Kailh Box White vs. KTT Glimp
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box White and the KTT Glimp switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Kailh Box White and the KTT Glimp are two popular options with distinct qualities. The Box White is widely recognized for its clicky nature, providing maximum audio feedback that resembles the satisfying crunch of stepping on autumn leaves. Accompanied by a noticeable tactility, typing on these switches offers a distinct and polished experience. On the other hand, the Glimp switch is celebrated for its medium-light profile, offering a balanced typing experience that strikes the perfect equilibrium between substantial feedback and comfortable resistance. With a satisfying tactile feel and an enjoyable clacky sound profile, the Glimp switch adds an auditory element that enhances every typing session. However, let's delve deeper beyond these generalities to help you decide on the best switch for your specific needs and preferences.
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
Yes
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 Kailh Box White and the KTT Glimp both utilize polycarbonate as the material for their top housings. This commonality means that both switches will produce a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Additionally, the use of polycarbonate allows for a more clear and resonant sound, making it ideal for those who plan to use RGB lighting. Aesthetically, the translucent nature of polycarbonate adds a visually pleasing element to both switches. Therefore, users can expect similar results in terms of sound and lighting capabilities when using either the Kailh Box White or the KTT Glimp.
Both the Box White and the Glimp feature nylon as the material for their bottom housing. Nylon is a classic switch housing material known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is because nylon is a relatively softer plastic that absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. As a result, users can expect a similar typing experience in terms of sound when using either switch. The bottom housing material has a significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, providing a consistent experience across the Kailh Box White and the KTT Glimp.
While the top and bottom housings differ between the Kailh Box White and the KTT Glimp, the qualities brought by each housing material are split between the two halves of the switch. Pressing down on either switch will allow the user to feel the qualities of the bottom housing, which primarily influences the bottom-out sound and feel. On the other hand, the top housing has more of an impact on the sound when releasing a key. This separation of housing materials ensures that users can still experience the distinct characteristics of both the nylon and polycarbonate housing materials when typing on either the Kailh Box White or the KTT Glimp.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box White clicky switch and the KTT Glimp linear switch, there are some notable differences. The Kailh Box White clicky switch has an actuation force of 50 grams, while the KTT Glimp linear switch has a slightly lighter actuation force of 43 grams. This means that the Glimp switch requires a slightly lighter touch to trigger a keystroke.
In terms of bottom out force, the Kailh Box White clicky switch has a bottom out force of 60 grams, making it slightly heavier compared to the KTT Glimp linear switch, which has a bottom out force of 53 grams. This means that when fully pressing down the keys, the Box White switch will offer a slightly more substantial typing experience due to its heavier bottom out force.
The weight of a switch is an important consideration for different users. Some prefer lighter switches as it allows them to type for longer periods of time, which is advantageous for work or gaming sessions. The KTT Glimp linear switch's lighter actuation and bottom out forces make it a suitable choice for those looking for a lighter typing experience. On the other hand, there are users who prefer a stronger push feel for a more substantial typing experience. For them, the Kailh Box White clicky switch, with its slightly heavier actuation and bottom out forces, would be a better choice.
In summary, while the Kailh Box White clicky switch has a heavier actuation and bottom out force compared to the KTT Glimp linear switch, both switches fall within the medium to medium-light range. Depending on personal preference, users can choose between a slightly heavier and more substantial typing experience with the Box White switch or a lighter touch with the Glimp switch, allowing for longer periods of comfortable typing.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box White clicky switch and the KTT Glimp linear switch have distinct differences in their travel distances. The Box White has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Glimp has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. The Box White falls into the category of shorter travel distances, which is preferred by gamers looking for faster response times. On the other hand, the Glimp offers a more hearty depth in its travel distance, suited for those who prefer a more substantial feel when pressing down on a key. Both switches provide unique experiences based on their travel distances, catering to different 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 White comes in at $2.76 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 White switch is best known for its resonant and high-pitched qualities. Typing on these switches produces a clean and sharp sound profile, similar to the experience of stepping on piles of crisp and crunchy autumn leaves. On the other hand, the KTT Glimp switch is described as clacky, offering a sharp and snappy sound when pressed. It has a crisp, bright, and percussive sound profile. While both switches provide an enjoyable auditory element to typing sessions, the Box White switch offers a more resonant and high-pitched sound, while the Glimp switch delivers a clacky sound experience. Depending on your preference, you can choose a switch that matches your desired sound profile. Note that the sound produced by the switches is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Kailh Box White switch is known for its polished quality, resulting in a smooth and refined typing experience. The materials used and/or factory lubing contribute to reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the KTT Glimp switch is described as creamy, offering a smooth and buttery typing experience. This could be due to factory lubrication or specific materials used in the switch. Typing on a Glimp switch provides a silky sensation, as your fingers effortlessly glide across the keys with each keystroke. The Box White switch, with its polished feel, provides a sleek typing experience. Both switches offer a different tactile experience, with the Box White switch feeling polished and the Glimp switch feeling creamy. Choose a switch based on your personal preference for typing feel.
To summarize, the Kailh Box White switch is best known for its resonant and high-pitched sound profile, offering a crunchy typing experience. It also provides a polished feel, resulting in a sleek typing experience. On the other hand, the KTT Glimp switch offers a clacky sound profile, with a crisp and percussive sound. It provides a creamy feel, allowing for smooth and buttery typing. Both switches offer their unique qualities, catering to different preferences for sound and feel during typing. Consider your desired auditory and tactile experience when selecting between the Kailh Box White and KTT Glimp switches.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for maximum audio feedback and a pronounced tactile feel, the Kailh Box White clicky switch would be the better choice for you. These switches are known for their "stepping on autumn leaves" type of crunch and provide an immersive auditory experience. Additionally, they have a medium bottom out force of 60 grams, offering a satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a more balanced typing experience without overwhelming resistance, the KTT Glimp linear switch would be a suitable option. These switches have a medium-light bottom out force of 53 grams, providing a comfortable actuation force. They offer a clacky sound profile, which is crisp, bright, and percussive. Furthermore, the Glimp switches provide a creamy and smooth typing experience, thanks to either factory lubing or specific materials. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches depends on your preference for audio feedback, tactile feel, actuation force, and sound profile.
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