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KTT Darling vs. Jerrzi Violet

An in-depth look at the KTT Darling and the Jerrzi Violet switches—which one is the best fit for you?

Overview

When comparing the KTT Darling, a linear switch, to the Jerrzi Violet, a tactile switch, there are clear differences in their typing sensations. The Darling is known for its chewy and substantial feel, with a pronounced bounciness that adds a springy responsiveness to each keystroke. In contrast, the Violet switches offer a smooth actuation and a pleasingly poppy tactility, providing a gentle typing experience with a neutral sound signature. While the Darling is characterized by its clacky, high-pitched, and resonant feedback, the Violet switches are described as stepped and neutral. Each switch has its own unique qualities that cater to different typing 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

45g

Bottom-out force

53g

Bottom-out force

N/A

Pre-travel

2.00 mm

Pre-travel

2.00 mm

Total travel

3.50 mm

Total travel

3.70 mm

Factory lubed

Yes

Factory lubed

Yes

Stem construction

Standard

Stem construction

Partial box

Stem material

POM

Stem material

POM

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

Stainless steel

Housing materials

The KTT Darling and Jerrzi Violet both have polycarbonate top housings, which result in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the material's stiffness. This makes them ideal for switches that will be used with RGB lighting, as the translucency of polycarbonate allows for a more vibrant lighting effect. However, while both switches have the same top housing material, their differences lie in their bottom housing. The Darling uses a nylon bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound compared to the Violet's nylon bottom housing. Nylon is softer and absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound profile.

In terms of construction, the KTT Darling and Jerrzi Violet both offer unique sound profiles with their housing materials. The Darling's combination of a polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing creates a balance between sharpness and depth in sound, catering to different preferences. Meanwhile, the Violet's consistent use of polycarbonate for both top and bottom housings ensures a consistent tone throughout typing. While they may differ in their specific sound profiles, both switches offer a satisfying typing experience with their respective housing materials, showcasing the versatility of polycarbonate and nylon in switch design.

Overall, the choice between the KTT Darling and Jerrzi Violet ultimately comes down to personal preference in sound and feel. The contrasting housing materials result in variations in sound profiles, with the Darling offering a sharper and fuller sound compared to the Violet's consistent tone. Whether you prefer a crisper sound with the Darling or a more uniform sound with the Violet, both switches provide a tactile typing experience thanks to the unique qualities of polycarbonate and nylon housing materials. Whichever option you choose, the careful selection of housing materials in these switches ensures a high-quality and enjoyable typing experience.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Darling linear switch and the Jerrzi Violet tactile switch, we can see that both have the same actuation force of 45 grams. However, the Darling has a bottom out force of 53 grams, while the Violet's bottom out force is unknown. This makes the Darling slightly heavier than the Violet in terms of bottom out force. The actuation force being the same means that both switches will provide a similar typing experience in terms of the force required to trigger a keystroke. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Violet due to its unknown bottom out force, while those who prefer a slightly heavier feel may opt for the Darling. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on the individual's preference for a lighter or heavier typing experience.

Travel distance

The KTT Darling linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Jerrzi Violet tactile switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.7 mm. While both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are becoming more popular, the Darling offers a slightly shorter press compared to the Violet. Gamers who prioritize fast response times may prefer the Darling for its quicker actuation, while those who prefer a more substantial key press may lean towards the Violet. Overall, both switches offer a moderate travel distance that balances responsiveness with tactile feedback.

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 Jerrzi Violet has an MSRP of $2.79 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Violet for $2.30.

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 it comes to sound, the KTT Darling linear switch offers a clacky, high-pitched, and resonant experience that is sharp, crisp, and engaging. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Violet tactile switch provides a more neutral sound profile, with a moderate sound level suitable for various environments. If you prefer a more pronounced and lively sound when typing, the Darling may be the better choice for you.

Moving on to feel, the Darling switch is described as bouncy, offering a springy and responsive typing experience that is sure to keep your fingers engaged. In contrast, the Jerrzi Violet switch is characterized as stepped, providing a more subtle tactile feedback with distinct pre-travel and/or post-travel sensations. Depending on your preference for key feedback, you may find the bounciness of the Darling or the stepped feel of the Violet more to your liking.

Overall, the KTT Darling linear switch offers a chewy and substantial typing sensation with a pronounced bounciness and high-pitched, resonant sound profile, while the Jerrzi Violet tactile switch provides a smooth actuation and poppy tactility with a neutral sound signature. Depending on whether you prioritize sound, feel, or both in your mechanical keyboard experience, you can choose between the lively and engaging Darling or the balanced and enjoyable Violet to suit your typing preferences.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you are looking for a typing experience that is chewy, substantial, and bouncy with a resonant, high-pitched sound, the KTT Darling linear switch would be an excellent choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a gentle tactile switch with smooth actuation and a pleasingly poppy tactility, accompanied by a neutral sound signature, then the Jerrzi Violet tactile switch would be the better option for you. Ultimately, your decision between the two switches should be based on your preference for feel and sound when typing.

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