KTT Darling vs. HMX Sunset Gleam
An in-depth look at the KTT Darling and the HMX Sunset Gleam switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, understanding the distinct characteristics of each option can significantly enhance your typing experience. The KTT Darling offers a unique typing sensation characterized by a chewy and substantial feel, reminiscent of a satisfying depth that triggers a tactile response with each keystroke. Its pronounced bounciness and clacky, resonant sound create an engaging auditory experience, making it an ideal choice for those who enjoy a more pronounced feedback while typing. In contrast, the HMX Sunset Gleam, or Duck Duck switch, presents a refined touch with its polished feel and subtle top-out, coupled with the silky smoothness that HMX's excellent factory lube provides. This switch is great for users seeking a smoother typing experience without sacrificing the satisfying sound of bottoming out. While both switches boast bouncy and resonant qualities, their distinct sensory experiences cater to different preferences. 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
42g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Ly
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
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the KTT Darling and the HMX Sunset Gleam, both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, resulting in a significantly similar sound profile and aesthetic appeal. Polycarbonate, being a relatively stiff plastic, contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This material's rigidity not only enhances the auditory experience but also allows for increased clarity and resonance when the switch is in use. Additionally, both switches benefit from polycarbonate's translucency, which is advantageous for RGB lighting setups. Since both models feature this material in their top housing, they will yield highly comparable results regarding sound clarity and lighting effects, ensuring a uniform experience for users who prioritize brightness and audio precision.
In contrast to the top housing, both KTT Darling and HMX Sunset Gleam employ nylon for their bottom housing. This material is known to absorb sound more efficiently than harder plastics, contributing to a deeper and fuller sound profile. The nylon's softer composition allows it to dampen the sound produced during key presses, resulting in a duller and rounder auditory experience. Users will notice that while both switches share the same top polycarbonate housing, the softer nylon bottom affects the sound when the key is bottomed out. This differentiation plays a crucial role in how each switch feels and sounds during use, ultimately delivering a balanced combination of characteristics that cater to diverse preferences.
Despite the differences in sound profiles brought about by the distinct bottom housing materials, the overall experience of both the KTT Darling and HMX Sunset Gleam remains cohesive due to their shared polycarbonate tops. When typing on these switches, the clarity from the polycarbonate top complements the rounded sound from the nylon bottom. This duality offers a rich auditory experience, as the brightness from the top pairs harmoniously with the warmth of the bottom, showing how thoughtful selections of materials can create layers in sound. Ultimately, users can expect a refined typing experience with both switches that respect and play off their material choices, illustrating a well-crafted design.
Weight
When comparing the KTT Darling linear switch and the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switch, there are notable differences in both actuation force and bottom out force. The Darling switch has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, categorizing it as medium-light. In contrast, the Sunset Gleam features a slightly lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, making it a lighter option overall. This distinction in weight highlights that while the Darling offers a more substantial typing experience with its heavier force preferences, the Sunset Gleam caters to those who favor a softer keystroke, ideal for extended typing or gaming sessions. As such, the Darling switch may be better suited for users desiring a stronger and more tactile feedback, whereas the Sunset Gleam provides an effortless typing experience for those who lean towards lighter switches.
Travel distance
Both the KTT Darling linear switch and the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switch feature an identical travel distance of 3.5 mm, meaning that users will experience the same amount of travel when pressing down on the keys of these switches. As a result, typing and gaming experiences could feel quite similar for both switches, leading to comparable tactile feedback and actuation dynamics. Since the travel distances are equal, users can expect similar results in terms of key responsiveness and overall feel when using either switch.
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 Sunset Gleam has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sunset Gleam for $2.99.
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
When comparing the sound profiles of the KTT Darling and the HMX Sunset Gleam, both switches exhibit resonant qualities that provide a bright and sharp auditory experience. The Darling delivers a high-pitched, clacky sound that makes it engaging to type on, particularly when bottoming out, offering a crisp percussive feedback. This sharpness is further heightened by its resonant nature, contributing to an immersive auditory experience. On the other hand, the Sunset Gleam, while also resonant, boasts a subtle top-out and satisfying clack attributed to its refined material mix and excellent factory lubrication. Both switches create a clean and appealing sound, but the Darling leans more towards a pronounced sharpness, while the Sunset Gleam offers a more polished auditory feedback.
In terms of feel, both switches share the delightful bounciness that typists often seek. The KTT Darling provides a chewy, substantial sensation, allowing the fingers to sink into the keys for a deeply satisfying typing experience. This bounciness imparts a lively rebound with every keystroke, adding a dynamic aspect to typing. Similarly, the Sunset Gleam also features bouncy characteristics, ensuring users experience that elastic feedback. However, the Sunset Gleam enhances this with a polished and silky feel, thanks to its luxe factory lube, which contributes to a smooth typing surface and reduced friction. Thus, while both switches excel in providing a springy feedback, the Sunset Gleam enriches the experience with its smoother key travel.
In conclusion, both the KTT Darling and the HMX Sunset Gleam offer compelling qualities in sound and feel, making each switch a desirable option for different user preferences. Each switch has its distinct audible character; the Darling leans towards a sharper, clacky sound while the Sunset Gleam offers a more subdued yet refined auditory profile. In terms of tactile response, both maintain a lively bounciness that typists can appreciate, but the Sunset Gleam further elevates the experience with a remarkably silky feel. Whether opting for the pronounced auditory feedback of the Darling or the smooth, elegant typing of the Sunset Gleam, users can find satisfaction in both choices.
Conclusion
To sum up, choosing between the KTT Darling linear switch and the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences and usage scenarios. If you enjoy a more substantial, chewy typing experience with a pronounced bounciness and crisp auditory feedback, the KTT Darling might be your ideal match, especially if you prefer the tactile sensation of a medium-light bottom-out force of 53 grams. This switch excels in delivering responsive keystrokes that create an immersive blend of sound and feel, making it a great choice for typing enthusiasts who appreciate a bit of character in their keyboard. On the other hand, if you favor a lighter touch with a bottom-out force of 48 grams and you appreciate a smoother typing experience, the HMX Sunset Gleam could be the better option for you. This switch provides a polished and silky feel, enhanced by excellent factory lubrication, making it perfect for long typing sessions or gaming. Its subtle top-out and satisfying clack also ensures a refined auditory experience. Ultimately, consider what combination of feel, sound, and actuation force feels best for your specific needs, and you’ll find the right switch to enhance your mechanical keyboard experience.
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