KTT Darling vs. Jwick Semi-Silent Linear
An in-depth look at the KTT Darling and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the KTT Darling and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear offer distinct typing experiences for users to enjoy. The KTT Darling, a linear switch, is known for its chewy and substantial typing sensation, combined with a bouncy and springy responsiveness that enhances each keystroke. Its high-pitched and resonant sound upon bottoming out provides a satisfying blend of tactile and auditory feedback. On the other hand, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear stands out for its innovative semi-silent design, featuring a whisper-quiet topping-out sound and a clacky bottom-out sound. Its silky smooth type feel is balanced and polished, offering a snappy and buttery typing experience. Each switch caters to different preferences and needs - the Darling for those who enjoy a bouncy and clacky typing experience, and the Semi-Silent Linear for users seeking a subdued and polished feel. 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
N/A
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
3.70 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the KTT Darling and Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switches exhibit similarities as both feature polycarbonate top housings. The use of polycarbonate in these housings results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its relatively stiffer nature. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that plan to use RGB lighting. In contrast, the Darling utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's softer nature absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Semi-Silent Linear also incorporates a nylon bottom housing, showcasing similar sound qualities to the Darling switch.
However, despite both switches featuring similar housing materials in their respective top housings, differences can be found in the feel and sound produced by the bottom housings. The qualities of the bottom housing material will impact the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch when pressed. In this case, the nylon bottom housing of both switches will contribute to a deeper and fuller sound profile, making the typing experience distinct. Conversely, the sound produced when releasing a key will be influenced by the qualities of the top housing material, which in this case, is polycarbonate for both the Darling and Semi-Silent Linear switches.
In conclusion, while the housing materials in the top housings of the KTT Darling and Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switches are the same, their bottom housings differ, leading to variations in sound and feel during typing. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing creates a sharp and crisp sound profile, while nylon bottom housings produce a deeper and fuller sound. These differences provide users with unique typing experiences based on the combination of materials used in the construction of these switches. Ultimately, whether choosing the Darling or Semi-Silent Linear, the housing materials contribute to the overall sound and feel of each switch.
Weight
Comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Darling linear switch and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch, we can see that the Darling has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Semi-Silent Linear's unknown actuation force. However, in terms of bottom out force, the Semi-Silent Linear is heavier with 62 grams compared to the Darling's 53 grams. Both switches fall into the medium category, with the Darling being lighter in terms of actuation force and the Semi-Silent Linear being heavier in terms of bottom out force. This means that the Darling switch may provide a lighter typing experience, while the Semi-Silent Linear switch may offer a more substantial typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The KTT Darling linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, which is shorter than the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch with a travel distance of 3.7 mm. The Darling switch would provide a slightly quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance, making it a preferred choice for gamers looking for faster reactions. On the other hand, the Semi-Silent Linear switch offers a slightly deeper press due to its longer travel distance, which may be more suitable for those who prefer a more substantial key feel. In conclusion, while both switches provide a smooth linear typing experience, the Darling switch offers a shorter travel distance compared to the Semi-Silent Linear switch, catering to different preferences in 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 Jwick Semi-Silent Linear has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Semi-Silent Linear for $5.27.
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, high-pitched, and resonant typing experience, producing sharp and crisp sounds upon bottoming out. On the other hand, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch provides a subdued and neutral sound profile, with a whisper-quiet topping-out sound and a clacky bottom-out sound. Depending on personal preference, the Darling may be more engaging and tactile in terms of sound, while the Semi-Silent Linear may be more suitable for quieter environments or for those who prefer a more subtle sound signature.
Moving on to the feel, the KTT Darling linear switch is described as bouncy, providing a spring-like and elastic feedback sensation with a pronounced bounciness that adds a responsive and lively feel to each keystroke. In contrast, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch offers a mild, snappy, buttery, and polished typing experience, with qualities that fall into a safe middle-ground zone, ensuring a gentle yet responsive and smooth keystroke. Depending on individual preferences, the Darling may offer a more dynamic and tactile typing experience, while the Semi-Silent Linear may provide a smoother and more refined keystroke.
In conclusion, the KTT Darling linear switch and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Darling excels in providing a chewy and substantial typing sensation with a bouncy and resonant sound profile, while the Semi-Silent Linear stands out for its semi-silent operation and silky smooth typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound feedback, keypress feel, and the specific typing environment. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different user preferences, ensuring a satisfying typing experience regardless of the option chosen.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the KTT Darling linear switch and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch, you should consider the typing experience you prefer. If you enjoy a chewy and substantial feel with bouncy feedback, as well as a high-pitched and resonant sound profile upon bottoming out, the Darling switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a silky smooth feel with a semi-silent topping-out sound and a clacky bottom-out sound, along with a mild, snappy, buttery, or polished typing experience, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch may be more suitable for your preferences. Consider your personal preferences for sound and feel when deciding between these two switches to ensure that you choose the one that will best enhance your typing experience.
Mentioned in this article
