KTT Darling vs. Cherry MX Red
An in-depth look at the KTT Darling and the Cherry MX Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the KTT Darling and the Cherry MX Red stand out as popular choices, each with its unique characteristics. The KTT Darling, a linear switch, is celebrated for its chewy and substantial typing sensation, along with a pronounced bounciness that adds a springy responsiveness to every keystroke. This switch delivers a high-pitched, resonant sound upon bottoming out, creating a striking blend of tactile and auditory feedback. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Red, also a linear switch, offers a slightly heftier feel and a deeper sound profile, providing a robust typing experience with a satisfying auditory depth. While the Darling is known for being bouncy, clacky, and high-pitched, the MX Red is praised for its thocky, low-pitched, and textured qualities. Both switches have their strengths and appeal to different preferences, but before making a decision, it's essential to delve deeper into their specific traits to determine the best fit for your typing needs.
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 housing materials of the KTT Darling and the Cherry MX Red switches offer distinct sound profiles and tactile experiences. The Darling's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound compared to the MX Red's nylon top housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate in the Darling results in a clear and resonant sound, while the softer nylon in the MX Red absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound. The choice between these two housing materials ultimately comes down to personal preference and the desired typing experience.
In terms of aesthetics, the KTT Darling's polycarbonate top housing is translucent, making it ideal for switches designed to utilize RGB lighting. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Red's nylon top housing has a more classic appearance without the translucency of polycarbonate. While the visual appeal may play a role in the decision-making process, it is important to consider how the housing material will impact the overall typing experience. Whether you prefer a sharper, crisper sound profile or a deeper, fuller sound, both the Darling and the MX Red offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences.
When considering the bottom housing of both switches, the same principles apply regarding the impact on sound and feel. The nylon bottom housing of the Darling and the MX Red contributes to the overall typing experience by influencing the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch. While the bottom housing may not be as immediately noticeable as the top housing, it still plays a crucial role in shaping the overall tactile feedback of the switch. Whether you prioritize the sound, feel, or aesthetics of a switch, the choice between the KTT Darling and the Cherry MX Red ultimately depends on individual preferences and typing requirements.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Darling linear switch and the Cherry MX Red linear switch, we can see that they both have an actuation force of 45 grams. This means that in terms of triggering a keystroke, both switches are equally light. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the KTT Darling has a slightly heavier force of 53 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience compared to the Cherry MX Red, whose bottom out force is unknown. This difference in bottom out force could cater to individuals who prefer a bit more resistance when pressing the keys for a more tactile feel. Ultimately, those looking for a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Cherry MX Red, while individuals seeking a slightly heavier touch may opt for the KTT Darling.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the KTT Darling linear switch and the Cherry MX Red linear switch, it is evident that the Darling has a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the MX Red has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. The Darling's shorter travel distance may appeal to gamers looking for faster response times, as shorter distances are preferred for quick key presses. On the other hand, the MX Red's longer travel distance may provide a more satisfying depth to key presses, making it a suitable choice for those who prefer a more substantial feel when typing or gaming. Overall, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for travel distance and key press feedback.
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 Red has an MSRP of $5.90 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Red for $4.00.
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 comparing the sound characteristics of the KTT Darling and the Cherry MX Red linear switches, it is evident that they offer distinct auditory experiences. The Darling switch is known for its high-pitched and resonant sound profile, delivering a clacky and engaging typing experience. In contrast, the MX Red switch produces a deeper and thocky sound, providing a more robust and satisfying auditory feedback. Depending on personal preference, individuals may be drawn to the sharper sound of the Darling or the deeper sound of the MX Red, but both switches promise a unique sound that enhances the typing experience.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the KTT Darling is described as feeling bouncy, offering a springy and responsive sensation with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Red is noted for its textured feel, providing a tactile feedback that may appeal to users who enjoy a bit of friction when typing. While the Darling switch focuses on a bouncy and lively feel, the MX Red emphasizes a textured and potentially scratchy input that caters to different preferences in typing sensation.
In conclusion, the KTT Darling linear switch and the Cherry MX Red linear switch each bring a distinct set of qualities to the table. The Darling offers a chewy and substantial typing sensation with a high-pitched and resonant sound, alongside a bouncy and responsive feel. In comparison, the MX Red provides a slightly heftier feel with a deeper and thocky sound profile, along with a textured typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and overall typing experience, but users can expect a satisfying and engaging result with either option.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a typing experience that feels substantial and chewy with a pronounced bounciness, then the KTT Darling linear switch would be the ideal choice for you. The high-pitched and resonant sound profile of the Darling adds to the overall tactile and auditory feedback, creating a truly engaging typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heftier feel with a deeper sound profile and a more textured typing sensation, the Cherry MX Red linear switch would be the better option for you. The MX Red provides a robust typing experience with a thocky and low-pitched sound profile that some users find more satisfying. Ultimately, the choice between the KTT Darling and Cherry MX Red linear switches will depend on your personal preference for feel, sound, and overall typing sensation.
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