KTT Darling vs. Gateron Silent Ink Black
An in-depth look at the KTT Darling and the Gateron Silent Ink Black switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The KTT Darling, a linear switch, is renowned for its chewy and substantial typing sensation, paired with a pronounced bounciness that adds a springy responsiveness to each keystroke. On the other hand, the Gateron Silent Ink Black, also a linear switch, is favored for its cushiony, pillow-like bottom-out feel and minimal audio feedback, making it ideal for quieter environments. The Darling provides a high-pitched, resonant sound upon bottoming out, while the Silent Ink Black offers a more muted and polished typing experience. 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
60g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
70g
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
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Color coated
Housing materials
Comparing the housing materials of the KTT Darling and the Gateron Silent Ink Black, both switches feature unique characteristics in their top housings. The Darling's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its relatively stiff nature. In contrast, the Silent Ink Black's proprietary INK blend top housing offers a pointed, high-pitched sound that is described as clacky. While both materials provide distinct sound profiles, the polycarbonate top housing of the Darling is more likely to be translucent, making it ideal for RGB lighting.
In terms of bottom housings, the nylon bottom housing of the Darling offers a deeper and fuller sound profile as nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound. This results in a duller and rounder sound compared to the top housing. Similarly, the Silent Ink Black's proprietary INK blend bottom housing also contributes to a pointed and high-pitched sound profile, creating a clacky typing experience. Both switches provide unique sound profiles based on the materials used in their bottom housings, with nylon offering a different sound experience compared to the INK blend.
While the housing materials of the KTT Darling and the Gateron Silent Ink Black differ in terms of top and bottom components, each material contributes to the overall sound profile of the switch. The bottom housing material has more of an impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed, while the top housing material affects the sound when a key is released. Despite their differences, both switches offer distinctive sound profiles that cater to different preferences, with the Darling providing a crisper sound with polycarbonate and nylon while the Silent Ink Black delivers a clacky sound with its proprietary INK blend.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Darling linear switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch differ in weight, with the Darling being lighter and the Silent Ink Black being heavier. The Darling has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, while the Silent Ink Black has an actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Darling switch, as it allows for longer periods of typing without fatigue. In contrast, the Silent Ink Black switch provides a stronger push feel, ideal for those looking for a more substantial typing experience. Both switches offer their unique benefits based on individual preferences, providing users with options to choose the force that best suits their typing style.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the KTT Darling linear switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch, the Darling has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Silent Ink Black has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. The Darling switch offers a slightly shorter travel distance, making it a preferred choice for gamers looking for faster response times. On the other hand, the Silent Ink Black switch provides a bit more depth in its travel distance, which may appeal to those who prefer a more solid feel when typing. Both switches offer a different feel due to their travel distances, but ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference and typing style.
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 Gateron Silent Ink Black has an MSRP of $8.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Ink Black for $8.35.
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 produces a clacky, high-pitched, and resonant sound when pressed, offering a sharp and crisp auditory experience that is engaging and tactile. On the other hand, the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch is muted, providing a softer and quieter typing sound that is ideal for environments where noise level is a concern. Depending on personal preference and the overall setup of the keyboard, both switches can offer satisfying sound profiles, with the Darling being more vibrant and resonant, while the Silent Ink Black is more subdued and muffled.
When it comes to feel, the KTT Darling linear switch is bouncy, offering a springy and elastic feedback sensation that adds liveliness to each keystroke. In contrast, the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch is silky and polished, providing an exceptionally smooth typing experience with minimal resistance when pressing and releasing keys. Both switches offer a unique feel to enhance the typing experience, with the Darling focusing on bounciness and responsiveness, while the Silent Ink Black prioritizes smoothness and refined key travel.
In conclusion, the KTT Darling linear switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Darling provides a clacky and resonant sound with a bouncy typing sensation, creating a tactile and engaging experience. Meanwhile, the Silent Ink Black offers a muted sound profile with a silky and polished feel, delivering a quiet and smooth typing experience. Depending on individual preferences for sound and feel, both switches can provide a satisfying typing experience, with the Darling catering to those who enjoy a more pronounced and lively feedback, while the Silent Ink Black is suitable for users who prefer a quieter and smoother typing experience. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches would depend on the user's specific preferences for sound, feel, and overall typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the KTT Darling linear switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch, consider the level of bottom out force you prefer. If you enjoy a medium-light bottom out force of 53 grams and want a typing sensation that is chewy, substantial, and bouncy with a resonant, high-pitched sound, then the KTT Darling switch is the option for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force of 70 grams and are looking for a quieter typing experience with a cushiony, pillow-like feel and minimal audio feedback, then the Gateron Silent Ink Black switch may be the better choice. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience.
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