KTT Darling vs. Cherry MX Orange

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the KTT Darling and the Cherry MX Orange offer distinct experiences tailored to different preferences, despite both being linear switches. The KTT Darling stands out with its chewy and substantial typing sensation, creating an immersive feeling as fingers sink into the keys. This switch is known for its pronounced bounciness, which provides a springy responsiveness that enhances the typing experience, not to mention its resonant, high-pitched sound that adds an engaging auditory feedback upon bottoming out. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Orange, revived from the original sought-after design, brings the reliability and familiarity that many users love, paired with enhancements that aim to meet modern demands. While the MX Orange may offer a more subdued auditory profile, it promises a smooth and consistent typing experience that prioritizes performance. Ultimately, the choice between the KTT Darling and the Cherry MX Orange will depend on whether you're seeking a lively, tactile engagement or a refined, traditional feel. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

KTT Darling Linear

Cherry MX Orange Linear

$4.50

$3.90 per 10

$4.10

$3.89 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The KTT Darling and Cherry MX Orange switches utilize distinct materials for their top housings, with the Darling featuring polycarbonate and the MX Orange opting for nylon. The polycarbonate top housing of the KTT Darling is noted for producing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is attributed to the stiffer nature of polycarbonate, which enhances clarity and resonance when typing. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is particularly advantageous for RGB lighting, making it a popular choice among users who prioritize aesthetics alongside performance. In contrast, the Cherry MX Orange, with its nylon top housing, generates a markedly different sound profile. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs sound better than polycarbonate, resulting in a deeper and fuller auditory experience when typing. Thus, the choice of housing material significantly influences the sound characteristics of each switch.

When we examine the bottom housings of both switches, a similarity arises, as both the KTT Darling and Cherry MX Orange employ nylon. This commonality allows them to share some acoustic properties, producing a deeper and rounder sound profile compared to switches with harder bottom housings. As the bottom housing contributes more significantly to the bottom-out sound and tactile feel, the nylon material serves to soften the impact when a key is pressed down. This shared characteristic in the bottom housings can lead to a cohesive typing experience across both switch types, ensuring that the deeper sound qualities are maintained regardless of the distinct top housing materials.

The divergence in the top housing materials accentuates the distinction in overall sound profiles between the KTT Darling and Cherry MX Orange switches. While both switches produce a more muted sound due to their nylon bottom housings, the KTT Darling's polycarbonate top introduces a higher pitch and sharper sound when keys are released, creating a contrast to the smoother and rounder notes of the Cherry MX Orange. Consequently, when typing on the Darling, users may experience a crisper feedback at the release of the keys, enhancing their gaming or typing experience. Therefore, while the nylon materials ensure a rich, full sound at the bottom-out point across both models, the choice of top housing material defines the overall auditory character, leading to pronounced differences in each switch's performance.

Weight

The KTT Darling linear switch and the Cherry MX Orange linear switch present contrasting characteristics when it comes to their actuation force and bottom out force, catering to different typing preferences. The KTT Darling features an actuation force of 45 grams, making it lighter and more suited for prolonged typing or gaming sessions where comfort is key. In contrast, the Cherry MX Orange has a higher actuation force of 55 grams, which offers a more substantial feeling upon keypress, appealing to those who prefer a stronger push. When it comes to bottom out forces, the Darling has a specified bottom out force of 53 grams, whereas the MX Orange does not have a documented bottom out force available, leaving that aspect unknown. As a result, while the KTT Darling is preferable for users who favor lighter presses, the Cherry MX Orange caters to those who seek a heavier and more tactile experience. Overall, the differences in actuation force emphasize the Darling's suitability for comfort and prolonged use, while the MX Orange appeals to users who enjoy a firmer key feel.

Travel distance

The KTT Darling linear switch and the Cherry MX Orange linear switch differ in travel distance, with the Darling measuring 3.5 mm and the Orange at 4 mm. This makes the Darling the shorter option, while the Orange offers a longer travel distance. A shorter travel distance, like that of the Darling, can lead to faster response times, which is often preferred by gamers looking for heightened responsiveness. However, some users might find the abruptness of shorter switches less satisfying. In contrast, the Cherry MX Orange's longer 4 mm travel distance provides a more substantial feel, which can be more comfortable for users who enjoy a deeper keypress experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preferences regarding the balance between speed and tactile feedback.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The KTT Darling linear switch is known for its engaging auditory profile, characterized by a clacky and high-pitched sound that resonates with each keystroke. When typing, one will find that the switches produce a sharp and crisp tone upon bottoming out, creating an immersive experience that's rich in auditory feedback. This sound is accentuated by its resonant quality, offering a clean and sharp auditory experience that many find delightful. While the Cherry MX Orange switches do not have a specific sound profile detailed, they typically offer a more subdued auditory experience compared to the vivacious Darling. Therefore, if sound is a priority for you, the KTT Darling will provide a more lively and engaging impact.

In terms of feel, the KTT Darling switch offers a unique bouncy sensation, providing a spring-like feedback that enhances the typing experience with its lively responsiveness. As you press the keys, there's a pronounced rebound that contributes to a sense of satisfaction and engagement; you really get the impression of your fingers sinking into something tactile and substantial. The specific characteristics of the feel for the Cherry MX Orange switches are unknown, which leaves a gap for comparison. However, newcomers can generally anticipate that linear switches typically offer a smooth and uninterrupted keypress, similar to what the Darling provides, albeit without the specific bounciness feature highlighted.

In conclusion, if you're looking for a switch that combines an engaging auditory experience with a satisfying tactile response, the KTT Darling linear switch stands out with its high-pitched and resonant sound coupled with a buoyant feel. The Cherry MX Orange, while lacking a detailed description, should still provide a pleasant linear experience in terms of smoothness. Ultimately, your choice may hinge on how much the sound and the bouncy feel appeal to you, suggesting that while both switches can offer good performance, the KTT Darling is likely to create a more dynamic and engaging typing experience.

Conclusion

To conclude, selecting between the KTT Darling and Cherry MX Orange switches depends largely on your personal preferences and typing style. If you enjoy a medium-light actuation force with a notable "chewy" feel and a highly engaging auditory experience, the KTT Darling would likely be your go-to choice. The pronounced bounciness and clacky, resonant sound profile add a dynamic character to your typing, making it an excellent option for those who appreciate a lively feedback mechanism. On the other hand, if you are looking for a more refined, less noisy typing experience and prefer switches that focus on smoothness without the strong auditory feedback, then considering Cherry MX Orange switches might be more appropriate for you. While they have a reputation for longevity and reliability, if you're drawn to the characteristics of tactile switches rather than linear ones, it's worth noting that the MX Orange is typically more of a hybrid with its tactile bump. Ultimately, your decision should reflect how much you value auditory feedback, actuation force, and the tactile response in your personal typing experience.

Mentioned in this article

KTT Darling Linear

$4.50

$3.90 per 10

Learn more

Cherry MX Orange Linear

$4.10

$3.89 per 10

Learn more