KTT Darling vs. Outemu Silent White
An in-depth look at the KTT Darling and the Outemu Silent White switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The KTT Darling, a linear switch, is praised for its unique typing sensation that combines a chewy and substantial feel with a pronounced bounciness, making every keystroke springy and responsive. The sound produced by the Darling upon bottoming out is resonant and high-pitched, providing a blend of tactile and auditory feedback. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent White, also a linear switch, is known for its quiet operation. While it may lack the distinct characteristics of the Darling, its silent nature appeals to those seeking a more discreet typing experience. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.60 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
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 Outemu Silent White switches are quite similar in terms of the polycarbonate top housing. Both switches utilize polycarbonate in their top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the relatively stiffer nature of polycarbonate plastic, which leads to a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that incorporate RGB lighting. As a result, both switches offer a similar sound and aesthetic experience with their polycarbonate top housing.
Where the two switches differ is in their nylon bottom housing. The Darling features a nylon bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. Nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound compared to harder plastics. Similarly, the Silent White also utilizes nylon in its bottom housing, providing a similar typing experience with a deeper and fuller sound profile. This commonality in material for the bottom housing ensures that both switches offer a consistent typing experience in terms of sound and feel.
It is important to note that the qualities of each housing material are split between the top and bottom of the switch. The bottom housing has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when the key is pressed, while the top housing influences the sound when the key is released. Despite this division, both the KTT Darling and Outemu Silent White switches are able to provide a satisfying typing experience with their combination of polycarbonate and nylon housing materials.
Weight
The KTT Darling linear switch and the Outemu Silent White linear switch both have the same actuation force of 45 grams, making them equally light in terms of the force required to trigger a keystroke. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Darling requires 53 grams while the Silent White requires 60 grams, making the Darling the lighter option overall. This means that the Darling switch may be more suitable for those who prefer a lighter typing experience, allowing for longer typing sessions without fatigue. Meanwhile, the Silent White switch may appeal to those who prefer a bit more resistance and a more substantial feel while typing. Both switches offer a different typing experience based on their bottom out force, so users can choose the one that best suits their preferences.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the KTT Darling linear switch is 3.5 mm, while the Outemu Silent White linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are becoming increasingly popular, especially among gamers seeking quicker response times. Opting for the Darling would provide a slightly more substantial feel when typing or gaming, while the Silent White offers a slightly quicker actuation. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches comes down to personal preference for the specific feel and response time desired.
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 White 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 differentiates itself with a clacky, high-pitched, and resonant profile that brings a sharp and crisp auditory experience to each keystroke. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent White linear switch, unfortunately, lacks any specific sound description provided. However, keep in mind that the sound produced by a switch is also influenced by the keyboard layout, casing material, and keycap material used, which can alter the overall acoustics of the typing experience.
Turning to the tactile feel, the KTT Darling switch is praised for its bouncy characteristic, offering a springy and elastic feedback that enhances the typing sensation by providing a sense of rebound with each key press. In contrast, the Outemu Silent White switch does not have specific feel descriptors available, leaving a gap in understanding its tactile qualities. Nevertheless, if both switches share similar linear attributes, you can expect comparable bounciness and responsiveness in the typing experience.
In conclusion, the KTT Darling linear switch stands out for its chewy and substantial typing feel, complemented by a bouncy feedback sensation and a resonant, high-pitched sound profile. Meanwhile, the Outemu Silent White switch remains a bit of a mystery in terms of specific sound and feel characteristics. Ultimately, when considering which switch to choose, it's essential to factor in personal preferences for sound, feel, and any additional features such as silence or resistance. Ultimately, both switches may provide a satisfying typing experience, with the Darling offering a more well-defined set of qualities for those seeking a tactile and auditory experience, while the Silent White's exact characteristics remain to be discovered.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering whether to choose the KTT Darling linear switch or the Outemu Silent White linear switch, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and what qualities you prioritize in a keyboard switch. If you enjoy a typing experience that is both chewy, substantial, and bouncy, with a high-pitched and resonant sound profile, then the Darling may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium bottom out force and a silent typing experience, the Silent White may be more suited to your preferences. Consider your typing style, sound preference, and desired level of tactile feedback when making your decision between these two switches. Ultimately, the best switch for you is the one that enhances your typing experience and suits your individual preferences.
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