KTT Darling vs. Bsun Olive
An in-depth look at the KTT Darling and the Bsun Olive switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The mechanical keyboard switches, KTT Darling and BSUN Olive, offer unique typing experiences that cater to different preferences. The Darling, a linear switch, provides a chewy and substantial typing sensation with a pronounced bounciness and high-pitched, resonant sound upon bottoming out. On the other hand, the Olive, a tactile switch, delivers a deep and resonant sound with pronounced tactile feedback and sharp bottom-out thanks to its unique design and long pole stem. While the Darling is described as 'bouncy' and 'clacky', the Olive is labeled as 'accented' and 'snappy'. Each switch has its own appeal based on the typing experience it offers. 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
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 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
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The KTT Darling and the Bsun Olive both feature unique housing materials that contribute to their distinct sound profiles. The Darling utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. In contrast, the Olive's POM top housing produces a deeper and relatively more muted sound. While both materials offer different sound characteristics, they both excel in creating a pleasing and unique auditory experience for users.
In terms of their bottom housings, the Darling features a nylon bottom housing, which provides a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon is known for its ability to absorb sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound compared to harder plastics. Similarly, the Olive's POM bottom housing contributes to a deeper and relatively muted sound profile, aligning with the overall sound characteristics of the switch. Both materials offer a unique typing experience, with nylon focusing on depth and fullness, while POM contributes to a deeper and more muted sound.
While the top and bottom housings of the KTT Darling and Bsun Olive differ in material, they both work together to enhance the overall sound profile of the switches. The qualities of each housing material are distributed between the top and bottom of the switch, impacting the sound and feel depending on whether a key is pressed or released. Despite their differences, both switches offer users a high-quality typing experience with unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the KTT Darling linear switch and the Bsun Olive tactile switch, we can see that both switches have the same actuation force of 45 grams. However, the Darling has a lighter bottom out force of 53 grams, while the Olive has a heavier bottom out force of 65 grams. This means that while both switches may feel similar when initially pressing down, the Darling will provide a lighter overall typing experience compared to the Olive. Those who prefer a lighter touch for longer typing sessions may lean towards the Darling, while those who enjoy a more substantial typing feel may opt for the Olive. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the KTT Darling linear switch is 3.5 mm, while the Bsun Olive tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. In this case, the Darling has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Olive. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are popular among gamers for quicker response times. The Darling's 3.5 mm travel distance may provide a slightly more substantial feel when pressing down on the key compared to the Olive's 3.4 mm travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for travel distance and key responsiveness.
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 Bsun Olive has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Olive for $4.70.
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
The KTT Darling linear switch is distinct in its sound profile, offering a high-pitched and resonant tone that is both engaging and satisfying to the auditory senses. On the other hand, the Bsun Olive tactile switch stands out with its deep and resonant sound, making it a unique choice for those seeking a different audio experience during typing. While the Darling provides a clacky and high-pitched sound, the Olive gives a resonant and deep tone, creating a notable difference in sound between the two switches.
Moving on to the feel, the KTT Darling switch is praised for its bouncy feedback, lending a spring-like sensation that adds bounce to each keystroke. In contrast, the Bsun Olive tactile switch offers an invigorating and sharp tactile feel, with a pronounced feedback that is neither overwhelming nor subtle. The Olive switch also boasts a snappy and sharp tactile bump, providing a distinct tactile experience that sets it apart from the Darling. While the Darling focuses on a bouncy feel, the Olive provides an accented and sharp tactile feedback for a different typing sensation.
Taking all available information into consideration, the KTT Darling linear switch and the Bsun Olive tactile switch offer unique subjective qualities that cater to different preferences in sound and feel. The Darling excels in delivering a resonant and bouncy typing experience, complemented by a high-pitched and clacky sound profile. On the other hand, the Olive switch stands out with its deep and tactile feedback, featuring an invigorating and sharp tactile bump that adds a distinct tactile feel to typing. Overall, both switches provide a satisfying typing experience, albeit with differing characteristics in sound and feel.
Conclusion
In closing, when selecting between the KTT Darling linear switch and the Bsun Olive tactile switch, consider your preferences regarding typing experience and sound profile. If you enjoy a typing sensation that is chewy, substantial, and bouncy, with a pronounced high-pitched sound, the Darling linear switch may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile switch with a deep, resonant sound, pronounced tactile feedback, and a sharp bottom-out feel, the Bsun Olive tactile switch could be more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, the decision between these switches will come down to your desired typing experience and the specific characteristics that appeal to you the most.
Mentioned in this article
