KTT Darling vs. Everglide Sakura Pink
An in-depth look at the KTT Darling and the Everglide Sakura Pink switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the KTT Darling and the Everglide Sakura Pink mechanical keyboard switches, it is clear that both offer unique typing experiences. The Darling, a linear switch, provides a chewy and substantial typing sensation with a pronounced bounciness and high-pitched, resonant sound upon bottoming out. On the other hand, the Sakura Pink, also a linear switch, boasts a super light 35g actuation force for delicate typists, offering a smooth and effortless typing experience with a playful poppy sound. While the Darling is characterized by its bouncy and clacky feel, the Sakura Pink is known for being buttery, creamy, and easy-to-press. 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
35g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
45g
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
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the KTT Darling and the Everglide Sakura Pink, we see that both switches utilize polycarbonate in their top housing. This material is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its relatively stiff nature. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it a popular choice for switches that utilize RGB lighting. However, where the Darling differs is in its nylon bottom housing, which elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile due to nylon's softer nature that absorbs more sound. On the other hand, the Sakura Pink utilizes polycarbonate for both the top and bottom housing, emphasizing a consistent sharp and clear sound profile throughout.
The use of different materials for the top and bottom housing in the Darling switch allows for a unique combination of sound profiles. The nylon bottom housing provides a deeper and fuller sound experience, while the polycarbonate top housing ensures a sharper and crisper sound profile when keycaps are released. In contrast, the Sakura Pink's consistent use of polycarbonate throughout its housing results in a more unified sound experience, with a focus on sharp and clear tones. This distinction highlights how the choice of housing materials can significantly impact the overall sound and feel of a mechanical keyboard switch.
Ultimately, whether it's the KTT Darling with its mix of polycarbonate and nylon housing or the Everglide Sakura Pink with uniform polycarbonate housing, the housing materials play a crucial role in determining the sound profile of these switches. The differences in material composition between the top and bottom housings in the Darling create a unique blend of sound qualities, while the Sakura Pink's consistent use of polycarbonate results in a more cohesive sound experience. Both switches showcase the importance of housing materials in achieving desired sound characteristics and demonstrate how even subtle variations can lead to distinct typing experiences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Darling linear switch and the Everglide Sakura Pink linear switch, it is evident that the Sakura Pink is the lighter of the two options. The Darling has a medium-light actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, providing a balance between responsiveness and resistance. In contrast, the Sakura Pink features a lighter actuation force of 35 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it ideal for users who prefer a smoother typing experience with minimal resistance. Both switches offer a comfortable typing experience, but the Darling may appeal more to those who prefer a slightly heavier touch, while the Sakura Pink is better suited for those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation force and bottom out force.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the KTT Darling linear switch and the Everglide Sakura Pink linear switch, it is clear that the Darling has a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Sakura Pink has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. While both fall within the range of traditional travel distances, the Darling offers a quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance, making it a popular choice among gamers. On the other hand, the Sakura Pink provides a bit more depth and tactility with its longer travel distance, which may be preferred by those who enjoy a more substantial key press. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for either a faster response or a more tactile typing experience.
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 Everglide Sakura Pink has an MSRP of $6.86 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sakura Pink for $3.89.
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 characterized by a clacky, high-pitched, and resonant profile, delivering a sharp and crisp sound with each keystroke. In contrast, the Everglide Sakura Pink linear switch is described as muted, offering a softer and quieter typing experience. If you prefer a more vibrant and engaging auditory feedback, the Darling may be the way to go, while the Sakura Pink is ideal for those looking for a more subdued sound profile.
In terms of feel, the KTT Darling switch is praised for its bouncy sensation, providing a springy and lively feedback that adds a dynamic element to typing. On the other hand, the Everglide Sakura Pink switch offers a buttery and creamy typing experience, characterized by a smooth and effortless keystroke feel. Additionally, the Sakura Pink is noted for being easy-to-press and frictionless, ensuring a comfortable and low-impact typing session. If you enjoy a more dynamic and lively feel, the Darling might be your choice, whereas the Sakura Pink offers a silky smooth and easy typing experience.
Overall, if you are looking for a linear switch with a more pronounced bounciness and vibrant, high-pitched sound, the KTT Darling switch would be an excellent choice. However, if you prefer a softer, muted sound and a smooth, effortless typing experience, the Everglide Sakura Pink switch may be more suited to your preferences. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different typing preferences, ensuring that you will get a satisfying typing experience regardless of your choice.
Conclusion
In closing, if you are someone who enjoys a typing experience that is both chewy and substantial, with a pronounced bounciness and a resonant, high-pitched sound upon bottoming out, then the KTT Darling linear switch would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer an ultra-light actuation force, a smooth and effortless typing experience with a poppy sound reminiscent of bubble wrap being popped, then the Everglide Sakura Pink linear switch would be more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, your decision between the two switches should be based on whether you prioritize the tactile and auditory feedback of the Darling or the smooth and frictionless operation of the Sakura Pink. Consider your typing style and preferences carefully to choose the switch that will enhance your typing experience the most.
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