Kailh Box Jade vs. KTT Glimp
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Jade and the KTT Glimp switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Kailh Box Jade and the KTT Glimp offer contrasting experiences that cater to different preferences. The Box Jades are perfect for those who desire a medium-heavy typing experience with a clicky sound profile and noticeable tactility. With their high-pitched clicks and invigorating, crunchy tactile bumps, typing on these switches provides a satisfying and unique sensation. On the other hand, the Glimp switch strikes a different balance, offering a medium-light typing experience without overwhelming resistance. It provides tactile feedback and a comfortable actuation force, allowing for a responsive feel. Additionally, the Glimp switch has a fairly clacky sound profile, adding an enjoyable auditory element to your typing sessions. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so that you can best decide on the switch that suits you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Box
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
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Kailh Box spring
Spring
18mm spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Kailh Box Jade and the KTT Glimp switches share similarities in both their top and bottom housings. Both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housings, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate being a relatively stiffer plastic, allowing for a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it especially suitable for switches that plan to use RGB lighting. Therefore, both switches will offer similar sound profiles and aesthetic benefits when it comes to their top housings.
However, when it comes to the bottom housings, the Kailh Box Jade and the KTT Glimp switches differ slightly. The Box Jade features a nylon bottom housing, known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Glimp also utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which offers a similar deep and full sound profile. Both switches benefit from this softer plastic by creating a more satisfying typing experience with a subtle difference in sound.
Overall, the switch housing materials of the Kailh Box Jade and the KTT Glimp exhibit similarities and differences. With their polycarbonate top housings, they both provide a sharper and crisper sound profile, along with compatibility for RGB lighting. However, the Box Jade distinguishes itself with a nylon bottom housing, offering a deeper and fuller sound, while the Glimp shares this characteristic, resulting in a slightly different but equally satisfying typing experience. Whether it's the impact on the bottom-out sound and feel from the bottom housing or the sound when releasing a key from the top housing, both switches deliver unique qualities that make them appealing choices for keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch and the KTT Glimp linear switch, there are some notable differences. The Box Jade has a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams, while the Glimp has a lighter actuation force of 43 grams. Both switches fall within the medium range in terms of actuation force.
Moving on to the bottom out force, the Box Jade has a slightly heavier force of 60 grams, while the Glimp has a lighter force of 53 grams. Although both switches fall within the medium range in terms of bottom out force, the Glimp is categorized as medium-light.
Considering the weight aspect, some individuals may prefer a lighter switch for longer typing sessions or extended gaming sessions, as it allows for less fatigue over time. In this case, the Glimp would be a suitable choice due to its lighter actuation and bottom out forces. On the other hand, those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience may opt for a switch with a heavier force. The Box Jade would be a better choice in this scenario.
In summary, the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch and the KTT Glimp linear switch differ slightly in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Box Jade is slightly heavier in both aspects, falling within the medium range, while the Glimp is lighter, categorized as medium-light. Depending on individual preferences, one switch may be favored over the other, either for its lighter weight or for the stronger push feel it provides.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box Jade clicky switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the KTT Glimp linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In terms of travel distance, the Glimp has the longer distance compared to the Jade switch. The Glimp falls into the more traditional range of 4.0 mm, offering a deeper keypress experience. On the other hand, the Jade switch provides a slightly shorter travel distance, which is preferred by gamers for its faster response times. If you prioritize responsiveness, the Jade switch would be the better option. However, if you prefer a more substantial and satisfying keypress sensation with more depth, the Glimp switch with its longer travel distance would be a more suitable choice. Overall, while the Glimp has a longer travel distance than the Jade switch, both switches can provide similar results depending on individual preferences.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
The Kailh Box Jade comes in at $5.50 per 10 switches.
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 Kailh Box Jade switch has a high-pitched and crunchy sound profile. When pressed, these switches produce a sharp and crisp sound similar to stepping on piles of crisp autumn leaves. On the other hand, the KTT Glimp switch has a clacky sound profile. When pressed, it produces a sharp and snappy sound that can be described as crisp, bright, and percussive. The sound profile of the switches is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps chosen.
In terms of feel, the Kailh Box Jade switch offers an accented and invigorating typing experience. These switches provide a prominent amount of tactility without being overwhelming, giving a medium tactile feel. The feedback is pronounced, and the actuation force is moderate to firm, resulting in a snappy and reactive typing sensation. On the other hand, the KTT Glimp switch offers a creamy and mild typing experience. These switches provide a smooth and buttery feel, as if gliding your fingers effortlessly across the keys. With a gentle typing experience, the sound and feel of the Glimp switch are approachable to most users.
In conclusion, the Kailh Box Jade and KTT Glimp switches offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Box Jade switch has a high-pitched and crunchy sound profile with an accented and invigorating feel. It provides crisp clicks, crunchy tactile bumps, and pronounced feedback. On the other hand, the Glimp switch has a clacky sound profile and a creamy and mild feel. It offers a satisfying typing experience with comfortable actuation force and a smooth sensation. While these switches have different characteristics, both can provide a substantial typing experience. Depending on personal preference, users can choose between the sharp and medium-heavy typing experience of the Box Jade or the balanced and medium-light typing experience of the Glimp switch.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you're looking for a medium-heavy typing experience with a clicky sound profile and noticeable tactility, the Kailh Box Jade switch is the way to go. Its medium bottom out force of 60 grams provides a satisfying typing feel, with crisp clicks and crunchy tactile bumps. The high-pitched and crunchy sound profile adds an extra layer of auditory delight to your typing sessions. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-light switch with a substantial typing experience and a moderate sound profile, the KTT Glimp switch is a great choice. With a bottom out force of 53 grams, it strikes a good balance between resistance and responsiveness, offering a satisfying and comfortable typing feel. The clacky sound adds a sharp and snappy auditory element to your typing. Ultimately, the decision between the Box Jade and Glimp switches comes down to personal preference, with the Box Jade providing a more pronounced and invigorating typing experience, while the Glimp offers a smoother and milder feel.