KTT Darling vs. Durock Piano

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the KTT Darling and Durock Piano both offer unique typing experiences. The KTT Darling is a linear switch that provides a chewy and substantial typing sensation, with a bouncy and springy responsiveness to each keystroke. On the other hand, the Durock Piano, also a linear switch, offers a gliding push feel and a deep, creamy sound signature thanks to its proprietary material blend. While the Darling is categorized as 'Bouncy', 'Clacky', 'High-pitched', and 'Resonant', the Piano is labeled as 'Bassy', 'Frictionless', and 'Silky'. Each switch has its own strengths and appeal, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

KTT Darling Linear

Durock Piano Linear

$4.50

$3.90 per 10

$6.70

$5.57 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The KTT Darling and the Durock Piano both have unique housing materials that contribute to their distinct sound profiles. The Darling features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This is due to polycarbonate's stiffness, which leads to a more clear and resonant sound. On the other hand, the Piano's proprietary POM blend top housing offers a deep and satisfying sound profile, although the exact details of the blend are unknown. While both top housings create high-quality sound, they provide different tonal characteristics that cater to different preferences.

In terms of bottom housing materials, the Darling utilizes nylon, a classic switch housing material known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's softness absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Conversely, the Piano's proprietary POM blend bottom housing also offers a uniquely satisfying and deep sound profile. Although the specifics of the blend are not disclosed, it is clear that both bottom housings contribute to enhancing the overall sound experience of the switches they are paired with.

Although the KTT Darling and the Durock Piano have different top and bottom housing materials, the qualities each material brings to the switches are equally important. The bottom housing affects the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed, while the top housing plays a significant role in the sound produced when a key is released. While the Darling's polycarbonate and nylon combination offers a sharper and fuller sound profile, the Piano's POM blend top and bottom housing provides a uniquely satisfying and deep sound. Overall, both switches excel in sound quality due to their carefully selected housing materials.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Darling linear switch and the Durock Piano linear switch, it is evident that the Darling is lighter in terms of both forces compared to the Piano. The Darling has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, making it a medium-light switch. In contrast, the Piano has an unknown actuation force and a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, placing it in the medium-heavy category. The difference in weight between the two switches is important, as some users may prefer a lighter typing experience for extended periods of typing or gaming, while others may prefer a heavier feel for a more substantial typing experience. Overall, the actuation force and bottom out force of a switch can significantly impact the typing experience based on individual preferences.

Travel distance

The KTT Darling linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Durock Piano linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. The Darling offers a slightly shorter distance to travel compared to the Piano, making it a preferred choice for those seeking faster response times, such as gamers. On the other hand, the Piano provides a bit more depth with its longer travel distance, which may be favored by those who prefer a more substantial feel when pressing down on a key. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are currently popular, so you can expect similar results in terms of performance from either option. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches may come down to personal preference for the specific feel that you desire.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the KTT Darling linear switch is known for its clacky, high-pitched, and resonant characteristics. This means that each keystroke will produce a sharp, crisp sound that is both engaging and satisfying. On the other hand, the Durock Piano linear switch is described as having a bassy sound signature, offering a deeper and richer auditory experience. Depending on personal preference, the Darling may be preferred for its bright and percussive sound, while the Piano may be favored for its deep and creamy tones.

In terms of feel, the KTT Darling linear switch is praised for its bouncy feedback, giving each keystroke a springy and responsive sensation. This adds a liveliness to typing that is both enjoyable and tactile. On the other hand, the Durock Piano linear switch is described as feeling frictionless and silky, providing an extremely smooth and effortless typing experience. The gliding push feel of the Piano may appeal to those who prefer a more fluid keypress without any resistance or friction.

Overall, when comparing the subjective qualities of the KTT Darling and Durock Piano linear switches, it's important to consider personal preferences in sound and feel. The Darling offers a clacky, high-pitched sound with a bouncy feel, while the Piano provides a bassy sound with a frictionless and silky typing experience. Depending on whether you prioritize sound profile or typing feel, both switches offer unique characteristics that can enhance your typing experience. Ultimately, choosing between the two will come down to individual preference and what qualities are most important to you in a mechanical keyboard switch.

Conclusion

In closing, when considering whether to choose the KTT Darling linear switch or the Durock Piano linear switch, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and the typing experience you desire. If you enjoy a chewy and substantial typing sensation with a bouncy and springy responsiveness, along with a resonant and high-pitched sound profile, then the KTT Darling switch may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a gliding push feel, a deep and creamy sound signature, and a smooth and effortless typing experience with minimal resistance, then the Durock Piano switch might be more suited to your taste. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so it's important to consider what aspects are most important to you in a mechanical keyboard switch before making your decision.

Mentioned in this article

KTT Darling Linear

$4.50

$3.90 per 10

Learn more

Durock Piano Linear

$6.70

$5.57 per 10

Learn more