Durock Black Lotus vs. KTT Glimp
An in-depth look at the Durock Black Lotus and the KTT Glimp switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options that often come up for comparison are the Durock Black Lotus and the KTT Glimp. The Black Lotus is a linear switch known for its silky smooth feel and unparalleled precision, offering reduced housing and stem wobble for maximum typing pleasure. With a 55g actuation weight, it strikes the right balance of being substantial without being too hefty. Additionally, its unique light column provides in-switch lighting that can be fully removed. On the other hand, the Glimp switch, also a linear switch, strikes the perfect balance for those seeking a substantial typing experience without overwhelming resistance. It offers tactile feedback and a comfortable actuation force, resulting in a satisfying and responsive typing feel. One notable aspect of the Glimp switch is its fairly clacky sound profile, which adds an enjoyable auditory element to your typing sessions. Both switches have their own unique characteristics and advantages, 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
55g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
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
Modified PC & UPE Blend
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
18mm spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Durock Black Lotus and the KTT Glimp differ in terms of their makeup. The Black Lotus features a modified PC and UPE blend for its top housing, which gives it a unique and premium feel. This blend of materials creates a softer and more cushioned sound profile, resulting in a smoother typing experience. On the other hand, the Glimp utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which contributes to a sharper and crisper sound profile. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate allows for a more clear and resonant sound, making it suitable for users who prefer a higher-pitched typing sound. While both switches offer distinct sound profiles, the Black Lotus leans towards a softer and more premium feel, while the Glimp offers a sharper and crisper sound.
In terms of their bottom housing, both the Black Lotus and the Glimp employ nylon. This classic switch housing material enhances the sound profile by eliciting a deeper and fuller sound when typing. Nylon's softer nature absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound profile. Therefore, the bottom housing of both switches contributes to a more immersive and satisfying typing experience. The utilization of nylon in the housing material ensures that users will experience a switch that produces a deep and resonant sound, making these switches ideal for those who appreciate a full-bodied typing experience.
Although the top and bottom housing materials differ between the Durock Black Lotus and the KTT Glimp, both switches bring unique qualities to the typing experience. When typing on the Black Lotus, users can expect a premium feel and a softer, cushioned sound, thanks to its modified PC and UPE blend top housing. In contrast, the Glimp offers a sharper and crisper sound profile due to its polycarbonate top housing. Both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound experience. Despite the differences in housing materials, the feel and sound of these switches are optimized to provide a satisfying typing experience for discerning users. Whether you choose the Black Lotus or the Glimp, you can expect a switch that delivers excellent performance and a unique sound signature.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the KTT Glimp linear switch, there are notable differences between the two. The actuation force of the Black Lotus is 55 grams, while the Glimp requires a lighter 43 grams of force to trigger a keystroke. This makes the Glimp a more sensitive option, allowing for a quicker response time. In terms of bottom out force, the Black Lotus requires 63.5 grams, which is slightly heavier than the Glimp's 53 grams. This means that typing on the Black Lotus will result in a more substantial and solid typing experience, while the Glimp offers a lighter touch.
Considering the weight aspect, those who prefer a lighter switch may find the Glimp more appealing. It allows for longer typing sessions and is ideal for those who bring their keyboard to work or engage in prolonged gaming sessions. On the other hand, individuals who enjoy a stronger push feel and desire a more substantial typing experience may lean towards the Black Lotus. Its heavier actuation and bottom out forces provide a satisfying tactile feedback.
In conclusion, the Durock Black Lotus and KTT Glimp linear switches offer differing actuation and bottom out forces, catering to different preferences. While the Black Lotus offers a heavier and more substantial typing experience, the Glimp provides a lighter touch and quicker response time. Overall, the choice between the two switches depends on individual preferences and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
Both the Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the KTT Glimp linear switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that both switches will provide a similar tactile experience when pressing down on a key. The travel distance is the distance the switch travels from the top to the bottom, which affects the overall feel of the switch and how responsive it is to keystrokes. With both switches having an identical travel distance, users can expect consistent performance and a similar typing experience, regardless of which switch they choose to use.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock Black Lotus has an MSRP of $5.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Black Lotus for $4.57.
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
In terms of sound, the Black Lotus switch is not specifically described, so its sound profile remains unknown. On the other hand, the Glimp switch is known for its fairly clacky sound profile. This means that when pressed, the Glimp switch produces a sharp and snappy sound, characterized as crisp, bright, and percussive. However, it is essential to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used. Therefore, while the Glimp switch is described as clacky, the sound can vary depending on the overall setup.
Moving on to feel, the Black Lotus switch offers a silky smooth typing experience with minimized resistance during key presses and releases. This indicates that the switch provides exceptional smoothness and enhances the overall typing feel. The precise details of the Black Lotus switch's feel are not provided, but it is safe to assume that it falls into the category of switches with a smooth and refined finish, resulting in a sleek typing experience. On the other hand, the Glimp switch is described as creamy and mild. This implies that it provides a smooth and buttery typing experience with a gentle and approachable feel. Similar to the Black Lotus, the Glimp switch offers a silky sensation, allowing fingers to effortlessly glide across the keys with ease.
To summarize, the Black Lotus switch excels in providing a silky smooth feel and unparalleled precision, with reduced housing and stem wobble for maximum typing pleasure. Its precise sound profile remains unknown. The Glimp switch, on the other hand, strikes a balance between substantial typing experience and comfortable actuation force, offering a satisfying and responsive feel with a clacky sound profile. Both switches deliver smoothness, but the Black Lotus focuses on refined finishes and minimized resistance, while the Glimp emphasizes a creamier and buttery typing experience. If you choose either switch, you can expect a pleasant typing experience, albeit with slightly different characteristics.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the Durock Black Lotus and the KTT Glimp linear switches, consider your preference for bottom out force. If you prefer a medium-heavy switch, the Black Lotus with its bottom out force of 63.5 grams may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-light switch, the Glimp with its bottom out force of 53 grams would be a suitable option.
Considering sound, the Black Lotus switch does not have a specific description provided, so it is difficult to make a direct comparison. However, the Glimp switch is described as having a clacky sound profile, which can be described as crisp, bright, and percussive. If you enjoy a sharper and snappier sound when typing, the Glimp switch may be more appealing to you.
When it comes to feel, both switches offer smooth and enjoyable typing experiences. The Black Lotus switch is described as silky, buttery, mild, and polished, providing a seamless and refined typing sensation. Similarly, the Glimp switch is described as creamy and mild, offering a smooth and gentle typing experience.
Ultimately, your choice between the Black Lotus and the Glimp switch will depend on your personal preferences for bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel. Consider trying out both switches if possible to determine which one suits your needs and typing style best.
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