SP-Star Ayara vs. KTT Glimp
An in-depth look at the SP-Star Ayara and the KTT Glimp switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two options that stand out are the SP-Star Ayara and the KTT Glimp. Both switches offer unique features and benefits that cater to different typing preferences. The Ayara switch is best suited for individuals who prefer a hearty typing experience, as it provides a medium heftness and a soft bottom-out feel. With its high-pitched and polished sound profile, the Ayara switch delivers a satisfying auditory feedback. On the other hand, the Glimp switch strikes a perfect balance for those seeking a substantial typing experience without overwhelming resistance. Its tactile feedback and comfortable actuation force ensure a satisfying and responsive typing feel. With a clacky and creamy sound profile, the Glimp switch adds an enjoyable auditory element to your typing sessions. However, let's delve deeper into the specifics of each switch to help you make the best decision for your typing needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Two-stage
Spring
18mm spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the SP-Star Ayara and the KTT Glimp differ significantly. The Ayara features a nylon top housing, which absorbs more sound due to its softer plastic composition, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. In contrast, the Glimp comes with a polycarbonate top housing that produces a sharper and higher-pitched sound. Additionally, the polycarbonate material is ideal for switches with RGB lighting due to its translucency. Both materials provide distinct sound profiles that cater to different preferences and aesthetics.
Similarly, the Ayara and the Glimp share the use of nylon for their bottom housing. This classic switch housing material offers a deeper and fuller sound profile, thanks to its soft plastic nature that absorbs more sound. The bottom housing plays a significant role in determining the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch. Hence, both switches elicit a similar sound quality, creating a duller and rounder sound.
When comparing the two switches, it is important to consider the impact of the top and bottom housings. With different housing materials for each component, the qualities brought by each material are split between the top and bottom of the switch. The bottom housing predominantly influences the sound and feel during bottom-out, while the top housing affects the sound when releasing a key. This distinction highlights the importance of the housing materials in determining the overall typing experience of these switches.
In conclusion, the housing materials of the SP-Star Ayara and the KTT Glimp contribute to their distinct sound profiles and typing experiences. While the Ayara features a nylon top housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound, the Glimp's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper and crisper sound. On the other hand, both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housing, generating a similar duller and rounder sound. Understanding the impact of these housing materials on the switch's sound profile and feel is crucial for users seeking their preferred typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the SP-Star Ayara linear switch and the KTT Glimp linear switch, there are notable differences in terms of their actuation force and bottom out force. The Ayara's actuation force is unspecified, while the Glimp requires 43 grams of force to trigger a keystroke. In terms of bottom out force, the Ayara has a slightly heavier force of 62 grams, while the Glimp has a lighter force of 53 grams.
Weight plays an important role when choosing a switch, as it affects the typing experience. For those who prefer a lighter feel, the Glimp would be a suitable choice as its actuation and bottom out forces are relatively lighter. This can be advantageous for those who type for extended periods of time or engage in long gaming sessions. On the other hand, individuals seeking a more substantial typing experience may prefer the Ayara with its heavier bottom out force. Although the actuation force of the Ayara is unspecified, it can be assumed that obtaining a similar typing experience to the Glimp's lighter actuation force may require a switch with a lower actuation force. Overall, the Ayara can provide a slightly heavier and more robust typing sensation compared to the medium-light feel of the Glimp.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the SP-Star Ayara linear switch and the KTT Glimp linear switch, it is evident that both switches have an identical travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key equipped with either of these switches, one can expect a consistent experience in terms of the distance the switch travels from the top to the bottom. Therefore, whether you opt for the Ayara or the Glimp, you will achieve similar results in terms of travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The SP-Star Ayara has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ayara for $5.40.
The KTT Glimp has an MSRP of $3.84 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Glimp for $3.45.
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 comparing the subjective qualities of the Ayara and Glimp switches, we can see some distinctions in sound and feel. In terms of sound, the Ayara switch is known for its neutral sound profile, producing a moderately clacky sound when pressed. On the other hand, the Glimp switch also has a neutral sound profile but is described as being more clacky, delivering a sharp and percussive sound. While both switches have a similar neutral sound characteristic, the Glimp switch may provide a slightly more pronounced and vivid auditory experience.
As for feel, the Ayara switch is often associated with a polished sensation, resulting in smooth and refined key travel with reduced friction. On the contrary, the Glimp switch is described as offering a creamy feel, providing a buttery and effortless typing experience. The Glimp switch's smooth and silky sensation allows fingers to glide across the keys with ease, creating a seamless and pleasurable keystroke. While the Ayara switch offers a polished and sleek typing experience, the Glimp switch provides a more indulgent and frictionless feel.
In conclusion, the Ayara and Glimp switches have their own distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Ayara switch offers a neutral sound profile with a moderately clacky sound and a polished feel, delivering a hearty and smooth typing experience. On the other hand, the Glimp switch also provides a neutral sound profile but with a more clacky sound, along with a creamy and effortless feel, resulting in a satisfying and responsive typing experience. While the two switches share some similarities with their neutral sound profiles, individuals opting for the Ayara switch will experience a slightly different typing feel compared to those choosing the Glimp switch. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on personal preferences in terms of sound and feel, ensuring that each user can enjoy their preferred typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you prefer a hearty typing experience with a soft bottom-out feel and a perfectly clacky sound profile, we would recommend the SP-Star Ayara linear switch. With its medium bottom-out force of 62 grams, it offers a satisfying typing feel. Additionally, if you prefer a switch with a polished finish for a sleek typing experience, the Ayara would be a great choice.
On the other hand, if you are looking for a medium-light switch that provides a substantial typing experience without overwhelming resistance, we suggest considering the KTT Glimp linear switch. With its bottom-out force of 53 grams, it strikes the perfect balance between tactile feedback and comfortable actuation force. The Glimp switch also offers a fairly clacky sound profile, adding an enjoyable auditory element to your typing sessions. Moreover, if you prefer a creamy typing experience that feels smooth and buttery, the Glimp switch would be an excellent option.
Ultimately, the choice between the SP-Star Ayara and KTT Glimp switches depends on your personal preferences for typing experience, sound, and feel. Whether you prefer a medium-hefty and clacky switch like the Ayara or a medium-light and clacky switch with a creamy feel like the Glimp, both switches offer their own unique benefits. Consider what factors are most important to you and select the switch that aligns best with your typing preferences.
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