KTT Darling vs. KTT Peach
An in-depth look at the KTT Darling and the KTT Peach switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the KTT Darling, a linear switch, and the KTT Peach, another linear switch, there are distinct qualities that set them apart. The Darling offers a typing sensation that is chewy and substantial, with a pronounced bounciness that adds a springy responsiveness to each keystroke. In terms of sound, the Darling delivers a resonant, high-pitched noise upon bottoming out, creating a blend of tactile and auditory feedback that is engaging. On the other hand, the Peach switch provides a syrupy smooth typing experience and a deep, thocky sound profile, making it a popular choice among enthusiasts. While the Darling is known for its bouncy and clacky feel, as well as high-pitched sound, the Peach is revered for its smoothness and deep, low-pitched sound. 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
53g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
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
13mm progressive spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the KTT Darling and KTT Peach switches are quite similar, with both featuring polycarbonate top housings. Polycarbonate is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its relatively stiffer plastic composition. This material is especially useful for switches designed to use RGB lighting, thanks to its translucency. Additionally, both switches have nylon bottom housings, which elicit a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Overall, the housing materials of both switches contribute to enhancing the auditory experience of typing on them.
Despite the similarities in housing materials between the KTT Darling and KTT Peach switches, they do have one key difference. The Darling features a polycarbonate top housing paired with a nylon bottom housing, while the Peach has both its top and bottom housings made of polycarbonate. This means that the sound profile of the Darling will be split between the top and bottom of the switch, with the bottom housing having more impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing affects the sound when releasing a key. In contrast, the Peach switch will offer a more consistent sound profile throughout the typing experience due to both housings being made of polycarbonate.
In conclusion, both the KTT Darling and KTT Peach switches offer unique sound profiles based on their housing materials. The combination of polycarbonate top housings providing a sharper and crisper sound, paired with nylon bottom housings creating a deeper and fuller sound, results in a rich auditory experience for typists. While the Darling's split housing design may offer a slightly different typing feel compared to the Peach's consistent housing material, both switches excel in delivering a satisfying sound profile for keyboard enthusiasts. Ultimately, whether one chooses the Darling or Peach will depend on personal preferences for sound and typing experience.
Weight
The KTT Darling and KTT Peach linear switches have identical actuation and bottom out forces, with both requiring 45 grams of force to actuate and 53 grams to bottom out. This means that users can expect a consistent typing experience in terms of force feedback regardless of which switch they choose. In comparison to other switches on the market, both the Darling and Peach switches fall into the medium-light category, making them a good choice for users who prefer a lighter typing experience. For those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel, they may opt for switches with heavier actuation and bottom out forces. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches may come down to personal preference for typing feel and desired weight.
Travel distance
The KTT Darling linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5mm, while the KTT Peach linear switch has a travel distance of 4mm. In this case, the Peach has the longer travel distance compared to the Darling. A 3.5mm travel distance is considered on the shorter end of the spectrum, offering a faster response time which gamers may prefer. On the other hand, a 4mm travel distance is more traditional and provides a deeper feel when pressing down on the key. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for speed and responsiveness versus a more substantial key press feel. Both switches offer varying travel distances that cater to different preferences, so you can expect different results based on your preference for travel distance.
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 KTT Peach comes in at $2.91 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 each keystroke. Acoustically, the Darling produces a resonant, high-pitched sound upon bottoming out, offering a blend of tactile and auditory feedback that is engaging and satisfying. On the other hand, the KTT Peach linear switch is prized for its syrupy smooth typing experience and deep, thocky sound profile. The Peach switch offers a more mild typing experience compared to the Darling, falling into a safe, middle-ground zone in terms of feel.
When it comes to sound, the Darling switch emits a clacky, high-pitched, and resonant sound profile, providing a sharp, crisp, and immersive auditory experience. In contrast, the Peach switch offers a low-pitched, neutral sound profile that is more bass-heavy and mellow, suitable for a wide range of users. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
In conclusion, the KTT Darling and Peach linear switches offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Darling provides a chewy and substantial typing sensation with a bouncy and high-pitched sound, the Peach offers a syrupy smooth typing experience with a deep, thocky sound profile. The choice between these switches ultimately depends on personal preference for typing feel and sound characteristics. However, both switches are high-quality linear options that will provide a satisfying typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the KTT Darling linear switch and the KTT Peach linear switch, consider the type of typing sensation and sound profile you prefer. If you enjoy a tactile and auditory experience with a chewy and substantial typing sensation, along with a bouncy and high-pitched sound profile, the KTT Darling switch would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a syrupy smooth typing experience with a deep, thocky sound profile that is more neutral and low-pitched, the KTT Peach switch would suit your preferences better. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize a more engaging tactile and auditory feedback (Darling) or a gentle and approachable typing experience (Peach).
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