KTT Darling vs. Gateron Mountain Top
An in-depth look at the KTT Darling and the Gateron Mountain Top switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two popular linear options stand out: the KTT Darling and the Gateron Mountain Top. The KTT Darling is lauded for its chewy and substantial typing sensation, accompanied by a pronounced bounciness and a high-pitched, resonant sound upon bottoming out. This switch is perfect for those who seek a tactile and auditory feedback blend. On the other hand, the Gateron Mountain Top is designed for office environments, offering a quiet yet not entirely silent typing experience with a light actuation. Ideal for professional settings requiring continuous typing with discretion. While these general descriptions provide a good starting point for choosing a switch, further exploration is needed to determine which option best suits your preferences. 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
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
The housing materials of the KTT Darling and Gateron Mountain Top switches differ significantly in their composition and resulting sound profiles. The Darling features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound due to its stiff nature. In contrast, the Mountain Top utilizes a nylon top housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile as nylon is softer and absorbs more sound. While the polycarbonate top housing of the Darling is ideal for showcasing RGB lighting due to its translucency, the nylon top housing of the Mountain Top offers a more classic typing experience with its rounder and duller sound.
On the other hand, the bottom housings of both switches share the same nylon material, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile that is characteristic of nylon. This similarity in bottom housing material means that the typing experience and sound profile when pressing down on either switch will feel similar. However, the impact of the top housing material will come into play when releasing a key, with the polycarbonate top housing of the Darling resulting in a crisper sound compared to the rounder sound produced by the nylon top housing of the Mountain Top. Overall, while both switches offer a deep and full typing experience, the choice between the two will ultimately come down to personal preference for sound profile and aesthetics.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Darling linear switch and the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch differ slightly, with the Darling having a slightly higher actuation force of 45 grams and bottom out force of 53 grams, making it medium-light in terms of feel. In comparison, the Mountain Top switch has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and bottom out force of 50 grams, making it a lighter option overall. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience for longer typing sessions or gaming, the Mountain Top switch may be the preferred choice. However, for those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience with a bit more resistance, the Darling switch may be the better option. Both switches provide varying levels of actuation and bottom out forces, catering to different preferences and typing styles. Ultimately, the lighter force of the Mountain Top switch may be better suited for extended typing sessions, while the slightly heavier Darling switch may appeal to those who prefer a bit more pushback when typing.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the KTT Darling linear switch is 3.5 mm, while the Gateron Mountain Top linear 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 common in the market. Gamers often prefer shorter travel distances for faster response times, making the Gateron Mountain Top a popular choice for gaming. However, some users may find the shorter travel distance to feel abrupt. On the other hand, the KTT Darling linear switch offers a slightly longer travel distance, providing a more substantial keypress feel for those who prefer it. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and keypress feel.
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 Mountain Top 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, high-pitched, and resonant sound profile, providing a sharp and crisp auditory experience that enhances the typing sensation. On the other hand, the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch is known for its neutral sound profile, making it suitable for various environments, especially those requiring discretion like office settings. While the Darling switch produces a more engaging and pronounced sound, the Mountain Top switch offers a quieter typing experience without compromising on comfort.
When it comes to feel, both the Darling and Mountain Top switches are described as bouncy, providing a spring-like feedback sensation that adds a lively feel to typing. Additionally, the Mountain Top switch is noted for its easy-to-press nature, offering gentle resistance and reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. The Darling switch, on the other hand, does not provide specific additional descriptors beyond bounciness, suggesting a focus on a more traditional tactile experience.
Overall, the KTT Darling linear switch excels in providing a tactile and auditory typing experience with its chewy and substantial feel and resonant sound profile. In contrast, the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch prioritizes discretion and light actuation, making it ideal for professional environments. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on personal preferences for sound, feel, and the specific typing environment desired. Both switches offer a satisfying typing experience, ensuring that newcomers will find similar levels of quality and performance regardless of their choice.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the KTT Darling linear switch and the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch, consider the following guidelines. If you value a typing experience that is chewy, substantial, and bouncy with a high-pitched and resonant sound profile, the KTT Darling switch is the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you require a keyboard switch that offers a quiet typing experience with a light actuation force, making it suitable for office environments, then the Gateron Mountain Top switch would be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your preferences for typing sensation, sound profile, and the specific environment in which you will be using the keyboard.
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