KTT Darling vs. Cherry MX Speed Silver
An in-depth look at the KTT Darling and the Cherry MX Speed Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the KTT Darling linear switch and the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch, both offer unique qualities that cater to particular preferences. The Darling is beloved for its chewy and substantial typing sensation, coupled with a bouncy and springy responsiveness that adds a delightful touch to each keystroke. Its high-pitched, resonant sound upon bottoming out provides a blend of tactile and auditory feedback that some users find engaging. On the other hand, the MX Speed Silver stands out for its rapid response, with low spring resistance and instant triggering making it ideal for gamers seeking maximum speed. While the Darling offers a 'bouncy' and 'clacky' experience, the Speed Silver provides a 'textured' and 'thocky' 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
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.20 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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the KTT Darling and the Cherry MX Speed Silver, we can see that both switches utilize nylon in their bottom housing. This material is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, which absorbs more sound and results in a duller and rounder sound. However, the Darling features a polycarbonate top housing, which produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile compared to the Cherry MX Speed Silver's nylon top housing. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing of the Darling is especially beneficial for those who plan to use RGB lighting, as its translucency allows for enhanced lighting effects.
While both switches share the use of nylon in their bottom housing, the Cherry MX Speed Silver's top housing is also made of nylon, unlike the Darling's polycarbonate top housing. This means that the sound produced by the top and bottom of the Cherry MX Speed Silver will have a similar dull and round quality, as nylon absorbs more sound and creates a deeper sound profile. On the other hand, the Darling's polycarbonate top housing will create a sharper and more resonant sound when a key is pressed and released. This difference in top housing material results in a distinct sound profile between the two switches.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in switches like the KTT Darling and the Cherry MX Speed Silver can have a significant impact on the sound and feel of typing. The stiffer polycarbonate top housing of the Darling creates a clear and resonant sound profile, while the softer nylon housing of the Cherry MX Speed Silver absorbs more sound for a deeper and fuller sound. Both switches offer unique characteristics based on their housing materials, with the Darling being more suited for those looking for a sharper sound profile with RGB lighting capabilities, and the Cherry MX Speed Silver providing a deeper and more muffled sound experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Darling linear switch and the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch, it is evident that the MX Speed Silver is lighter in both aspects. The Darling has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, while the MX Speed Silver has an actuation force of 30 grams, with the bottom out force being unknown. The Darling provides a medium-light typing experience, whereas the MX Speed Silver offers a lighter touch overall. The actuation force of a switch is crucial for determining the force needed to trigger a keypress, while bottom out force relates to the pressure required to fully depress a key. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience for extended periods, the MX Speed Silver may be the more suitable option, while individuals seeking a more substantial typing feel may lean towards the Darling. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the KTT Darling linear switch and the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch, we can see that the Darling has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.5 mm compared to the 3.4 mm travel distance of the MX Speed Silver. Both switches fall within the category of shorter travel distances, which are favored by gamers for their faster response times. Choosing between the two will depend on personal preference - if you prefer a slightly longer key press for a more substantial feel, you may opt for the KTT Darling. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly quicker and more responsive key press, the Cherry MX Speed Silver may be the better choice for you. Overall, both switches offer a similar experience in terms of travel distance, with just a slight variation in length.
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 Speed Silver 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 Speed Silver 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 it comes to sound, the KTT Darling linear switch is known for its high-pitched and resonant qualities, producing a sharp and engaging clacky sound upon bottoming out. This creates a satisfying auditory experience for users who appreciate a crisp and percussive sound profile. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch offers a different experience with its thocky and low-pitched sound profile, emitting a deep and rich tone that is often preferred by those seeking a more bass-heavy sound. Ultimately, the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used, so it is important to consider these additional elements when choosing between the Darling and Speed Silver switches.
In terms of feel, the KTT Darling linear switch is characterized by its bouncy sensation, providing users with a spring-like feedback that adds an extra level of liveliness to each keystroke. This bouncy feel can enhance the typing experience for those who enjoy a responsive and rebounding keypress. Conversely, the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch is known for its textured feel, which introduces noticeable friction when pressed. Some users may appreciate this added texture for a more tactile typing experience, while others may prefer a smoother and friction-free sensation. Ultimately, the feel of a switch is a personal preference, so it's important to test out different options to see what suits your typing style best.
In conclusion, the KTT Darling linear switch and the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Darling excels in delivering a high-pitched and resonant sound with a bouncy feel, while the Speed Silver provides a thocky and low-pitched sound with a textured feel. Both switches have their own unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so it ultimately comes down to individual tastes and typing preferences when choosing between the two. Regardless of the choice, users can expect a satisfying typing experience with either switch option.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering whether to choose the KTT Darling linear switch or the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing/gaming needs. If you are looking for a switch that provides a satisfying, chewy typing sensation with bouncy feedback and a high-pitched, resonant sound, then the KTT Darling may be the perfect fit for you. On the other hand, if you prioritize speed and rapid response, especially for gaming where milliseconds matter, the Cherry MX Speed Silver with its instant activation and linear action could be the ideal choice. Whichever switch you choose, remember to consider factors like sound profile and feel to ensure the best typing or gaming experience for you.
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