KTT Darling vs. KTT Purple Click
An in-depth look at the KTT Darling and the KTT Purple Click switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the KTT Darling and the KTT Purple Click. The KTT Darling is a linear switch that offers a typing experience that is both chewy and substantial, with a bouncy and springy responsiveness to each keystroke. Its high-pitched sound upon bottoming out adds an engaging blend of tactile and auditory feedback. On the other hand, the KTT Purple Click, also known as Purple Sauce, is a clicky switch known for its high-pitched, satisfying click and light keystrokes that offer a pronounced tactility without being overwhelming. While the Darling is categorized as ‘Bouncy’, ‘Clacky’, ‘High-pitched’, and ‘Resonant’, the Purple Click is categorized as ‘Crunchy’, ‘Invigorating’, ‘Resonant’, and ‘Stepped’. Each switch has its own unique features and advantages, making them suitable for different preferences and typing styles. 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
40g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
55g
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
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
18mm spring
Housing materials
Both the KTT Darling and the KTT Purple Click feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the relatively stiff nature of polycarbonate. This makes them ideal for users looking for a clear and resonant sound when typing. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is perfect for those who enjoy using RGB lighting with their keyboards. The similarities in the top housing material between the two switches ensure that users can expect similar auditory results when using either switch.
On the other hand, the nylon bottom housings of the KTT Darling and the KTT Purple Click provide a deeper and fuller sound profile as nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound. This creates a duller and rounder sound compared to the sharper sound produced by the polycarbonate top housing. The use of nylon in the bottom housing offers a different typing experience for users, focusing more on the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch. Despite this difference in bottom housing material, users can still expect a consistent sound profile when typing on either switch.
Overall, the use of different housing materials in the KTT Darling and KTT Purple Click allows for a unique typing experience that combines the strengths of both polycarbonate and nylon. While the top housing material primarily influences the sound when pressing and releasing a key, the bottom housing material impacts the overall typing experience, particularly the bottom-out sound and feel. Both switches offer a distinct sound profile and feel, catering to users with different preferences in typing experience.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Darling linear switch and the KTT Purple Click clicky switch, we can see that both switches fall into the medium-light category in terms of force. The Darling has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, while the Purple Click has an actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams. This means that the Darling requires slightly more force to actuate but less force to bottom out compared to the Purple Click. Both switches provide a relatively light typing experience, making them suitable for users who prefer lighter switches for extended typing sessions. Ultimately, the choice between the two would come down to personal preference for the actuation and bottom out force that best suits the individual's typing style.
Travel distance
The KTT Darling linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, making it the shorter option compared to the KTT Purple Click clicky switch, which has a travel distance of 4 mm. Both switches fall within the range of common travel distances for mechanical keyboards. Gamers who prioritize quick response times may prefer the Darling switch with its shorter travel distance, while those who prefer a more substantial key press may opt for the Purple Click switch with its longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of key feel 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 KTT Purple Click has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Purple Click for $2.55.
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 often described as clacky, high-pitched, and resonant, offering a satisfyingly sharp and crisp sound profile that can enhance the typing experience. On the other hand, the KTT Purple Click clicky switch is known for its crunchy and resonant sound, providing a mix of tactile and auditory feedback that is reminiscent of stepping on crisp autumn leaves. Both switches offer unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences, with the Darling leaning towards a more pronounced auditory feedback and the Purple Click offering a lighter, yet still satisfying, click sound.
In terms of feel, the KTT Darling linear switch is characterized as bouncy, providing a spring-like feedback that enhances the typing experience by offering a lively and responsive feel to each keystroke. Conversely, the KTT Purple Click clicky switch is described as invigorating, offering pronounced feedback and a snappy, reactive feel that creates an immersive typing sensation. Additionally, the Purple Click switch may have a stepped feel, providing a more nuanced tactile experience compared to the straightforward bounciness of the Darling switch.
Overall, the KTT Darling linear switch and the KTT Purple Click clicky switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Darling switch delivers a chewy and substantial typing sensation with a clacky, high-pitched sound, the Purple Click switch provides a lighter keystroke with a satisfying crunchy click. Depending on your preference for sound and feel, both switches can provide a unique and enjoyable typing experience. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will come down to personal preference and the specific typing experience you are looking to achieve.
Conclusion
Ultimately, when choosing between the KTT Darling linear switch and the KTT Purple Click clicky switch, it is important to consider your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a smooth and bouncy typing experience with a high-pitched sound profile, the Darling switch may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a light keystroke with pronounced tactility and a satisfying clicky sound, the Purple Click switch might be more suitable for your needs. Both switches offer unique characteristics that can enhance your typing experience, so choosing between the two ultimately comes down to your individual preferences.
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