KTT Darling vs. Outemu Silent Grey
An in-depth look at the KTT Darling and the Outemu Silent Grey switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The KTT Darling, a linear switch, offers a typing experience that is both chewy and substantial, with a bouncy and responsive feel to each keystroke. The high-pitched, resonant sound upon bottoming out adds to the overall tactile and auditory feedback. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Grey switch provides a quiet and highly tactile typing experience, perfect for those who prioritize silent operation. With a pronounced bump and smooth keystroke, the Silent Grey switch delivers a satisfying typing experience without the loud clacks. While the Darling is known for its bouncy and clacky feel, the Silent Grey stands out for its quiet yet tactile nature. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these 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
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.60 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
The housing materials of the KTT Darling and Outemu Silent Grey both utilize polycarbonate for the top housing, resulting in a sharp, high-pitched sound profile. Polycarbonate's stiffness contributes to a clear and resonant sound, making it ideal for switches that prioritize sound quality. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for RGB lighting to shine through, adding a visually appealing aspect to the switches.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the Darling and Silent Grey switches feature nylon material. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature and ability to absorb sound. This results in a more muted and rounded sound compared to the sharper sound produced by polycarbonate in the top housing. The combination of polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing in these switches helps to balance the sound qualities throughout the typing experience.
Overall, while the KTT Darling and Outemu Silent Grey switches differ in their top and bottom housing materials, they both aim to provide a satisfying typing experience. The split between polycarbonate and nylon in the housings allows for a nuanced sound profile, with the bottom housing influencing the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing impacts the sound when releasing a key. Regardless of the specific materials used, both switches deliver a mix of sharpness and depth in their sound profiles, catering to different preferences among mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Darling linear switch and the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch, a few key differences emerge. The Darling switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Silent Grey's 50 grams, making it slightly easier to trigger a keystroke. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Darling requires 53 grams while the Silent Grey needs 65 grams, indicating a heavier typing experience with the latter. This means that the Darling switch is more suitable for those who prefer a lighter touch for longer typing sessions, while the Silent Grey is better suited for those looking for a more substantial typing feel. Both switches provide a different typing experience due to their varying actuation and bottom out forces, catering to different preferences in keyboard switches.
Travel distance
Comparing the travel distance of the KTT Darling linear switch and the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch, the Darling has a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm while the Silent Grey has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. The Darling switch offers a quicker and more responsive typing experience due to its shorter travel distance, making it a popular choice among gamers looking for faster response times. On the other hand, the Silent Grey switch provides a deeper key press feel with its longer travel distance, which some users may prefer for a more satisfying typing experience. In this case, if you prioritize speed and responsiveness, the KTT Darling switch would be the better option, whereas if you prefer a deeper key press, the Outemu Silent Grey switch would be more suitable. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and typing style.
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 Silent Grey 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 is known for its high-pitched and resonant qualities, producing a clacky and engaging sound experience that adds to the tactile feedback of each keystroke. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch is designed to offer a quiet typing experience, with no specific descriptors provided. Both switches provide unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences, with the Darling offering a more pronounced and lively auditory experience compared to the Silent Grey.
In terms of feel, the Darling linear switch is characterized by its bouncy nature, providing a springy and responsive typing sensation that adds to the overall tactile experience. Conversely, there is no specific information available on the feel of the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch. The bouncy nature of the Darling switch indicates a lively and satisfying feel that enhances the typing experience for those who prefer a more tactile response.
Overall, the KTT Darling linear switch and the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch offer contrasting experiences in terms of sound and feel. The Darling switch provides a high-pitched and resonant sound profile coupled with a bouncy and substantial typing sensation, appealing to those who enjoy a more engaging tactile and auditory feedback. On the other hand, the Silent Grey switch offers a quiet typing experience with a smooth keystroke, catering to individuals who prioritize a silent environment without compromising on tactile satisfaction. Depending on personal preferences, both switches can provide a unique typing experience that meets the needs of different users.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the KTT Darling linear switch and the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch, consider your preferences in terms of typing experience. If you enjoy a chewy and substantial feeling with a pronounced bounciness and high-pitched sound, the Darling may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a quiet and highly tactile typing experience with a smooth keystroke and pronounced bump, the Silent Grey could be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on the specific qualities you value in a mechanical keyboard switch, whether it be sound, feel, or overall typing experience.
Mentioned in this article
