KTT Darling vs. SP-Star Duck
An in-depth look at the KTT Darling and the SP-Star Duck switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the KTT Darling and the SP-Star Duck offer unique typing experiences for enthusiasts to consider. The KTT Darling, a linear switch, is best known for its chewy and substantial typing sensation, along with a pronounced bounciness that adds a springy responsiveness to each keystroke. The high-pitched, resonant sound upon bottoming out further enhances the tactile and auditory feedback, making it a popular choice for those who enjoy a clacky and bouncy typing experience. On the other hand, the SP-Star Duck, a tactile switch, provides a more subtle typing experience with gentle tactility and a clean, crispy sound profile. The Duck switches are categorized as neutral, mild, buttery, and polished, appealing to users looking for a smoother and quieter 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
58g
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
Gold plated
Housing materials
Both the KTT Darling and the SP-Star Duck feature polycarbonate top housings, which are known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to their stiffness. The translucency of polycarbonate is especially beneficial for switches with RGB lighting, allowing for a more vibrant display. On the other hand, the Darling utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to polycarbonate. This is because nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when typing.
In contrast, the SP-Star Duck opts for a polycarbonate bottom housing, mirroring the top housing material. This choice further enhances the sharp, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile characteristic of polycarbonate. The decision to use the same material for both housings ensures consistency in sound and feel throughout the switch. While the Darling splits the housing materials between top and bottom, with each material contributing its unique qualities to different aspects of the typing experience, the SP-Star Duck maintains a cohesive sound profile with polycarbonate.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in both the KTT Darling and the SP-Star Duck plays a significant role in shaping the overall sound and feel of the switches. The contrast between the softer nylon bottom housing in the Darling and the stiffer polycarbonate bottom housing in the Duck highlights the impact of material choice on sound characteristics. However, the similarity in using polycarbonate for the top housing in both switches ensures a consistent sharp and crisp sound profile, with the differences lying in the bottom housing materials and their influence on the typing experience.
Weight
The KTT Darling linear switch boasts a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, making it easier to trigger keystrokes with minimal effort. In comparison, the SP-Star Duck tactile switch does not have a specified actuation force, potentially indicating a heavier force required for key activation. When it comes to bottom out force, the Darling requires 53 grams of force to fully press the key, while the Duck switch demands a slightly heavier 58 grams. Overall, the Darling switch offers a lighter typing experience, ideal for extended use scenarios, whereas the Duck switch provides a more substantial feel, suitable for users who prefer a bit more resistance when typing.
Travel distance
The KTT Darling linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the SP-Star Duck tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Darling has a shorter travel distance compared to the Duck. The Darling's 3.5mm travel distance provides a quicker response time, making it a preferred choice for gamers looking for faster reactions. On the other hand, the Duck's 4mm travel distance offers a bit more depth and feedback, 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 travel distance and the desired typing or gaming 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 SP-Star Duck has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Duck for $5.40.
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 typing experience that is both engaging and resonant. The sound is crisp, bright, and percussive, creating an immersive auditory feedback with each keystroke. On the other hand, the SP-Star Duck tactile switch provides a more neutral sound profile that is clean and crispy, suitable for various typing environments. Both switches offer distinct sound profiles, with the Darling being more lively and resonant, while the Duck is more subtle and neutral. The choice between the two would depend on personal preference and the desired level of auditory feedback during typing sessions.
When it comes to feel, the KTT Darling linear switch is known for its bouncy nature, providing a springy and elastic feedback sensation with each keystroke. This gives the keys a lively feel and added rebound when pressed, enhancing the typing experience. In comparison, the SP-Star Duck tactile switch offers a milder typing experience that is approachable to most users. The keys have a buttery and polished feel, providing a smooth and uniform typing sensation. The Darling switch leans towards a more energetic and lively feel, while the Duck switch offers a gentler and more refined typing experience.
Overall, the KTT Darling linear switch and the SP-Star Duck tactile switch offer unique subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Darling switch provides a lively and resonant typing experience with a bouncy feel, while the Duck switch offers a more subtle and neutral sound profile with a mild and polished feel. Choosing between the two switches would depend on personal preference for typing sensation and auditory feedback. However, if one prefers a more energetic and lively typing experience, the KTT Darling would be the preferred choice, while the SP-Star Duck would be suitable for those seeking a gentler and more refined typing feel.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the KTT Darling linear switch and the SP-Star Duck tactile switch, consider the type of typing experience you prefer. If you enjoy a chewy and substantial typing sensation with a pronounced bounciness and a high-pitched, resonant sound, the KTT Darling switch is the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a more subtle tactile typing experience with a clean and crispy sound profile, the SP-Star Duck switch is a better fit. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prefer a bouncy and clacky typing experience or a mild and polished one. Choose wisely based on your personal preferences and typing style.
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