KTT Darling vs. Outemu Ocean
An in-depth look at the KTT Darling and the Outemu Ocean switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the KTT Darling, a linear switch, and the Outemu Ocean, a tactile switch, it's clear that both options offer unique qualities for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. The KTT Darling stands out for its chewy and substantial typing sensation, coupled with a pronounced bounciness that adds a springy responsiveness to each keystroke. Additionally, its high-pitched and resonant acoustics create an engaging blend of tactile and auditory feedback. On the other hand, the Outemu Ocean lacks a distinct feature description but falls under the tactile switch category. Choosing between these switches ultimately comes down to personal preference and specific typing needs; 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
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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the KTT Darling and the Outemu Ocean share similar properties when it comes to their polycarbonate top housing. Both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate being a stiffer plastic, which enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound produced. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches designed to incorporate RGB lighting, offering a visually appealing aesthetic to the overall switch design.
On the other hand, the nylon bottom housing of both the Darling and the Ocean provides a contrasting sound profile compared to their polycarbonate top housing. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound when typing on switches, as it is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound than harder plastics. This results in a duller and rounder sound profile, adding a different acoustic dimension to the overall typing experience. Despite this difference in materials, both switches benefit from the unique characteristics that nylon brings to the table in terms of sound production.
When considering the impact of having different housing materials for the top and bottom of a switch, it is evident that each material contributes distinct qualities to the overall typing experience. The bottom housing has a more pronounced effect on the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed, influencing the tactile feedback provided to the user. Conversely, the top housing plays a significant role in the sound produced when releasing a key, shaping the auditory feedback of the switch. By combining different housing materials, switches like the KTT Darling and the Outemu Ocean are able to offer a diverse range of sound profiles to cater to individual preferences in typing sound and feel.
Weight
The KTT Darling linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Outemu Ocean tactile switch, which has a heavier actuation force of 55 grams. When it comes to bottom out force, the Darling requires 53 grams, while the Ocean's bottom out force is unknown. This makes the Darling switch medium-light in terms of force required, while the Ocean's force remains a mystery. For those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions, the Darling may be the better option. However, for users who enjoy a more substantial typing experience with a heavier push feel, the Ocean switch with its higher actuation force could be the preferred choice. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The KTT Darling linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, which is shorter than the Outemu Ocean tactile switch with a travel distance of 4 mm. The Darling switch offers a quicker response time, making it ideal for gamers looking for fast reactions. On the other hand, the Ocean switch provides a more substantial keypress feel with its longer travel distance, which may be preferred by those who enjoy a deeper typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference regarding travel distance and typing 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 Ocean 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
In terms of sound, the KTT Darling linear switch is known for its clacky, high-pitched, and resonant characteristics, producing a sharp and crisp sound when pressed that can be engaging and satisfying for the user. On the other hand, the Outemu Ocean tactile switch's sound profile is unknown, making it difficult to compare the two switches in this aspect. However, it is important to note that the sound produced by a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the KTT Darling linear switch is praised for its bouncy sensation, providing a spring-like feedback that adds a lively feel to each keystroke. This tactile experience can enhance typing enjoyment and efficiency for users seeking a responsive and dynamic typing experience. Unfortunately, the feel of the Outemu Ocean tactile switch is not specified, making it challenging to make a direct comparison between the two switches in terms of tactile feedback.
In conclusion, the KTT Darling linear switch stands out for its pronounced bounciness and high-pitched, resonant sound profile, offering users a tactile and auditory experience that can be described as engaging and satisfying. While the subjective qualities of the Outemu Ocean tactile switch remain unknown, users can expect similar results in terms of sound and feel if they prefer a switch with comparable characteristics to the KTT Darling. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches may come down to personal preference and the specific typing experience that each user is seeking.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the KTT Darling linear switch and the Outemu Ocean tactile switch, consider the typing experience you prefer. If you enjoy a chewy and substantial typing sensation with pronounced bounciness and a resonant, high-pitched sound, the Darling switch may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you are looking for a switch with unknown characteristics and bottom out force, the Ocean switch may offer a mystery waiting to be discovered. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will come down to your personal preferences for typing feel and sound. So, explore each option and choose the one that best suits your typing style and preferences.
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