KTT Darling vs. Outemu Brown
An in-depth look at the KTT Darling and the Outemu Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the KTT Darling, a linear switch, and the Outemu Brown, a tactile switch, it's clear that they offer distinct typing experiences. The Darling stands out for its chewy and substantial typing sensation, paired with a pronounced bounciness that adds a springy responsiveness to each keystroke. This switch also delivers a resonant, high-pitched sound upon bottoming out, offering a unique blend of tactile and auditory feedback. On the other hand, the Outemu Brown is known for its tactile feedback without a click, providing a smooth typing experience without the audible noise. Choosing between the two switches ultimately comes down to personal preference and typing style. 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
53g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.20 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
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
When comparing the housing materials of the KTT Darling and the Outemu Brown, we can see that both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing. The use of polycarbonate in housings for both switches creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, as polycarbonate is a relatively stiffer plastic that leads to a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is ideal for switches that utilize RGB lighting, providing a visually appealing aspect to the switches.
However, when it comes to the bottom housing material, the Darling uses nylon while the Brown also utilizes nylon for its bottom housing. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing on switches, as it is softer and absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics. This results in a duller and rounder sound when using switches with nylon bottom housing. Therefore, both the KTT Darling and the Outemu Brown offer a similar typing experience in terms of sound profile due to the shared use of nylon for their bottom housing.
In terms of functionality, the top and bottom housings of a switch play a crucial role in the overall typing experience. The bottom housing affects the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key, while the top housing impacts the sound when letting go of a key. While both the KTT Darling and the Outemu Brown share a polycarbonate top housing, their differing bottom housing materials provide a unique typing experience for users. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches may come down to personal preference in sound profile and feel when typing.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Darling linear switch and the Outemu Brown tactile switch differ in weight, with the Darling being lighter and the Brown being heavier. The Darling has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, while the Brown has an actuation force of 53 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams. The Darling provides a medium-light typing experience, ideal for those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing sessions or gaming. In contrast, the Brown offers a medium-heavy feel, giving users a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel. Choosing between the two switches would depend on individual preferences for typing force and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the KTT Darling linear switch and the Outemu Brown tactile switch, it is evident that the Darling has a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm while the Brown has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. The Darling's 3.5 mm travel distance provides a quick and responsive feel, making it ideal for gamers seeking faster response times. On the other hand, the Brown's 4 mm travel distance offers a more substantial feeling when typing or gaming, which can be preferred by those who enjoy a deeper key press. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and key press 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 Brown 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
The KTT Darling linear switch is known for its bouncy and substantial typing sensation, making it feel like sinking one's fingers into something truly satisfying. This switch also offers a pronounced bounciness, adding a springy responsiveness to each keystroke. When it comes to sound, the Darling produces a clacky, high-pitched, and resonant tone upon bottoming out, providing a blend of tactile and auditory feedback. On the other hand, the Outemu Brown tactile switch does not have any specific sound or feel characteristics listed, so it may provide a more neutral typing experience in comparison. In conclusion, if you prefer a switch with a bouncy and substantial feel paired with a sharp and crisp sound profile, the KTT Darling linear switch would be a great choice. However, if you are looking for a more neutral typing experience in terms of sound and feel, the Outemu Brown tactile switch may be a better option.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the KTT Darling linear switch and the Outemu Brown tactile switch, consider your preference for bottom out force and typing experience. If you enjoy a medium-light key press with a chewy and substantial typing sensation, along with a pronounced bouncy feedback and high-pitched sound, the KTT Darling may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy key press and a tactile feedback without any specific sound profile preference, the Outemu Brown could be a suitable option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preference for typing feel, sound, and bottom out force.
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