KTT Darling vs. KTT Pine
An in-depth look at the KTT Darling and the KTT Pine switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the KTT Darling and KTT Pine both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Darling, a linear switch, provides a typing experience that is chewy and substantial, with a pronounced bounciness that adds a springy responsiveness to each keystroke. Its high-pitched sound upon bottoming out creates a blend of tactile and auditory feedback that some users may find engaging. On the other hand, the Pine, also a linear switch, is medium-heavy and buttery smooth, built for an effortless typing experience. The factory-lubed finish minimizes friction for smooth key travel, resulting in a creamy and low-pitched typing sensation. 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
58g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 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
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
15.5mm gold-plated spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the KTT Darling and the KTT Pine, it is apparent that both switches utilize polycarbonate for the top housing. This material is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for RGB lighting effects. However, where the Darling differs is in its use of nylon for the bottom housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's softer composition absorbs more sound, leading to a duller and rounder sound compared to polycarbonate.
While both switches share a polycarbonate top housing, the differentiation comes in the bottom housing material. The KTT Pine opts for a polycarbonate bottom housing, mirroring the qualities of the top housing for a consistent sound profile. This choice maintains the sharp, high-pitched, and clear sound profile throughout the switch. In contrast, the KTT Darling's nylon bottom housing introduces a deeper and fuller sound profile, creating a contrast between the top and bottom sounds of the switch. This variation in materials provides a different typing experience for users of each switch.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in switches like the KTT Darling and the KTT Pine can significantly impact the sound and feel of typing. While both switches share the benefits of using polycarbonate for the top housing, the difference in bottom housing materials alters the overall sound profile. The Darling's combination of polycarbonate and nylon creates a balance between sharpness and depth, while the Pine's consistent use of polycarbonate maintains a more uniform sound experience. Ultimately, the housing materials chosen for a switch can cater to different preferences in sound and typing feel.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Darling linear switch and the KTT Pine linear switch, we can see that both have the same actuation force of 45 grams. However, the bottom out force of the Darling is 53 grams, making it slightly lighter than the Pine, which has a bottom out force of 58 grams. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Darling may be the better choice due to its lower bottom out force. On the other hand, the Pine offers a slightly heavier typing experience, which some users may find more satisfying and substantial. Overall, both switches provide a similar actuation force, but the Pine is slightly heavier in terms of bottom out force. Ultimately, the choice between the two will come down to personal preference for typing feel and weight preferences.
Travel distance
The KTT Pine linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the KTT Darling linear switch has a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. The Pine switch falls into the more traditional range of travel distances, ideal for those who prefer a deeper key press. On the other hand, the Darling switch offers a slightly shorter travel distance, which may be more suitable for gamers looking for quicker response times. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference and typing style. Both switches offer their own unique benefits, so it's important to consider what feels most comfortable and responsive to you.
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 Pine has an MSRP of $4.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Pine for $4.15.
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 high-pitched and resonant characteristics, producing a crisp and sharp sound when pressed that adds to the tactile experience. On the other hand, the KTT Pine linear switch is described as bassy and low-pitched, offering a deeper and more mellow sound profile during key presses. While the Darling provides a clacky and engaging auditory feedback, the Pine delivers a smoother and more relaxed typing experience in terms of sound.
Moving on to feel, the KTT Darling linear switch is praised for its bouncy sensation, giving a spring-like feedback with each keystroke that adds to the overall typing experience. In contrast, the KTT Pine linear switch is described as buttery and creamy, providing a smooth and fluid keystroke experience that feels effortless and uniform. The Darling offers a lively and responsive feel, while the Pine delivers a seamless and silky sensation when typing.
In conclusion, the KTT Darling linear switch stands out for its chewy and substantial typing sensation, pronounced bounciness, and resonant, high-pitched sound profile. On the other hand, the KTT Pine linear switch shines with its medium-heavy feel, buttery smooth keystrokes, and bassy, low-pitched sound. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, whether you prefer a more engaging and bouncy typing experience with the Darling or a smooth and effortless feel with the Pine. Ultimately, your choice between the two will depend on your personal preference for sound and feel in a mechanical keyboard switch.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the KTT Darling linear switch and the KTT Pine linear switch, you should consider the following factors. If you prefer a medium-light bottom out force and enjoy a typing sensation that is chewy, substantial, and bouncy, with a high-pitched and resonant sound profile, then the KTT Darling switch would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly higher bottom out force, a buttery smooth typing experience with minimal friction, and a sound profile that is described as bassy and low-pitched, then the KTT Pine switch would be more suitable for your preferences. Ultimately, your decision should be based on what tactile and auditory feedback you enjoy the most while typing.
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