KTT Darling vs. Outemu Red Panda
An in-depth look at the KTT Darling and the Outemu Red Panda switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The KTT Darling and the Outemu Red Panda are both unique mechanical keyboard switches with distinct features that cater to different typing preferences. The Darling, a linear switch, offers a typing experience characterized by its chewy and substantial feel, accompanied by a bouncy and springy responsiveness with a high-pitched, resonant sound. On the other hand, the Red Panda, a tactile switch, provides a light-medium amount of tactility along with a bassier bottom-out sound and a clackier top-out sound. While the Darling offers a blend of tactile and auditory feedback, the Red Panda delivers a thocky and mild typing experience. Choosing between the two switches ultimately depends on personal preference and typing style; 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
50g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
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
Both the KTT Darling and Outemu Red Panda switches feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the relatively stiff nature of polycarbonate, which leads to a more clear and resonant sound. Aesthetically, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it useful for switches with RGB lighting. However, the switches differ in their bottom housings, with the Darling utilizing a nylon bottom housing for a deeper and fuller sound profile, while the Red Panda also uses a nylon bottom housing but for a duller and rounder sound.
The use of nylon in the bottom housing of both the KTT Darling and Outemu Red Panda switches results in a different typing experience compared to the polycarbonate top housing. Nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, creating a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing on the switches. This difference in bottom housing material may affect the overall sound and feel of the switch when typing, as the bottom housing plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel. However, the top housing material, which is polycarbonate for both switches, will have a more pronounced impact on the sound when releasing a key.
In summary, while both the KTT Darling and Outemu Red Panda switches feature polycarbonate top housings that provide sharp, clear, and resonant sound profiles, they differ in their bottom housings. The use of nylon in the bottom housing of both switches results in a different sound experience when typing, with the Darling's nylon bottom housing creating a deeper and fuller sound compared to the Red Panda's nylon bottom housing, which produces a duller and rounder sound. Overall, the combination of polycarbonate and nylon in different housing sections creates a unique typing experience for each switch.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Darling linear switch and the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch, we find that the Darling has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Red Panda's 50 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Darling requires 53 grams while the Red Panda needs 60 grams, making the Red Panda the heavier option in this scenario. Despite the slight difference in force requirements, both switches fall within the medium-light to medium range, providing a comfortable typing experience for users. The actuation force dictates the force needed to trigger a key press, while the bottom out force measures the pressure needed to fully press the key down. For those looking for a lighter feel for extended typing sessions, the Darling may be preferred, while those seeking a more substantial typing experience may opt for the heavier Red Panda. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences and typing habits.
Travel distance
The KTT Darling linear switch and the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch both offer relatively short travel distances compared to traditional switches. The Darling has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Red Panda has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. Both switches are considered to have a compact travel distance, making them ideal for gamers looking for quick response times. However, the Darling offers a slightly longer travel distance, which may appeal to those who prefer a bit more depth when typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference in terms of travel distance and typing feel.
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 Red Panda comes in at $3.40 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
In terms of sound, the KTT Darling linear switch offers a clacky and high-pitched sound that resonates with each keystroke, providing an immersive auditory experience that is crisp and sharp. On the other hand, the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch produces a thocky bottom-out sound, which is deep, rich, and satisfying. While the Darling leans towards a sharper and more resonant sound profile, the Red Panda offers a more bassy and thocky sound, catering to different preferences. Ultimately, both switches will provide a satisfying typing experience, but the Darling may appeal more to those who prefer a sharper and more resonant sound, whereas the Red Panda may be better suited for those who enjoy a deeper and richer sound.
As for the feel, the KTT Darling linear switch is known for its bouncy feedback, providing a spring-like sensation that adds a lively bounce to each keystroke. On the other hand, the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch offers a mild typing experience, with a gentle feedback that falls in a safe, middle-ground zone. The Darling's bouncy feel gives a more elastic and lively typing experience, while the Red Panda's mild feel ensures a comfortable and approachable typing experience for most users. Both switches offer distinct tactile feedback, catering to different preferences in typing feel.
In conclusion, the KTT Darling linear switch and the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Darling provides a bouncy and springy typing sensation with a resonant and high-pitched sound profile, appealing to those who enjoy a more tactile and auditory typing experience. Meanwhile, the Red Panda offers a thocky bottom-out sound and a mild typing feel, catering to users who prefer a quieter and more gentle typing experience. Depending on personal preferences for sound and feel, both switches offer a satisfying typing experience, ensuring that users will get distinct results based on their choice between the two switches.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a linear switch with a medium-light bottom out force that provides a chewy and substantial typing sensation with bouncy feedback, along with a high-pitched and resonant sound profile, the KTT Darling linear switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile switch with a medium bottom out force that offers a light-medium amount of tactility, a bassier bottom-out sound, and a clackier top-out sound, the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch would be a better fit. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize the typing experience and sound profile offered by the Darling or the tactility and sound profile provided by the Red Panda. Choose the switch that aligns with your preferences and enjoy a satisfying typing experience.
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