KTT Darling vs. Outemu Silver
An in-depth look at the KTT Darling and the Outemu Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The KTT Darling and the Outemu Silver are two mechanical keyboard switches that offer unique typing experiences. The KTT Darling, a linear switch, is best known for its chewy and substantial typing sensation, accompanied by a pronounced bounciness that adds a springy responsiveness to each keystroke. This switch also delivers a resonant, high-pitched sound upon bottoming out, creating a blend of tactile and auditory feedback. On the other hand, the Outemu Silver, another linear switch, is characterized by its silent operation. While the Darling offers a more engaging typing experience with its bouncy and clacky feel, the Silver provides a quieter option for those who prefer 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
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 Silver switches both feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the stiffness of the plastic. This results in a more clear and resonant sound overall, making them ideal for switches intended to be used with RGB lighting. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing of these switches enhances the aesthetics and sound characteristics, providing a unique typing experience for users.
In terms of the bottom housing material, both the Darling and Silver switches utilize nylon, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to polycarbonate. Nylon is known for its softer properties, which absorb more sound and create a duller and rounder sound. This means that when typing on switches with nylon bottom housings, users can expect a more muted and satisfying typing experience with a focus on the bottom-out sound and feel rather than the release sound.
Overall, the differences in housing materials between the KTT Darling and Outemu Silver switches result in distinct sound profiles and typing experiences. While both switches share the same polycarbonate top housing for a sharp and crisp sound, their nylon bottom housings offer contrasting deeper and fuller sounds. Whether you prefer a more resonant and clear sound or a dulled and rounded sound, the choice between these switches ultimately comes down to personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Weight
The actuation force of the KTT Darling linear switch is 45 grams, while the Outemu Silver linear switch also has an actuation force of 45 grams. Therefore, in terms of actuation force, both switches provide a similar experience for users. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Darling switch requires 53 grams of force, making it lighter than the Silver switch which needs 65 grams of force to bottom out. This means that the Darling switch offers a lighter typing experience compared to the Silver switch. Some users may prefer the lighter actuation and bottom out force of the Darling switch for longer typing sessions, while others may appreciate the heavier bottom out force of the Silver switch for a more substantial typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing experience.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the KTT Darling linear switch is 3.5 mm, while the Outemu Silver linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. The Darling has a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Silver. A 3.5 mm travel distance may provide a quicker response time, making it a preferred choice for gamers. On the other hand, the 4 mm travel distance of the Silver switch offers a slightly deeper key press, which can be preferred by those who like a more substantial feel when typing. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Darling being on the shorter end and the Silver on the longer end. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference for key travel depth 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 Silver 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 stands out with its clacky, high-pitched, and resonant characteristics. The sharp and snappy sound it produces adds a satisfying auditory element to typing sessions, creating a lively and engaging experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Silver linear switch does not have any specific sound descriptors provided, so it may offer a quieter or different sound profile compared to the Darling. It's important to note that sound perception can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard type and keycaps used.
Moving on to feel, the KTT Darling linear switch is praised for its bouncy nature, providing a spring-like feedback sensation that adds a dynamic touch to each keystroke. This bounciness enhances the typing experience, offering a tactile feel that's both responsive and enjoyable. Unfortunately, there is no specific feel descriptor provided for the Outemu Silver linear switch, making it difficult to directly compare the two in terms of tactile feedback.
In conclusion, the KTT Darling linear switch excels in both sound and feel categories, offering a satisfyingly clacky sound profile and a bouncy tactile sensation. On the other hand, the Outemu Silver linear switch lacks specific descriptors for both sound and feel, leaving its subjective qualities relatively unknown. If you prefer a switch with similar qualities to the KTT Darling, you may find a comparable experience by considering other linear switches with characteristics like bounciness and high-pitched sound profiles. Ultimately, the best choice between the two switches will depend on your personal preferences for sound and feel in a mechanical keyboard switch.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding between the KTT Darling linear switch and the Outemu Silver linear switch, you should consider the typing experience you are looking for. If you prefer a medium-light bottom out force and enjoy a chewy and substantial typing sensation with a pronounced bounciness and high-pitched sound, then the KTT 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 switch that is clacky and high-pitched, with no specific tactile feedback mentioned, then the Outemu Silver switch might be more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing preferences and the overall typing experience you are seeking.
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