Kailh Box Royal vs. KTT Glimp

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Kailh Box Royal and the KTT Glimp are two popular options with distinct characteristics. The Box Royal is renowned for its unparalleled tactility, offering an almost aggressive and binary tactile feedback. If you prefer a switch that provides a sharp and high-pitched sound profile, the Box Royal may be the perfect choice for you. On the other hand, the Glimp switch strikes a balance between typists seeking a substantial typing experience and those who prefer a lighter touch. With its tactile feedback and comfortable actuation force, the Glimp switch offers a satisfying and responsive typing feel. Additionally, the Glimp switch adds an enjoyable clacky sound profile to your typing sessions. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Kailh Box Royal Tactile

KTT Glimp Linear

$6.25 per 10

$3.84

$3.45 per 10

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Housing materials

The Kailh Box Royal and the KTT Glimp differ in terms of their housing materials, specifically their top and bottom housings. The Box Royal features a nylon top housing, which creates a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its relatively softer plastic that absorbs more sound. In contrast, the Glimp utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, resulting in a sharper and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic that leads to a more clear and resonant sound. Therefore, if you prefer a switch with a softer, rounder sound, the Box Royal with its nylon top housing would be suitable, while the Glimp with its polycarbonate top housing is more ideal if you seek a switch with a sharper and more distinct sound.

In terms of their bottom housings, both the Box Royal and the Glimp utilize nylon. This commonality means that typing on switches that use either of these housings will elicit a similar deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon, being a relatively softer plastic, absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Therefore, the sound outcome when pressing down on either the Box Royal or the Glimp will be quite similar.

When considering the impact on sound and feel, the top and bottom housings play different roles. The bottom housing, whether it is nylon for the Box Royal or Glimp, has a greater influence on the bottom-out sound and feel. On the other hand, the top housing, whether it is nylon for the Box Royal or polycarbonate for the Glimp, affects the sound when releasing a key. Therefore, although there are differences in their housing materials, the impact on sound and feel may not be significantly distinct between the Box Royal and the Glimp, as both housings contribute to the overall typing experience in different ways.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch and the KTT Glimp linear switch, there are some notable differences. The Box Royal has a slightly higher actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Glimp's 43 grams, making it slightly heavier to trigger a keystroke. However, the Glimp has a lower bottom out force of 53 grams, indicating a lighter overall typing experience when pressing all the way down. In contrast, the Box Royal has a higher bottom out force of 70 grams, providing a more substantial and satisfying typing feel for those who prefer a strong push.

Considering weight, some individuals prefer a lighter switch to allow for longer periods of comfortable typing, which is ideal for work or extended gaming sessions. For these users, the Glimp would be a suitable choice with its lighter actuation and bottom out forces. On the other hand, those who enjoy a more robust typing experience may opt for the Box Royal, as its heavier actuation and bottom out forces offer a greater tactile response. Both switches offer different levels of force, catering to users with varying preferences.

Travel distance

The Kailh Box Royal tactile 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 distance, the Glimp has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Box Royal. The traditional travel distance for switches is 4.0mm, making the Glimp fall within the average range. On the other hand, the Box Royal offers a slightly shorter travel distance, which can be favorable for gamers looking for faster response times. The shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm can provide a more responsive typing experience. However, some individuals may find the shorter travel distance to feel too abrupt. For those seeking a deeper and more substantial keystroke, the Glimp with its longer travel distance may be the preferred choice. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches depends on personal preference and the desired typing experience.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch is best described as having a relatively higher pitched sound profile. This means that when the switch is pressed, it produces a sharp and crisp sound. On the other hand, the KTT Glimp linear switch has a fairly clacky sound profile. This means that it produces a sharp, snappy sound that can be described as crisp, bright, and percussive. It's important to note that the sound of a switch is also affected by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used. Overall, if you prefer a higher pitched sound, the Box Royal would be a good choice, while the Glimp offers a clacky sound for an enjoyable auditory element.

In terms of feel, the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch is known for its sharp tactile feedback. It has a strong and crisp tactile bump that can be felt distinctly with each key press. On the other hand, the KTT Glimp linear switch offers a creamy typing experience. This means that it provides a smooth and buttery sensation when typing, as if gliding your fingers effortlessly across the keys. Additionally, the Glimp switch is also described as mild, providing a more gentle typing experience that falls in a safe middle-ground zone. Whether you prefer a sharp and intense tactile feedback or a creamy and mild typing experience, both switches offer their own unique qualities to cater to different preferences.

Considering the available information, the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch and the KTT Glimp linear switch each have their own subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Box Royal offers a higher pitched sound profile and a sharp tactile feedback, making it suitable for those who prefer an aggressive tactility and a distinct auditory experience. On the other hand, the Glimp switch provides a clacky sound profile and a creamy typing experience, striking a balance between substantial typing and moderate actuation force. Both switches offer a satisfying and responsive typing feel, catering to different preferences in terms of sound and tactile feedback. Overall, both switches provide their own unique qualities, and choosing between them would depend on personal preference and typing style.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you're seeking a keyboard switch with aggressive tactility and a higher pitched sound profile, the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch is the ideal choice for you. These switches offer a sharp and distinct tactile bump that provides a satisfying typing experience. However, if you prefer a switch with a moderate actuation force and a clacky sound profile, the KTT Glimp linear switch is a great option. With its tactile feedback and comfortable actuation force, the Glimp switch delivers a responsive typing feel, while its clacky sound adds an enjoyable auditory element to your typing sessions. Ultimately, the decision boils down to your personal preferences for tactility and sound.

Mentioned in this article

Kailh Box Royal Tactile

$6.25 per 10

Learn more

KTT Glimp Linear

$3.84

$3.45 per 10

Learn more