KTT Darling vs. Gateron Zero Degree 0°
An in-depth look at the KTT Darling and the Gateron Zero Degree 0° switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The KTT Darling and Gateron Zero Degree 0° are two popular linear mechanical keyboard switches that offer unique typing experiences. The Darling is lauded for its chewy and substantial typing sensation, combined with a pronounced bounciness that adds a springy responsiveness to keystrokes. On the other hand, the Zero Degree 0° from Gateron stands out for its innovative self-padding design and dual-rail structure, providing unparalleled smoothness, stability, and a quiet typing experience. While the Darling offers a blend of tactile and auditory feedback with its high-pitched sound upon bottoming out, the Zero Degree 0° prioritizes noise reduction and a soft, elastic feel. 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
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
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
20mm extended spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the KTT Darling and the Gateron Zero Degree 0° switches share similarities in terms of using polycarbonate for their top housings. Both switches utilize polycarbonate to create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate's stiffness, which leads to a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is beneficial for switches that plan to use RGB lighting, adding a visually appealing element to the switches.
However, where the two switches differ is in their bottom housing materials. The Darling features a nylon bottom housing, which is known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's softer composition absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when typing on the switches. On the other hand, the Zero Degree 0° also utilizes nylon for its bottom housing, providing a similar typing experience with deeper and fuller sound characteristics.
In terms of overall typing experience, the qualities of the housing materials are split between the top and bottom of the switches. The bottom housing has more of an impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch, while the top housing affects the sound when releasing a key. Both switches offer a unique typing experience based on the combination of their housing materials, with the Darling excelling in crisper sound profiles due to its polycarbonate top housing and the Zero Degree 0° providing a fuller sound profile with its nylon bottom housing.
Weight
In comparing the KTT Darling linear switch and the Gateron Zero Degree 0° linear switch, it is evident that they both have the same actuation force of 45 grams. However, the Darling has a bottom out force of 53 grams, whereas the Zero Degree 0° does not have a specified bottom out force. This makes the Darling slightly heavier in terms of bottom out force compared to the Zero Degree 0°. The actuation force of both switches being the same means that users can expect a similar typing experience in terms of triggering keystrokes. Weight is a critical factor to consider when choosing between these switches, as a lighter actuation force can lead to longer typing sessions, while a heavier bottom out force can provide a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on personal preference for typing feel.
Travel distance
The KTT Darling linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Gateron Zero Degree 0° linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. Both switches fall into the category of shorter travel distances, which are popular among gamers for their quicker response times. The difference in travel distance between the two switches may not be significant in terms of feel, but it is worth considering if you have a preference for a slightly shorter or slightly longer keypress. Ultimately, both switches will provide a similar experience in terms of travel distance, so you can expect comparable results regardless of which one you choose.
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 Gateron Zero Degree 0° has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Zero Degree 0° for $5.50.
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 KTT Darling linear switch is characterized by a clacky, high-pitched, and resonant sound profile, providing a sharp and satisfying auditory feedback upon bottoming out each key. This complements its chewy and substantial feel, offering a bouncy and springy typing experience with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Gateron Zero Degree 0° linear switch prioritizes silent typing with its self-padding design and dual-rail structure, resulting in a smooth, stable, and quiet typing experience. While the Darling emphasizes a more tactile and auditory feedback, the Zero Degree 0° focuses on creating a soft, elastic feel that absorbs sound and reduces noise. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences in typing experience. Depending on personal preference for sound and feel, users can choose between the pronounced feedback of the Darling or the silent smoothness of the Zero Degree 0° to achieve their desired typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the KTT Darling linear switch and the Gateron Zero Degree 0° linear switch, you should consider a few key factors. If you prefer a medium-light bottom out force and enjoy a typing sensation that is chewy, substantial, and bouncy, then the KTT Darling may be the switch for you. Additionally, if you appreciate a high-pitched and resonant sound profile in your keyboard switches, the Darling will deliver an engaging tactile and auditory experience. On the other hand, if you are looking for a linear switch with a unique self-padding design and dual-rail structure that prioritizes smoothness, stability, and noise reduction, the Gateron Zero Degree 0° may be the perfect fit for you. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches should be based on your personal preferences for typing feel, sound profile, and bottom out force.
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