KTT Darling vs. Durock Sea Glass
An in-depth look at the KTT Darling and the Durock Sea Glass switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The KTT Darling and the Durock Sea Glass are both linear mechanical keyboard switches with distinct characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Darling offers a typing experience that is chewy and substantial, accompanied by a bouncy and responsive feel with a high-pitched, resonant sound. On the other hand, the Sea Glass switches come in an array of pastel colors and provide a dry, wispy, and airy typing experience that is smooth and easy to press, with a weightlessness that belies its 62g bottom-out force. While both switches have their unique qualities, it ultimately comes down to personal preference. 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
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
P3+
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the KTT Darling and the Durock Sea Glass switches offer unique characteristics that contribute to their overall sound profile. The Darling's polycarbonate top housing provides a sharper, higher-pitched sound with a clear and resonant profile due to its stiffness. In contrast, the Sea Glass's Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend top housing offers a more pleasant and brighter sound that is not particularly sharp. Both switches utilize unique materials in their top housing to achieve distinct sound profiles, with the Darling leaning towards a crisper sound while the Sea Glass provides a softer, yet brighter tone.
In terms of bottom housings, the Darling's nylon material creates a deeper and fuller sound profile as a result of its softer nature that absorbs more sound. On the other hand, the Sea Glass's blend of Polymer nylon and UHMWPE in the bottom housing offers a unique sound profile that is also pleasant and a bit brighter. Despite both switches using different materials for their bottom housings, they each bring out different qualities in the sound profile. The Darling leans towards a duller and rounder sound, while the Sea Glass provides a brighter tone that complements its top housing material.
Overall, the differences in housing materials between the KTT Darling and the Durock Sea Glass switches result in distinct sound profiles that cater to different preferences. The Darling with its polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing offers a sharper and fuller sound, while the Sea Glass with its blend of Polymer nylon and UHMWPE in both top and bottom housings provides a pleasant and brighter sound. Despite the differences in materials used, both switches are designed to deliver unique sound experiences that can enhance the typing or gaming experience for users.
Weight
Comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Darling linear switch and the Durock Sea Glass linear switch reveals some key differences. The Darling has a slightly lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Sea Glass, which also has an actuation force of 45 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Darling requires 53 grams of force while the Sea Glass needs 62 grams. This makes the Sea Glass the heavier switch overall. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may gravitate towards the Darling for its lower bottom out force, allowing for longer typing sessions with less fatigue. On the other hand, the Sea Glass offers a more substantial typing experience with its higher bottom out force, appealing to users who prefer a stronger push feel. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual preferences and typing habits.
Travel distance
The KTT Darling linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Durock Sea Glass linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. In comparing the two, the Darling switch provides a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Sea Glass switch. The Darling's 3.5 mm travel distance may appeal to those looking for a quicker response time, especially gamers who prioritize speed. On the other hand, the Sea Glass's 3.8 mm travel distance offers a slightly deeper press, which may be preferred by those who enjoy a more substantial keypress feel. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are gaining popularity for their efficiency and quick actuation. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference for keypress depth and response time.
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 Durock Sea Glass has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sea Glass for $4.87.
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 best known for its chewy and substantial typing sensation, complemented by a pronounced bounciness that adds a springy responsiveness to each keystroke. Acoustically, the Darling switch delivers a resonant, high-pitched sound upon bottoming out, creating a blend of tactile and auditory feedback that engages the user. In contrast, the Durock Sea Glass linear switch series emanates a distinct dryness, wispiness, and airiness due to its proprietary material blend. Despite its 62g bottom-out force, the Sea Glass switches possess a weightlessness that defies expectations. Typing on the Sea Glass switches reveals a uniquely hollow sound signature, creating a different auditory experience compared to the Darling.
In terms of sound, the Darling switch is described as clacky, high-pitched, and resonant, resulting in a sharp, crisp, and immersive auditory experience. On the other hand, information on the sound profile of the Sea Glass switches is currently unavailable. Both switches offer unique sound profiles that may appeal to different preferences, depending on the user's keyboard and keycap choices.
Moving on to feel, the Darling switch is described as bouncy, providing a spring-like feedback sensation that gives keys a lively feel and rebound when pressed. In contrast, the Sea Glass switches are described as frictionless, mild, feathery, and easy-to-press, offering a smooth, effortless typing experience with minimal resistance. The Sea Glass switches cater to those seeking a gentle typing experience with light actuation force and reduced finger fatigue, while the Darling switch provides a more bouncy and springy feel.
In conclusion, the KTT Darling and Durock Sea Glass linear switches offer unique typing experiences in terms of sound and feel. While the Darling switch provides a chewy and substantial typing sensation with a resonant, high-pitched sound, the Sea Glass switches deliver a distinct dryness and weightlessness with a uniquely hollow sound signature. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of sound, feel, and overall typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering whether to choose the KTT Darling linear switch or the Durock Sea Glass linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preference in typing experience. If you enjoy a chewy and substantial typing sensation with a pronounced bounciness and high-pitched sound, the KTT Darling may be the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth and frictionless typing experience with a weightless feel and uniquely hollow sound signature, the Durock Sea Glass could be more up your alley. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, so it's important to consider what features align best with your typing style and sound preferences. Ultimately, the decision between the KTT Darling and Durock Sea Glass linear switches boils down to what kind of typing experience you're looking to achieve.
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