Darling
The KTT Darling, a linear switch, provides a typing sensation that's both chewy and substantial, evoking the feeling of sinking one's fingers into something truly satisfying. This is complemented by a pronounced bounciness, adding a springy responsiveness to each keystroke. Acoustically, the Darling does not shy away, delivering a resonant, high-pitched sound upon bottoming out, creating an engaging blend of tactile and auditory feedback.
$4.50
$3.90
10 switches/order
FREE Shipping on orders over $49.00 and free returns on all orders.
Orders ship from California and arrive within 2-5 days.
Weight
Light
Heavy
Depth
Shallow
Regular
Technical data
| Switch type | Linear |
| Switch brand | KTT |
| Manufacturer | KTT |
| Top housing material | Polycarbonate |
| Bottom housing material | Nylon |
| Mount type | PCB (5-pin) |
| Stem construction | Standard |
| Stem material | POM |
| Spring | Stainless steel |
| Actuation weight | 45g |
| Bottom-out weight | 53g |
| Factory lube status | Yes, factory lubed |
| Pre-travel distance | 2.00 mm |
| Total travel distance | 3.50 mm |
The technical data of a switch can be hard to understand. Our goal here is to demystify how these specs affect feel and sound. We hope this helps you discover whether or not a switch might be a good fit.
Actuation: 45g
A switch's actuation force, or force required to trigger a keystroke, on the KTT Darling requires 45g of force. This is lighter than 77% of other switches' actuation force in our selection.
A switch's actuation force is based on the entire switch design.
Bottom-out: 53g
Bottoming out, or pressing all the way down, on this KTT Darling switch requires 53g of force. With a lighter bottom-out than 77% of switches in our selection, the KTT Darling is considered medium-light.
A switch's bottom-out force is dependent solely on its spring weight.
What matters more: Actuation or Bottom-out Force?
If you prefer to bottom-out when you type, bottom-out force is the more relevant measurement. If you do not, then actuation force is more relevant.
Factory Lubed
The KTT Darling is factory lubed. This is done to reduce friction and improve the feel of the switch. Other effects include reduced noise and if a tactile switch, slightly decreased tactility. Choosing a factory lubed switch saves you time and energy from having to lube the switch yourself. Factories have drastically improved the lubing process over the years, meaning more and more factory-lubed switches are great to use out-of-the-box.
Top Housing: Polycarbonate
Polycarbonate is the KTT Darling's top housing material. The use of polycarbonate in housings creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. In part, this is because polycarbonate is a relatively stiffer plastic, which leads to a more clear and resonant sound profile. Aesthetically speaking, if a switch features a clear housing, it is more likely than not to be polycarbonate. Therefore, due to its translucency, polycarbonate is especially useful to have in the top housing of a switch if you plan to use RGB lighting.
Bottom Housing: Nylon
Nylon is the KTT Darling's bottom housing material. Nylon is a classic switch housing material. Typing on switches that use nylon elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile. In part, this is because nylon is a relatively softer plastic and absorbs more sound than harder plastics, thereby creating a duller and rounder sound.
A note on housings
The KTT Darling uses different materials in its top and bottom housings. As such, the qualities each housing material brings to the switch will be split between the bottom and the top of the switch.
When you press down on this switch you will feel the qualities of the bottom housing: the bottom housing has more of an impact on the bottom-out sound and feel. On the other hand, the top housing will have more of an impact on the sound when you let go of a key.
Mount type: PCB (5-pin)
The KTT Darling is a PCB (5-pin) mount switch. PCB-mount, or 5-pin, switches feature 2 extra alignment pins when compared to their 3-pin counterparts. This ensures alignment (i.e. switch won't rotate and will stay in place) if your keyboard does not feature a plate or if you choose not to use one. If your keyboard's PCB does not have holes for these alignment pins, you will need to trim them off before installing them.
Stem construction: Standard
The cross-shaped stem construction is the most standard as well as the most classic, as it is derived from the original Cherry switches.
Descriptors
Bouncy switches provide a spring-like or elastic feedback sensation. The keys have a lively feel, giving you rebound when pressed.
A clacky keyboard switch produces a sharp and snappy sound when pressed. The sound can be described as crisp, bright, and percussive.
High-pitched switches produce a sharp and crisp sound when pressed. If you do not like the more rich and bassy sound profiles of certain keyboard switches, be sure to pick higher-pitched ones.
When typing on a resonant switch, you can expect a higher-pitched sound profile and an immersive auditory experience. The sound profile is clean and sharp.
No sound test available for this switch yet!
Try KTT Darling switches before buying them
Pick 10 switches and we'll send them your way to try at home for 5 days.
How it works
First, pick 10 switches you want to try. Then, we'll send you those 10 switches to try at home for 5 days. You'll get to experience the switches and see how they feel. We'll also include a guide to help you pick your favorite switch and a preprinted return shipping label.
What comes in my try at-home box?
The 10 switches you choose will be installed on switch tester bases so you can type on them as you would on a normal keyboard. Your try at-home kit comes with a preprinted return shipping label.
How much does this try-before-you-buy program cost?
At just $15—shipping included—the try at-home program is the most cost-effective way to try switches before buying them. At less than half the cost of switch testers and with more than triple the variety to choose from, you can try before you buy without breaking the bank so you can be sure you're getting the right switch for your needs.
How do I buy the switches I want?
Send back the switches in your box using your prepaid label and purchase your favorite (or favorites)!
Everything that's included
First, try switches at home with shipping included both ways. After purchasing the switches you love most, know your switches come with a 30-day, hassle-free return or exchange policy. If you don't love your switches, we'll take them back—no questions asked.
