KTT Darling vs. Haimu Neo White
An in-depth look at the KTT Darling and the Haimu Neo White switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The KTT Darling and the Haimu Neo White are two popular linear mechanical keyboard switches that offer unique typing experiences. The Darling is known for its chewy and substantial typing sensation, paired with a bouncy and springy responsiveness that adds an extra layer of engagement to each keystroke. On the other hand, the Neo White stands out with its medium weight and smooth actuation, providing a satisfying and smooth typing experience. While the Darling is characterized by a high-pitched and resonant sound, the Neo White offers a more neutral and mild typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
58g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Ly
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Double-staged spring
Housing materials
Both the KTT Darling and Haimu Neo White utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This material's stiffness leads to a more clear and resonant sound, making it ideal for users looking to enhance their typing experience. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for RGB lighting effects to shine through, adding a visually appealing element to the switches. This common feature ensures that both switches will provide similar auditory and aesthetic benefits to users who prioritize sound quality and customization options.
On the other hand, the Darling and Neo White diverge when it comes to their bottom housing material, with the Darling opting for nylon while the Neo White also uses polycarbonate. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to polycarbonate, as it is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder tone. This choice in bottom housing material will impact the typing experience, as the bottom housing plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch. While the Darling focuses on enhancing the typing experience through nylon, the Neo White prioritizes consistency by utilizing polycarbonate for both top and bottom housings.
Overall, the use of different housing materials in the KTT Darling and Haimu Neo White switches showcases how variations in materials can impact the typing experience. While both switches feature polycarbonate top housings for a sharp and resonant sound profile, the choice of nylon for the Darling's bottom housing results in a deeper and fuller typing experience compared to the Neo White's consistent use of polycarbonate. Whether users prefer a crisper sound profile with RGB lighting effects or a deeper, more absorbing typing experience, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences in mechanical keyboards.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Darling linear switch and the Haimu Neo White linear switch, we find that the Darling has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Neo White, which has an unspecified actuation force. However, the Darling has a heavier bottom out force of 53 grams compared to the Neo White's bottom out force of 58 grams. The Darling offers a medium-light typing experience, while the Neo White provides a medium typing experience. For those who prefer a lighter typing feel for longer typing sessions, the KTT Darling may be the better option. On the other hand, those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience may prefer the Haimu Neo White switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The KTT Darling linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Haimu Neo White linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. Both switches fall within the shorter travel distance range, making them ideal for those seeking faster response times, such as gamers. The difference of 0.1 mm between the two switches is minimal and may not be noticeable to most users. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of how much travel distance feels comfortable. Some may prefer the slightly longer travel distance of the Neo White for a more substantial feel, while others may opt for the slightly shorter travel distance of the Darling for a quicker response.
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 Haimu Neo White comes in at $2.70 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
When it comes to sound, the KTT Darling linear switch is known for its clacky and high-pitched nature, providing a sharp and resonant sound that adds to the overall typing experience. In contrast, the Haimu Neo White linear switch is described as having a more neutral sound profile, suitable for various settings due to its moderate actuation force requirement. Depending on the user's preference, the Darling offers a more engaging and distinct auditory feedback compared to the more balanced sound of the Neo White.
In terms of feel, the KTT Darling linear switch is beloved for its bouncy sensation, offering a springy and lively typing experience that provides a satisfying rebound with each key press. On the other hand, the Haimu Neo White linear switch is characterized by its mild feel, providing a gentler typing experience that falls into a safe middle-ground zone. While the Darling excels in delivering a more dynamic and lively tactile feedback, the Neo White offers a softer and more approachable typing feel.
Taking into account the differences in sound and feel between the KTT Darling linear switch and the Haimu Neo White linear switch, it's evident that both switches cater to different preferences. The Darling excels in providing a more pronounced and engaging typing experience with its bouncy feel and resonant sound, ideal for users who seek a more tactile and auditory feedback. On the other hand, the Neo White offers a more balanced and mild typing experience, suitable for those who prefer a gentler feel and a neutral sound profile. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on the user's preference for either a more dynamic or a more balanced typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the KTT Darling linear switch and the Haimu Neo White linear switch, consider the typing experience you prefer. If you value a chewy and substantial typing sensation with bouncy feedback and a high-pitched, resonant sound, the Darling switch may be the choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother actuation, slightly reduced total travel, and a medium sound profile that is more neutral and approachable, the Neo White switch could be a better fit. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for both feel and sound when it comes to selecting the ideal mechanical keyboard switch for your typing needs.
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