KTT Darling vs. Cherry MX Brown
An in-depth look at the KTT Darling and the Cherry MX Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the KTT Darling and the Cherry MX Brown stand out as popular choices, each offering unique characteristics to enhance your typing experience. The KTT Darling is a linear switch that provides a chewy and substantial typing sensation, coupled with a bouncy responsiveness that makes each keystroke feel satisfying. In contrast, the Cherry MX Brown is a tactile switch known for its subtle tactility and light typing experience, delivering gentle feedback with a subdued sound. While the Darling excels in providing a clacky and high-pitched typing experience, the MX Brown offers a textured, bassy feel. Both switches have their own strengths and appeal, catering to different preferences. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
55g
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
No
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 Cherry MX Brown switches offer different characteristics and sound profiles. The Darling's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper, higher-pitched sound due to its stiffness, while the MX Brown's nylon top housing creates a deeper and fuller sound by absorbing more sound. The translucency of polycarbonate in the Darling allows for RGB lighting effects, while the classic nylon housing of the MX Brown provides a more traditional feel.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the Darling and the MX Brown utilize nylon, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon in the bottom housing helps absorb sound, creating a duller and rounder sound. This similarity in housing material for the bottom of the switches ensures that both switches offer a consistent sound profile when pressed.
When using switches with different materials for the top and bottom housing, such as the KTT Darling and the Cherry MX Brown, the qualities of each material are split between the top and bottom of the switch. The bottom housing has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when the key is pressed, while the top housing influences the sound when the key is released. This division of housing materials allows for a nuanced and unique typing experience based on the specific combination of materials used in the switches.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Darling linear switch and the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch, both have the same actuation force of 45 grams. However, the Darling has a slightly lighter bottom out force of 53 grams compared to the MX Brown's 55 grams. This makes the Darling switch a slightly lighter option overall. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience for longer periods of time, the Darling switch would be a suitable choice. On the other hand, if someone prefers a bit more resistance and a more substantial typing feel, the MX Brown switch may be the better option due to its slightly heavier bottom out force. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches comes down to personal preference in terms of typing experience and force sensitivity.
Travel distance
The KTT Darling linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, which makes it slightly shorter than the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch with a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Darling linear switch will require less distance to actuate compared to the MX Brown tactile switch. Gamers who prioritize faster response times may lean towards the Darling switch due to its shorter travel distance, while those who prefer a more substantial key press may opt for the MX Brown switch. In general, both switches offer a comfortable travel distance that is suitable for most users, but the slight difference in travel distance may impact individual preferences and typing experiences.
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 Cherry MX Brown comes in at $4.00 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 high-pitched, resonant sound that is sharp and crisp, providing an engaging auditory experience with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch produces a bassy, low-pitched sound that is mellow and rich, creating a more subdued audio feedback compared to the Darling. Ultimately, the sound produced by these switches will vary depending on other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps chosen.
Moving on to the feel, the KTT Darling switch is known for its bouncy sensation, providing a springy responsiveness and lively feel when typing. In contrast, the Cherry MX Brown switch offers a textured feel, which may appeal to users who prefer switches with noticeable friction when pressed. The Darling switch gives a sensation reminiscent of sinking into something satisfying, while the MX Brown switch offers a gentle tactility that is subtle and understated.
In conclusion, the KTT Darling linear switch and the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Darling switch provides a more lively and resonant typing experience with a pronounced bounciness, while the MX Brown switch gives a more subtle and subdued tactile feedback with a textured feel. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and overall typing experience. However, it is important to note that both switches offer high-quality performance and durability, ensuring a satisfying typing experience regardless of the choice made.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you're looking for a typing experience that is both chewy and substantial with a pronounced bounciness, then the KTT Darling linear switch would be a great choice for you. The Darling provides a clacky, high-pitched, and resonant sound profile along with a bouncy feel that adds springiness to your typing. On the other hand, if you prefer a more subtle tactile feedback with a light typing experience, then the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch would suit your needs. The MX Brown offers a bassy, low-pitched sound profile along with a textured feel for those who enjoy a bit of friction while typing. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches comes down to your personal preference for typing sensation, sound profile, and overall feel.
Mentioned in this article
