KTT Darling vs. Everglide Sunset Yellow
An in-depth look at the KTT Darling and the Everglide Sunset Yellow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the KTT Darling and the Everglide Sunset Yellow mechanical keyboard switches, it becomes apparent that each offers a unique typing experience. The Darling, known for its chewy and substantial feel, provides a bouncy and clacky typing sensation with a high-pitched and resonant sound upon bottoming out. On the other hand, the Sunset Yellow switches offer a rich and bassy sound profile akin to mahjong tiles colliding, creating a creamy and polished typing experience. While the Darling is more bouncy and clacky, the Sunset Yellow switches are noted for their bassy and thocky sound. Both switches have their unique strengths and appeal 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
43g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
51g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.20 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
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Single-staged lengthened 20mm spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the KTT Darling and the Everglide Sunset Yellow both offer unique sound profiles and aesthetic qualities, but they differ in the specific properties they bring to the switches. The Darling's polycarbonate top housing is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, while the Sunset Yellow's POM top housing produces a deeper and more muted sound. In terms of aesthetics, the translucent nature of polycarbonate allows for RGB lighting to shine through, making it a popular choice for those looking to customize their keyboard's appearance. In contrast, the POM top housing of the Sunset Yellow may appeal to those who prefer a more subtle and understated design.
On the other hand, when it comes to the bottom housing materials, both the Darling's nylon and the Sunset Yellow's POM contribute to a deeper and fuller sound profile. However, nylon is considered a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound, while POM offers a unique sound that is still on the deeper side but relatively more muted. This distinction in sound profile could influence the overall typing experience for users who prefer a certain level of sound feedback when typing.
Overall, while the housing materials of the KTT Darling and the Everglide Sunset Yellow may differ in terms of their specific properties and the impact they have on sound profiles, they both aim to enhance the overall typing experience for users. Whether you prefer the sharper, clearer sound of polycarbonate or the deeper, more muted sound of POM, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on individual preferences for sound, aesthetics, and typing feel.
Weight
Comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Darling linear switch and the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch, both switches fall into the medium-light category in terms of force required. The Darling has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams. In contrast, the Sunset Yellow has an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 51 grams. While the actuation force of the Sunset Yellow is slightly lighter than the Darling, the difference in bottom out force is negligible. For users looking for a lighter typing experience, the Sunset Yellow may be a better choice, while those seeking a slightly firmer push feel may prefer the Darling. Ultimately, the weight of a switch is a personal preference that can impact typing comfort and endurance.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the KTT Darling linear switch is 3.5 mm, while the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch has a travel distance of 3.2 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them ideal for those looking for quick and responsive keystrokes, especially gamers. The Darling switch has a slightly longer travel distance, which may provide a bit more cushioning and depth compared to the Sunset Yellow switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference - whether you prioritize speed and responsiveness (Darling) or a slightly more tactile feel (Sunset Yellow). Overall, both switches offer relatively short travel distances compared to traditional switches, catering to the needs of modern keyboard users.
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 Everglide Sunset Yellow comes in at $3.09 per 10 switches.
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 high-pitched, resonant and clacky typing experience, generating a sharp and crisp sound when pressed. On the other hand, the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch produces a deep, rich bassy sound with a thocky quality, resembling a soft "knock" when the key is pressed and released. Both switches provide distinct and engaging auditory feedback, offering different sound profiles to cater to various preferences, whether one prefers a sharper, more percussive sound or a deeper, more indulgent tone. The choice between the two will depend on personal preference and overall sound aesthetic desired, as well as other factors like the keyboard and keycaps in use.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the KTT Darling linear switch is known for its bouncy sensation, providing a springy and elastic feedback that adds a lively feel to each keystroke. In contrast, the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch offers a creamy, frictionless, and polished typing experience, with a smooth and buttery sensation that feels like effortless gliding across the keys. The unique Ly stem and factory lube method of the Sunset Yellow contribute to a distinct gliding feel, ensuring a fluid and polished key travel. Both switches offer different tactile experiences, with the Darling focusing on a bouncy and springy feel, while the Sunset Yellow provides a smooth and polished typing sensation.
In conclusion, the KTT Darling linear switch and the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch offer contrasting yet equally unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Darling excels in providing a chewy and substantial typing sensation with a pronounced bounciness and a high-pitched, resonant sound. On the other hand, the Sunset Yellow stands out for its captivating sound profile reminiscent of mahjong tiles colliding, offering a rich, bassy sound with a creamy and frictionless feel. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience, allowing users to tailor their mechanical keyboard setup to suit their specific needs and desires.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a linear switch that provides a chewy and substantial typing sensation with a pronounced bouncy feel and high-pitched sound, then the KTT Darling linear switch would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a creamy and decadent typing experience, rich bassy sound profile reminiscent of mahjong tiles colliding, and a distinct gliding feel with a sharper and highly responsive typing experience, then the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch would be the perfect fit for your preferences. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize the bounciness and high-pitched sound of the Darling switch or the creamy feel and rich bassy sound of the Sunset Yellow switch. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences, so choose the one that aligns best with your typing style and preferences.
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