KTT Darling vs. HMX SU
An in-depth look at the KTT Darling and the HMX SU switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the KTT Darling and the HMX SU both offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences. The KTT Darling is celebrated for its chewy and substantial feel, providing a delightful sinking sensation with every keystroke. Its pronounced bounciness and engaging high-pitched, resonant sound create a lively typing experience that many users find satisfying. In contrast, the HMX SU, featuring a full PA12 housing and a T5 stem, offers a more subtle and relatively deep sound profile, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a quieter typing session without compromising performance. Both switches are linear, ensuring a smooth travel experience, but they diverge in their auditory feedback and tactile sensations. Ultimately, the choice between the KTT Darling's lively resonance and the HMX SU's subtlety boils 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
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
T5
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The KTT Darling and the HMX SU switches exemplify two distinct approaches to switch housing materials, each influencing the sound profile they produce. The KTT Darling features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for its rigidity. This material contributes to a sharper and more resonant sound profile, making it particularly effective for those looking to achieve a bright and crisp auditory experience. Polycarbonate’s translucency also enhances the visual appeal of RGB lighting, as the light can diffuse through the clear housing, creating vibrant effects. In contrast, the HMX SU employs a nylon top housing. Nylon, being a softer plastic, lends itself to a deeper and fuller sound profile, producing a softer, rounder auditory output. This fundamental difference in materials means that while the KTT Darling may cater to users who prefer a sharper sound with enhanced visual appeal for illuminated keyboards, the HMX SU would attract those seeking a richer sound experience, albeit at the cost of brightness.
When we turn to the bottom housings of both switches, we find that the KTT Darling and HMX SU actually align in their use of nylon, resulting in similar characteristics in terms of sound absorption and tactile feedback. Nylon's inherent softness contributes to a deeper and rounder sound profile for both models, enhancing the overall typing experience by minimizing harshness and creating a more muted acoustic response. This commonality suggests that when one tests the bottom sound and feel of either switch, they will experience a comparable depth and fullness, providing a cohesive auditory experience regardless of the switch’s top housing material.
In summary, the examination of the KTT Darling and HMX SU reveals contrasting approaches at the top housing level, yet a shared material quality at the bottom. The polycarbonate top of the Darling, with its crisp and clear audio signature, is complemented by the nylon bottom, which grounds the sound in a fuller, softer response. Conversely, the HMX SU, rooted entirely in nylon, prioritizes a consistency of deeper sound across both housings. Both switches ultimately present distinct auditory profiles shaped by their respective materials, while also delivering similar outcomes in terms of the bottom housing’s sound absorption characteristics. This variety in design ultimately offers users the option to tailor their typing experience according to personal preference, whether that be the sharpness of the KTT Darling or the fullness of the HMX SU.
Weight
The KTT Darling and HMX SU linear switches exhibit some interesting similarities and differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. Both switches have an identical actuation force of 45 grams, making them equally responsive and suitable for prolonged typing sessions, which many users appreciate for work or extended gaming. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Darling has a slightly higher force of 53 grams compared to the SU's 50 grams, indicating that the Darling offers a marginally heavier push feel when fully pressed. This difference might appeal to those who prefer a more substantial typing experience. Overall, while both switches share the same actuation force, the HMX SU is the lighter option due to its lower bottom out force, making it potentially more comfortable for extended use for those who favor a softer touch.
Travel distance
The KTT Darling linear switch features a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the HMX SU linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. This makes the Darling the shorter option, which may appeal to gamers or users seeking quicker response times, as shorter switch travel distances generally facilitate faster actuation. In contrast, the HMX SU, with its 3.6 mm distance, may provide a more tactile feel for those who prefer a deeper keypress, offering a bit more depth and potentially a more satisfying experience for users who enjoy that characteristic. Ultimately, the difference in travel distance, though minimal, suggests that the Darling may be better suited for those who favor a rapid response, while the SU caters to users who appreciate a more pronounced keystroke.
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 HMX SU has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the SU for $3.29.
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 sound profile of the KTT Darling linear switch is characterized by its clacky, high-pitched, and resonant qualities. When bottomed out, it creates a sharp and percussive sound that offers an engaging auditory experience, making each keystroke feel lively and dynamic. This type of sound appeals to those who enjoy a bright, crisp feedback while typing. In contrast, the HMX SU linear switch is noted for its relatively deep sound profile, although specifics about its acoustic qualities are not detailed. Therefore, while the Darling delivers a brighter and more resonant sound, the SU likely provides a more muted auditory backdrop, creating a different atmosphere in a typing experience.
In terms of feel, the KTT Darling stands out with its bouncy feedback, providing a lively and responsive sensation that encourages engagement with each keystroke. This elasticity gives a satisfying spring-like feeling, enhancing the overall typing experience. On the other hand, the attributes of the HMX SU linear switch regarding its tactile feedback remain unspecified, leaving an unknown gap in direct comparison. Until more information is available, one can only infer that the SU may not offer the same lively response that the Darling provides.
In summary, the KTT Darling linear switch is distinguished by its clacky, high-pitched, and resonant sound, combined with a bouncy and engaging feel that can enhance typing enjoyment, particularly for those who appreciate lively feedback. While the HMX SU’s sound characteristics are less clearly defined, its deeper profile suggests a different auditory experience, and the lack of details about its feel introduces further uncertainty. Therefore, those leaning towards a more lively and resonant experience will find the Darling aligns closely with their preferences, while the SU might cater to a different type of user who values subtlety in sound.
Conclusion
To conclude, when choosing between the KTT Darling and the HMX SU linear switches, consider your preferences for feel and sound. If you enjoy a typing experience that is both engaging and substantial, the KTT Darling is a fantastic choice. With its medium-light bottom out force of 53 grams, you'll find the tactile sensation chewy and bouncy, enhancing your overall typing enjoyment. The Darling’s high-pitched and resonant acoustics make it ideal for those who crave auditory feedback and a "clacky" sound profile, suitable for both gaming and typing tasks. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch and a more subdued auditory experience, the HMX SU might be the better option for you. With a bottom out force of only 50 grams, the SU provides a more gentle press and features a subtle, deeper sound profile. This makes it great for long typing sessions where quieter keystrokes are appreciated. In essence, your choice should align with whether you prioritize a lively and engaging experience or a softer, more muted sound while typing.
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