KTT Darling vs. Outemu Blue
An in-depth look at the KTT Darling and the Outemu Blue switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the KTT Darling, a linear switch, and the Outemu Blue, a clicky switch, stand out for different reasons. The Darling offers a typing experience that feels both chewy and substantial, with a pronounced bounciness that adds a responsive touch to each keystroke. Its high-pitched and resonant sound upon bottoming out provides a satisfying blend of tactile and auditory feedback. On the other hand, the Outemu Blue is known for its clicky nature but lacks specific standout features. If you prefer a bouncy and clacky typing experience with a high-pitched sound, the Darling might be the switch for you. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
Both the KTT Darling and the Outemu Blue feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the stiffness of the plastic. This makes them both ideal for switches that will be used with RGB lighting, as the translucency of polycarbonate allows for a visually appealing display of colors. The similar use of polycarbonate in the top housing of these switches ensures that users will experience a consistent sound profile and aesthetic when typing.
In terms of the bottom housing, the KTT Darling and the Outemu Blue both utilize nylon, a classic switch housing material known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound compared to the sharper sound produced by polycarbonate. While the top housing impacts the sound when releasing a key, the bottom housing plays a more significant role in the overall sound and feel of key presses. Therefore, users can expect a consistent typing experience in terms of sound quality with both the KTT Darling and the Outemu Blue.
Overall, the similarities and differences in housing materials between the KTT Darling and the Outemu Blue contribute to the unique typing experience each switch offers. While both switches feature polycarbonate top housings for a sharp and clear sound profile, the use of nylon in the bottom housing of each switch creates a deeper and fuller sound. This combination of materials ensures that users will experience a balanced sound profile with each keystroke, making both switches suitable options for those seeking a specific sound and feel in their mechanical keyboards.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Darling linear switch and the Outemu Blue clicky switch, it is evident that the Darling is lighter in both aspects. The Darling requires 45 grams of force to actuate and 53 grams to bottom out, making it a medium-light switch. In contrast, the Blue switch has a higher actuation force of 50 grams, but the bottom out force is unknown. Both switches provide a different typing experience due to the variance in actuation and bottom out forces. Those who prefer a lighter feel may lean towards the Darling switch for longer typing sessions, while those seeking a more substantial push may opt for the Blue switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the KTT Darling linear switch and the Outemu Blue clicky switch, it is evident that the Darling has a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Blue has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. The Darling's shorter travel distance may appeal to gamers seeking faster response times, as shorter distances are known for quicker actuation. On the other hand, the Blue's longer travel distance may provide a more satisfying depth for those who prefer a more pronounced tactile feedback when typing or gaming. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the desired typing experience, with the Darling offering a shorter and quicker actuation, while the Blue provides a more substantial and tactile feel.
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 Outemu Blue comes in at $3.10 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 comparing the subjective qualities of the KTT Darling linear switch and the Outemu Blue clicky switch, the sound profiles are notably different. The Darling switch is known for its clacky, high-pitched, and resonant sound, providing a sharp and crisp auditory experience with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Blue switch's sound characteristics are unknown, leaving uncertainty about its sound profile.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Darling is praised for its bouncy tactile feedback, offering a springy and responsive sensation to typists. This bounciness adds a lively feel to each keystroke, enhancing the overall typing experience. Unfortunately, information regarding the feel of the Blue switch is not available, making it difficult to make a direct comparison.
In conclusion, the KTT Darling linear switch excels in delivering a satisfying and tactile typing experience with its chewy feel and bouncy feedback, accompanied by a resonant and high-pitched sound profile. While information about the Outemu Blue clicky switch is lacking, it is important to note that the overall typing experience can be influenced by various factors such as the keyboard layout, keycaps, and personal preferences. Ultimately, selecting a switch that aligns with your typing style and preferences will ensure a more enjoyable and personalized mechanical keyboard setup.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you're looking for a mechanical keyboard switch that provides a chewy and substantial typing sensation with a pronounced bounciness and high-pitched sound upon bottoming out, then the KTT Darling linear switch is the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a sharp and snappy clicky sound, the Outemu Blue clicky switch might be the better choice for you. Consider your typing preferences and whether you prioritize tactile and auditory feedback when making your decision between these two switches. Ultimately, both switches offer unique experiences, so choose the one that aligns best with your typing style.
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