KTT Darling vs. Outemu Milk Blue
An in-depth look at the KTT Darling and the Outemu Milk Blue switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The KTT Darling, a linear switch, and the Outemu Milk Blue, a clicky switch, offer distinct typing experiences for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. The Darling stands out for its chewy and substantial typing sensation, accompanied by a pronounced bounciness that adds a springy responsiveness to keystrokes. With a resonant, high-pitched sound upon bottoming out, the Darling provides a unique blend of tactile and auditory feedback. On the other hand, the Milk Blue switch does not have a distinct feature or characteristic highlighted but falls under the clicky switch category. While the Darling is described as 'Bouncy', 'Clacky', 'High-pitched', and 'Resonant', the Milk Blue does not have any specific descriptors. Both switches have their appeal, offering different experiences for typists. 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 Milk Blue utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, leading to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffness of polycarbonate creates a clear and resonant sound, making it ideal for switches that prioritize sound quality. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is perfect for switches intended for use with RGB lighting, enhancing the overall aesthetics of the keyboard.
In terms of the bottom housing material, both the Darling and the Milk Blue use nylon. Nylon is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to other plastics. Its softer composition absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when typing. By incorporating nylon into the bottom housing, both switches offer a more satisfying typing experience with a focus on sound depth and quality.
The combination of polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing in the Darling and the Milk Blue provides a balanced approach to sound quality and typing experience. While the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key, the bottom housing plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing a key. Overall, both switches offer a unique blend of materials that enhance the overall typing experience for users seeking a specific sound profile and tactile feel in their mechanical keyboards.
Weight
The KTT Darling linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch, which has an actuation force of 50 grams. Both switches have a medium-light actuation force, but the Darling requires slightly less force to trigger a keystroke. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Darling has a heavier force of 53 grams, while the Milk Blue's bottom out force is unknown. Some users may prefer the Darling for its lighter actuation force, allowing for longer typing sessions, while others may prefer the Milk Blue for a more substantial typing experience due to its heavier bottom out force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the KTT Darling linear switch is 3.5 mm, while the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In terms of comparison, the Darling has a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Milk Blue. The Darling's 3.5 mm travel distance may provide a faster response time, making it a preferred choice for gamers seeking quick reactions. On the other hand, the Milk Blue's 4 mm travel distance offers a more substantial key press, which some users may find more satisfying for typing. Both switches fall within the range of preferred travel distances, with the Darling being slightly shorter and the Milk Blue being slightly longer. Ultimately, the choice between the two 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 Milk 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
The KTT Darling linear switch is known for its chewy and substantial typing sensation, accompanied by a pronounced bounciness that adds a springy responsiveness to keystrokes. The acoustics of the Darling are characterized by a resonant, high-pitched sound upon bottoming out, providing a pleasing blend of tactile and auditory feedback. In contrast, there is no specific information available about the sound or feel of the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch at this time. Therefore, it is difficult to directly compare the two switches in terms of sound and feel.
However, based on the known qualities of the KTT Darling switch, it can be inferred that the switch offers a unique typing experience with a focus on tactile feedback and acoustics. While the specific characteristics of the Milk Blue switch remain unknown, it is possible that users may experience a different typing sensation and sound profile compared to the Darling switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing feel and sound. It is recommended that users explore both options to determine which switch aligns best with their typing preferences.
Conclusion
Therefore, when deciding between the KTT Darling linear switch and the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch, consider the typing experience you prefer. If you value a smooth and substantial typing sensation with a bouncy and responsive feel, along with a distinct high-pitched and resonant sound, then the Darling switch may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a sharp and snappy clicky sound without a defined bottom out force, then the Milk Blue switch could be more suitable for your preferences. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference and what type of typing experience you find most satisfying.
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