top housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to polycarbonate. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound overall.
Moving on to the bottom housings, both the Darling and the Meteor White utilize nylon for their bottom housings. This classic switch housing material contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, absorbing more sound than harder plastics. The impact of the bottom housing is most noticeable during the bottom-out sound and feel of a keypress. Since both switches employ nylon for their bottom housings, users can expect similar sound qualities from this aspect of the switches. However, the top housing of each switch will provide different sound characteristics when keys are released.
Overall, while the Darling and Meteor White differ in their top housing materials, they share similarities in their bottom housing material. The stiffer polycarbonate top housing of the Darling results in a crisper sound profile, whereas the softer nylon top housing of the Meteor White offers a deeper sound experience. Both switches benefit from the sound-absorbing qualities of nylon in their bottom housings, creating a fuller sound profile when typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches may come down to personal preference in sound profile and aesthetics.
Weight
The KTT Darling linear switch and the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch both fall into the medium-light category in terms of actuation force and bottom out force. The Darling has a slightly lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Meteor White, whose actuation force is unknown. However, the bottom out force of the Meteor White is heavier at 57 grams, while the Darling requires 53 grams to bottom out. When it comes to weight preferences, some users may appreciate the lighter actuation force of the Darling for longer typing sessions, while others may prefer the heavier bottom out force of the Meteor White for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, both switches offer a similar typing experience, with minor differences in actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The KTT Darling linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. In comparing the two, the Darling offers a shorter travel distance, which makes it ideal for those seeking a more responsive typing or gaming experience. On the other hand, the Meteor White linear switch provides a slightly longer travel distance, offering a deeper key press feel that some users may find more satisfying. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference and the specific needs of the user. Both switches offer their own unique benefits, so users can expect similar results in terms of performance despite the slight difference in travel distance.
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 White has an MSRP of $5.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Meteor White 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
In terms of sound, the KTT Darling linear switch offers a unique typing experience with its clacky, high-pitched, and resonant characteristics, creating a sharp and engaging sound profile. On the other hand, the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch provides a more subdued and gentle sound profile, described as neutral and thocky, offering a softer and quieter typing experience overall. While the Darling delivers a more pronounced auditory feedback with its resonant and high-pitched sound, the Meteor White's sound profile is soft and pitter-patter-like, catering to those who prefer a more muted typing experience.
When it comes to feel, the KTT Darling linear switch is characterized by its bouncy sensation, providing a springy and responsive feedback with each keystroke. In contrast, the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch offers a mild and polished typing experience, with a smoother key travel due to either materials used or factory lubing. The Meteor White's typing feel is gentle and approachable, standing in a safe middle-ground zone in terms of feedback and actuation force requirement.
Overall, the KTT Darling linear switch and SP-Star Meteor White linear switch offer distinct qualities in both sound and feel. The Darling excels in providing a tactile and resonant typing experience with its bouncy and high-pitched sound, appealing to those who prefer a more pronounced feedback. On the other hand, the Meteor White caters to users looking for a softer and quieter typing experience with its subdued sound profile and mild feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference, with the Darling offering a more lively and engaging typing experience, while the Meteor White provides a gentle and polished feel for a more relaxed typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the KTT Darling linear switch and the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch, consider the typing experience you prefer. If you enjoy a more substantial and bouncy feel with a high-pitched and resonant sound profile, the Darling switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a softer and more gentle typing experience with a neutral or thocky sound profile, the Meteor White switch might be more to your liking. Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference and the specific typing sensation and sound profile you are looking for in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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