KTT Darling vs. Cherry MX Purple RGB
An in-depth look at the KTT Darling and the Cherry MX Purple RGB switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switch can significantly impact the typing experience. The KTT Darling, a linear switch, is celebrated for its chewy and substantial feel, allowing users to enjoy a satisfying sinking sensation with each keystroke. Its pronounced bounciness adds a pleasing responsiveness, while the high-pitched, resonant sound when bottoming out delivers an engaging auditory feedback that's hard to ignore. In contrast, the Cherry MX Purple RGB, a tactile switch designed in collaboration with keyboard enthusiast Glarses, offers a refined tactile feedback characterized by a noticeable medium-strength bump. This tactile element is ideal for users who appreciate a clear indication of actuation without a loud noise, making it a great option for both typed work and gaming. Ultimately, the choice between the KTT Darling and Cherry MX Purple RGB boils down to personal preference—whether you gravitate toward the bouncy, clacky experience of the Darling or the mild tactile feedback of the Cherry MX. 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
N/A
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The KTT Darling and Cherry MX Purple RGB switches showcase a contrast in their top housing materials, which in turn influences their sound profiles and overall user experience. The KTT Darling features a polycarbonate top housing known for its stiffness, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This characteristic not only enhances the auditory feedback when keys are released but also maximizes the effectiveness of RGB lighting, as the translucency of polycarbonate allows for vibrant illumination. In contrast, the Cherry MX Purple RGB employs a nylon top housing, which is softer and adept at sound absorption. Consequently, it produces a deeper and fuller sound profile, enriching the typing experience with a rounder auditory quality, particularly noticeable when keys are struck. This fundamental difference between the housing materials sets the two switches apart in sound dynamics.
When it comes to their bottom housings, both the KTT Darling and Cherry MX Purple RGB utilize nylon, leading to a shared characteristic in sound performance. The nylon material's inherent softness means that both switches will yield a similar deeper and fuller sound when the keys bottom out. This similarity highlights how the bottom housing contributes significantly to the overall feel and sound upon keypress, regardless of the differing materials used in the top housings. The sound signature of both switches, therefore, is defined by the nylon bottom housing, which acts to absorb sound and give a satisfying tactile response upon pressing.
Ultimately, the differences in housing materials between the KTT Darling and Cherry MX Purple RGB emphasize a divide in auditory responses driven by the top housing, while yielding a consistent sound experience derived from their identical nylon bottom housings. Users who prioritize a crisper, more resonant sound may gravitate towards the KTT Darling due to its polycarbonate top, whereas those who prefer a rumbling and muted auditory experience might find the Cherry MX Purple RGB more appealing. Regardless, both switches are capable of delivering satisfying results, with the variances lying primarily in the tactile and auditory nuances offered by their top housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the KTT Darling linear switch and the Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switch, we find some interesting similarities and differences in their force specifications. Both switches have the same actuation force of 45 grams, making them equally responsive and suitable for extended typing sessions or long gaming marathons. However, the KTT Darling has a bottom out force of 53 grams, which provides a slightly heavier sensation when fully pressed. In contrast, the Cherry MX Purple RGB's bottom out force is unknown, making it difficult to draw definitive conclusions about its overall resistance when bottoming out. Given that the Darling offers a medium-light feel with a heavier bottom out, it may cater more to users who enjoy a more substantial typing experience, while the Cherry MX switch's lack of specified bottom out force leaves its tactile feedback ambiguous. Therefore, for those preferring a lighter typing feel, both switches fit the bill with their same actuation force, but the KTT Darling is the heavier option overall due to its measurable bottom out force.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the KTT Darling linear switch and the Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switch, there is a notable difference. The KTT Darling has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, making it the shorter option between the two, while the Cherry MX Purple RGB features a travel distance of 4 mm, which is the longer measurement. This means that users who favor a more responsive keystroke may prefer the Darling switch due to its shorter travel distance, which can lead to quicker actuation. Conversely, those who enjoy a more pronounced tactile feel with a greater depth in their key presses might gravitate towards the Cherry MX Purple RGB. Therefore, while both switches cater to distinct preferences in tactile feedback and response time, the KTT Darling is the better choice for gamers seeking speed, while the Cherry MX Purple RGB offers a more substantial typing experience.
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 Purple RGB has an MSRP of $6.19 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Purple RGB for $5.79.
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
When it comes to sound, the KTT Darling linear switch stands out with its clacky and high-pitched acoustics. This switch produces a sharp, snappy sound that is both crisp and bright, delivering an engaging auditory experience as you type. Its resonant quality further enhances the listening experience, giving it an immersive feel that can be quite satisfying, especially for those who appreciate a pronounced auditory feedback when bottoming out. In contrast, the Cherry MX Purple RGB switch's sound profile remains less defined in the provided information. It's important to note that the sound produced by any switch can also be affected by other factors like the choice of keyboard and keycaps, potentially blurring the distinction between switches.
In terms of feel, the KTT Darling switch truly excels with its bouncy nature. The lively feedback that comes from its springy design offers a pleasurable typing experience, creating a sensation of rebound when pressed. This can be particularly enjoyable for users who appreciate a more engaging tactile response. The Cherry MX Purple RGB switches focus on a tactile experience but lack specific details about their feel in this context. Without that information, it's difficult to directly compare the two switches in this aspect, leaving the Darling with a more defined character.
In summary, while the KTT Darling switch is characterized by a bright, resonant sound and a bouncy feel that makes typing enjoyable, the Cherry MX Purple RGB switch does not have sufficient information available to draw an equivalent comparison in sound or tactile feedback. For those who prioritize a lively acoustic and tactile experience, the KTT Darling switch offers concrete qualities that can greatly enhance one's typing experience. If sound and feel are critical metrics for your switch selection, the KTT Darling stands as a compelling choice, while the MX Purple RGB awaits more detailed insights for potential users considering it.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the KTT Darling linear switch and the Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and use case. If you enjoy a smooth, linear experience with a touch of bounce and a satisfying acoustic profile, the KTT Darling is your go-to option. Its medium-light actuation force of 53 grams makes it ideal for long typing sessions or gaming, allowing for quick, responsive keystrokes without causing finger fatigue. The clacky, resonant sound it produces adds an engaging element to your typing experience, making every keystroke feel lively and fulfilling. On the other hand, if you prefer a more tactile sensation that provides a clear bump feedback while you type, the Cherry MX Purple RGB might be more suitable for you. This switch offers a refined tactile feel, perfect for those who appreciate the assurance of tactile feedback while typing or gaming. The collaboration behind the MX Purple RGB ensures that it meets high standards for enthusiasts who seek precision in their keystrokes. Ultimately, your choice should reflect what type of feedback—linear versus tactile—you desire in your keyboard, as well as the auditory experience that enhances your overall typing enjoyment.
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