KTT Darling vs. Everglide Tourmaline Blue
An in-depth look at the KTT Darling and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the KTT Darling and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The KTT Darling, known for its linear switch design, provides a typing sensation that is chewy and substantial, with a bouncy and springy responsiveness to each keystroke. On the other hand, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue also features a linear switch design but offers a deep and thocky sound profile, creating a satisfying typing experience. While the Darling is characterized by its high-pitched and resonant sound, the Tourmaline Blue is known for its buttery and easy-to-press feel. Both switches have their own benefits, catering to different typing styles and 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
59g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
67g
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 Everglide Tourmaline Blue feature a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharp, high-pitched, and crisp sound profile. This is due to the relatively stiff nature of polycarbonate, which results in a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches aiming to utilize RGB lighting, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the keyboard. However, the Darling switches have a nylon bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Tourmaline Blue's polycarbonate bottom housing. Nylon's softer nature allows it to absorb more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound overall.
The difference in bottom housing material between the KTT Darling and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue results in varying typing experiences. The nylon bottom housing of the Darling contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing, providing a unique tactile experience for users. On the other hand, the Tourmaline Blue's polycarbonate bottom housing leads to a sharper and crisper sound profile, creating a different typing sensation. The impact of the bottom housing material is especially noticeable during the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, highlighting the importance of housing materials in keyboard customization.
Overall, while both the KTT Darling and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue utilize polycarbonate in their top housing, they differ in their bottom housing materials, resulting in distinct sound profiles and typing experiences. The combination of polycarbonate and nylon in the Darling offers a mix of sharpness and depth in sound, while the Tourmaline Blue's polycarbonate housing provides a crisper and clearer sound profile. Despite their differences, both switches showcase the significance of housing materials in determining the overall performance and feel of mechanical keyboards.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Darling linear switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch, it is clear that the Darling is the lighter option while the Tourmaline Blue is the heavier choice. The Darling has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, making it medium-light in terms of force required. In contrast, the Tourmaline Blue has an actuation force of 59 grams and a bottom out force of 67 grams, categorizing it as medium-heavy. For those who prefer a lighter touch for longer typing sessions or gaming, the Darling would be the better option. On the other hand, individuals looking for a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel may prefer the Tourmaline Blue. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches comes down to personal preference based on typing style and desired typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the KTT Darling linear switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch, it is clear that the Darling has a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm compared to the Tourmaline Blue's 4 mm. The Darling's shorter travel distance may appeal to gamers looking for faster response times, while the Tourmaline Blue's slightly longer travel distance may provide a more substantial keypress feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and the type of typing or gaming experience desired. Both switches offer unique advantages, so selecting the one that best suits individual needs is key to achieving optimal performance and comfort.
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 Tourmaline Blue has an MSRP of $6.86 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Tourmaline Blue for $3.89.
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 sound that is crisp and engaging, providing a unique auditory experience with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch has a deep and thocky sound profile that immerses the user in a satisfying typing experience. While the Darling switch is described as clacky and high-pitched, the Tourmaline Blue switch is considered neutral, offering a moderate sound profile suitable for various users and environments. Ultimately, the sound produced by these switches will also be influenced by the keyboard and keycap setup chosen by the user.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the KTT Darling linear switch is known for its bouncy sensation, providing a springy and responsive feedback with each key press. Conversely, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch is described as buttery, offering a smooth and fluid typing experience that is effortless and uniform. The Tourmaline Blue switch is also noted for being easy-to-press, requiring minimal force for activation, making it comfortable for extended typing sessions. The mild characteristics of the Tourmaline Blue switch provide a gentle typing experience that appeals to a wide range of users.
In conclusion, the KTT Darling linear switch stands out for its chewy and substantial typing sensation, complemented by a bouncy feel and a resonant, high-pitched sound. On the other hand, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch offers a deep and thocky sound profile along with a buttery and easy-to-press typing experience. Both switches have their unique qualities that cater to different preferences and typing styles, ensuring that users can find a switch that suits their needs. Overall, whether you choose the Darling or the Tourmaline Blue switch, you can expect an exceptional typing experience that combines tactile and auditory feedback in a satisfying manner.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the KTT Darling linear switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch, consider the factors that best suit your typing preferences. If you prefer a medium-light bottom out force and enjoy a chewy, substantial typing sensation with a pronounced bounciness, along with a high-pitched and resonant sound profile, then the KTT Darling switch would be an excellent choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and value a deep, thocky sound profile with a bouncy feel provided by a lengthened single-stage spring, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue switch might be more up your alley. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference and what typing experience you find most satisfying. Choose the switch that aligns best with your preferences and typing style to enhance your overall keyboard experience.
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