KTT Darling vs. Gateron Mini i
An in-depth look at the KTT Darling and the Gateron Mini i switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the KTT Darling and Gateron Mini i offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The KTT Darling, a linear switch, stands out for its chewy and substantial typing sensation, accompanied by a pronounced bounciness that adds a springy responsiveness to keystrokes. It produces a resonant, high-pitched sound upon bottoming out, providing a blend of tactile and auditory feedback. On the other hand, the Gateron Mini i, a tactile switch, offers gentle tactility in each keystroke while maintaining a fairly muted sound profile. The lightweight nature of the Mini i makes it ideal for long hours of comfortable typing, perfect for a quiet office environment. Both switches have their strengths and appeal to different users, but diving deeper into their specific attributes will help you make the best decision for your typing needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.40 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
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
22mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the KTT Darling and the Gateron Mini i, it is evident that both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housings. Nylon is a classic switch housing material known for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, which absorbs more sound than harder plastics. This results in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches with nylon bottom housings. Although both keyboards use nylon for their bottom housings, the overall sound profiles may differ based on the other materials used in the switches.
On the other hand, the KTT Darling features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Polycarbonate is a relatively stiffer plastic compared to nylon, leading to a more clear and resonant sound when typing. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing is especially beneficial if RGB lighting is a consideration, as the translucency of polycarbonate allows for vibrant lighting effects. In contrast, the Gateron Mini i utilizes a nylon top housing, which may result in a different sound profile compared to the polycarbonate top housing of the Darling.
Overall, while both switches share the use of nylon for their bottom housings, the different materials used for the top housings of the KTT Darling and the Gateron Mini i will likely result in distinct sound profiles. The stiffer polycarbonate top housing of the Darling contributes to a sharper and crisper sound, while the softer nylon top housing of the Mini i produces a deeper and fuller sound. The bottom housing material has a significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, while the top housing material affects the sound when releasing a key. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches may come down to the desired sound profile and typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Darling linear switch and the Gateron Mini i tactile switch, we can see that the Darling has a slightly higher actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Mini i's 40 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Darling requires 53 grams while the Mini i needs 50 grams. Both switches fall under the category of lighter weight switches, making them ideal for those who prefer a lighter typing experience. The Darling offers a slightly stronger push feel compared to the Mini i, but overall, users can expect similar results in terms of actuation and bottom out forces when using either switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference for a slightly heavier or lighter typing experience.
Travel distance
The KTT Darling linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Gateron Mini i tactile switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are becoming more popular in keyboards, especially among gamers looking for faster response times. The slight difference in travel distance between the two switches may not be noticeable to the average user, but for those who are more sensitive to key travel, the Gateron Mini i tactile switch may provide a slightly quicker keystroke. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of 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 Gateron Mini i comes in at $6.00 per 10 switches.
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 clacky and high-pitched experience with a resonant tone when bottoming out, providing a satisfying auditory feedback. On the other hand, the Gateron Mini i tactile switch is described as having a neutral sound profile, which is more moderate and suitable for various environments. Both switches offer different sound characteristics, with the Darling being more pronounced and engaging while the Mini i being more subtle and office-friendly.
Moving on to the feel, the KTT Darling linear switch is described as bouncy, providing a springy responsiveness to each keystroke, adding a lively feel to the typing experience. Conversely, the Gateron Mini i tactile switch is also described as bouncy, easy-to-press, mild, snappy, subtle, and stepped, offering a gentle resistance, gentle feedback, and light typing feel. Both switches provide a responsive and comfortable typing experience, with the Darling focusing on a more pronounced bouncy sensation while the Mini i offers a range of mild and easy-to-press qualities.
Overall, the KTT Darling linear switch and the Gateron Mini i tactile switch offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Darling provides a more engaging and resonant sound profile with a pronounced bouncy feel, while the Mini i offers a neutral sound profile and a range of gentle and easy-to-press feedback sensations. Depending on personal preference and the intended use case, users can choose between the chewy satisfaction of the Darling or the comfortable tactility of the Mini i. Ultimately, both switches can provide a satisfying typing experience, albeit with distinct characteristics.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding between the KTT Darling linear switch and the Gateron Mini i tactile switch, consider your preferred typing experience and environment. If you enjoy a substantial, bouncy feel with a pronounced bounciness and high-pitched sound, the KTT Darling may be the switch for you. It offers a chewy sensation and resonant feedback that can enhance your typing experience. On the other hand, if you prioritize a gentle, easy-to-press switch with a neutral sound profile suitable for office settings, the Gateron Mini i may be more fitting. Its light actuation force and muted sound make it ideal for quiet professionalism and extended typing sessions. Ultimately, choose the switch that aligns with your preferences and typing needs to optimize your mechanical keyboard experience.
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