KTT Darling vs. Outemu Dustproof Purple
An in-depth look at the KTT Darling and the Outemu Dustproof Purple switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The KTT Darling, a linear switch, offers a typing experience characterized by its chewy and substantial feel, along with a pronounced bounciness that adds a springy responsiveness to each keystroke. The high-pitched and resonant sound produced upon bottoming out creates a unique blend of tactile and auditory feedback not commonly found in other switches. On the other hand, the Outemu Dustproof Purple, a clicky switch, lacks a distinct characteristic or known feature but may offer a different typing experience. Both switches have their own set of qualities that may appeal to different preferences. 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
55g
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
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
Overall, both the KTT Darling and the Outemu Dustproof Purple utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Due to its stiffness, polycarbonate is known for producing a more clear and resonant sound. Aesthetically, the translucency of polycarbonate is particularly beneficial for switches intended to be used with RGB lighting. This material is consistent across both switches, ensuring users can expect similar sound and visual results when typing.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the Darling and the Dustproof Purple feature nylon material. Nylon is a classic switch housing material known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile. Its softer nature allows for better sound absorption compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound signature. With this shared bottom housing material, users can anticipate a similar tactile experience and acoustics when typing on either the Darling or the Dustproof Purple switches.
While both switches share similar top and bottom housing materials, the distribution of these materials can impact the typing experience. The bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key, while the top housing has more of an impact on the sound when releasing a key. This distinction in the placement of the housing materials allows for a nuanced typing experience with unique characteristics depending on the switch being used. Ultimately, whether using the KTT Darling or the Outemu Dustproof Purple, users can expect a blend of sharp, clear sound from the polycarbonate top housing and a deep, fuller sound from the nylon bottom housing.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Darling linear switch and the Outemu Dustproof Purple clicky switch, it is apparent that the Darling is the lighter option while the Dustproof Purple is the heavier one. The Darling has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, making it medium-light in terms of force required. On the other hand, the Dustproof Purple has an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, which places it in the medium-heavy category. Those who prefer a lighter touch may lean towards the Darling for longer typing sessions, while those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience may opt for the Dustproof Purple. Both switches offer distinct typing experiences based on their actuation and bottom out forces, allowing users to choose according to their personal preferences.
Travel distance
The KTT Darling linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, making it shorter than the Outemu Dustproof Purple clicky switch, which has a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Darling will provide a slightly quicker response time compared to the Dustproof Purple. Gamers looking for speed and responsiveness may prefer the Darling over the Dustproof Purple due to its shorter travel distance. However, for those who prefer a more substantial keypress with greater depth, the Dustproof Purple with its longer travel distance may be the better option. Both switches offer a different typing experience, with the Darling being shorter and the Dustproof Purple being longer, so it ultimately depends on individual preferences.
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 Dustproof Purple 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 applauded for its chewy and substantial typing sensation, along with a pronounced bounciness that adds a springy responsiveness to each keystroke. Acoustically, the Darling produces a clacky, high-pitched, and resonant sound upon bottoming out, creating an engaging blend of tactile and auditory feedback. On the other hand, the Outemu Dustproof Purple clicky switch has no specific information available regarding its sound profile.
When it comes to feel, the Darling switch is known for its bouncy nature, providing a spring-like or elastic feedback sensation that gives users a lively feel and rebound when keys are pressed. Unfortunately, there is no information provided about the feel of the Dustproof Purple switch.
Considering the available information, the KTT Darling linear switch excels in both sound and feel aspects, offering a unique typing experience with its chewy feel, bouncy feedback, and clacky, high-pitched sound profile. As for the Outemu Dustproof Purple switch, without specific details available, it's difficult to compare directly. However, if similarities in design and build quality exist between the two switches, users may expect similar results in terms of overall performance.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the KTT Darling linear switch and the Outemu Dustproof Purple clicky switch, consider the following guidelines. If you prefer a medium-light bottom out force with a typing sensation that is chewy and substantial, accompanied by a bouncy and springy responsiveness, along with a high-pitched and resonant sound profile, then the KTT Darling linear switch would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and do not mind the lack of specific sound and feel descriptions provided for the Outemu Dustproof Purple clicky switch, then that switch may be more suitable for your preferences. Ultimately, the decision comes down to your personal typing style and preference for tactile and auditory feedback.
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