KTT Darling vs. Outemu Maple Leaf
An in-depth look at the KTT Darling and the Outemu Maple Leaf switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the KTT Darling, a linear switch, to the Outemu Maple Leaf, a tactile switch, it's clear that each offers a unique typing experience. The Darling stands out for its chewy and substantial feel, accompanied by a pronounced bounciness that adds a springy responsiveness to each keystroke. The high-pitched, resonant sound upon bottoming out provides both tactile and auditory feedback, making typing on the Darling an engaging experience. In contrast, the Maple Leaf lacks specific standout characteristics, offering a more straightforward typing sensation. If you prefer a switch that provides a bouncy and clacky feel with high-pitched sound, the Darling may be the best choice 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
55g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.30 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
Nylon
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
In comparing the housing materials of the KTT Darling and the Outemu Maple Leaf, it is evident that they both utilize nylon for their bottom housings. This means that typing on switches from either keyboard will elicit a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the relatively softer nature of nylon which absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. However, while they share this similarity, the Darling features a polycarbonate top housing which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is in contrast to the Maple Leaf's nylon top housing which also contributes to a deeper sound profile but in a different tonal quality.
Another point of comparison between the Darling and the Maple Leaf is in their use of different materials for their top housings. The Darling's polycarbonate top housing leads to a more clear and resonant sound profile, thanks to polycarbonate's stiffness which enhances the sound. On the other hand, the Maple Leaf's nylon top housing absorbs more sound due to its softer nature, resulting in a sound that is deeper and fuller but with a duller and rounder quality. This distinction in top housing materials ultimately affects the overall sound and feel of typing on each keyboard.
It is important to note that the choice of housing material for both the top and bottom of a switch can significantly impact the overall typing experience. In the case of the Darling and the Maple Leaf, the split between polycarbonate and nylon housings can be felt in how the sound profile is affected when pressing down on a key versus when releasing it. The qualities each housing material brings to the switch are thus distributed between the top and bottom, with the bottom housing having more influence on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing affects the sound when a key is released. Despite the differences in their housing materials, both keyboards offer unique typing experiences that cater to different preferences in sound and feel.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Darling linear switch and the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch, it is clear that the Darling is lighter while the Maple Leaf is heavier. The Darling has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, making it a medium-light switch. On the other hand, the Maple Leaf has an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, categorizing it as medium-heavy. This means that the Darling will provide a lighter typing experience, suitable for longer typing sessions or gaming sessions where fatigue may be a concern. Meanwhile, the Maple Leaf offers a stronger push feel, ideal for those who prefer a more substantial typing experience. Overall, while both switches offer different levels of force depending on personal preference, they will provide similar results in terms of actuation and bottom out force within their respective weight categories.
Travel distance
The KTT Darling linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch has a slightly shorter distance of 3.3 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are becoming increasingly popular, especially among gamers looking for quick response times. The Darling switch may offer a slightly deeper feel due to its longer travel distance, making it a good choice for those who prefer a more substantial keypress. On the other hand, the Maple Leaf switch's slightly shorter distance may provide a more immediate response, appealing to those who value speed and agility in their keystrokes. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of key feel and 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 Outemu Maple Leaf 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 it comes to sound, the KTT Darling linear switch offers a unique and engaging experience with its clacky and high-pitched profile. The sharp and crisp sound produced upon bottoming out adds to the overall typing experience, providing both tactile and auditory feedback to the user. On the other hand, the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch's sound qualities are unknown, making it difficult to directly compare to the Darling in this aspect.
Regarding feel, the KTT Darling linear switch is praised for its bouncy sensation, giving users a spring-like feedback with each keystroke. This bouncy feel adds a lively touch to typing, enhancing the overall typing experience. Unfortunately, the tactile feel of the Outemu Maple Leaf switch is not known, so a direct comparison in this regard cannot be made.
Taking into consideration the available information, the KTT Darling linear switch stands out for its chewy and substantial typing sensation, paired with a bouncy and responsive feedback. With its clacky and high-pitched sound profile, the Darling offers an engaging typing experience that appeals to users seeking both tactile and auditory feedback. As for the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch, the lack of information on its sound and feel qualities makes it difficult to compare directly to the Darling. Ultimately, when choosing between the two switches, it is important to consider individual preferences for sound, feel, and overall typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the KTT Darling linear switch or the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch, you should keep in mind their unique characteristics and qualities. If you prefer a typing experience that is both chewy and substantial, with a pronounced bounciness and a high-pitched, resonant sound upon bottoming out, then the Darling switch may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and are looking for a tactile switch with specific sound and feel characteristics, such as the Maple Leaf switch, then that may be the better option for your needs. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences and typing style to ensure that you are satisfied with your mechanical keyboard switch choice.
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