HMX Cheese vs. KTT Glimp
An in-depth look at the HMX Cheese and the KTT Glimp switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the HMX Cheese and the KTT Glimp, both of which are linear switches. The Cheese switch is renowned for its unparalleled smoothness and pristine typing experience, offering a satisfying clacky, poppy, and crispy sound signature that is lighter than most other switches. On the other hand, the Glimp switch strikes a balance between a substantial typing experience and comfortable actuation force, providing tactile feedback and a fairly clacky sound profile. While the Cheese switch excels in ultra-light typing, the Glimp switch offers a more balanced typing experience. 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
43g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
46g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Ly
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
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
18mm spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the HMX Cheese and the KTT Glimp offer distinct characteristics that affect the sound profile and feel of the switches. The Cheese's nylon top housing produces a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound profile. In contrast, the Glimp's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile because of its stiffer plastic composition. Additionally, the translucent nature of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting, adding an aesthetic appeal to the Glimp.
While the Cheese and the Glimp both feature nylon bottom housing, they differ in their top housing material, resulting in variations in sound and feel. The use of nylon in the Cheese's bottom housing contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, similar to its effect on the top housing. On the other hand, the Glimp's nylon bottom housing also enhances the sound profile with its softer plastic composition. This similarity in bottom housing material suggests that both switches may offer a similar typing experience in terms of sound and feel, despite their differing top housings.
The combination of different housing materials in the HMX Cheese and KTT Glimp highlights the importance of the top and bottom housing in shaping the overall typing experience. The split qualities between the top and bottom housings result in distinct impacts on the sound profile and feel of the switches. While the bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and feel, the top housing has a greater impact on the sound upon key release. Ultimately, the housing materials play a crucial role in determining the unique characteristics of each switch, offering users a variety of options to suit their preferences in sound and typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the HMX Cheese linear switch and the KTT Glimp linear switch, they both have the same actuation force of 43 grams. However, the Cheese has a lighter bottom out force of 46 grams, while the Glimp has a heavier bottom out force of 53 grams. This means that the Cheese will provide a lighter typing experience overall compared to the Glimp. For those who prefer a lighter switch for longer typing or gaming sessions, the Cheese may be the better option. On the other hand, those who prefer a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel may prefer the Glimp. Both switches offer unique benefits depending on personal preference and intended use.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the HMX Cheese linear switch is 3.5 mm, while the KTT Glimp linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Cheese has a shorter travel distance than the Glimp. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are becoming more popular, especially among gamers who prioritize faster response times. Choosing between the two would depend on personal preference - if you prefer a more responsive feel, the Cheese may be the better option. On the other hand, if you enjoy a deeper key press, the Glimp with its slightly longer travel distance may be more suitable for you. Ultimately, both switches offer a relatively short travel distance compared to traditional switches, providing a quicker typing experience overall.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Cheese has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Cheese for $3.99.
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 it comes to sound, the HMX Cheese linear switch provides a unique and satisfying clacky, poppy, and crispy sound that sets it apart from other switches. On the other hand, the KTT Glimp linear switch offers a fairly clacky sound profile that adds an enjoyable auditory element to typing sessions. Both switches provide a pleasant sound experience, with the Cheese switch offering a more distinctive and punchy sound compared to the Glimp switch's more moderate sound profile.
In terms of feel, the HMX Cheese linear switch is best known for its unparalleled smoothness and pristine typing experience. The Glimp switch, on the other hand, offers a comfortable actuation force and tactile feedback, providing a satisfying and responsive typing feel. While the Cheese switch emphasizes smoothness and typing precision, the Glimp switch focuses on offering a balance between resistance and typing comfort, with a creamy and mild typing experience.
Overall, the HMX Cheese and KTT Glimp linear switches offer unique sound and feel characteristics that cater to different preferences. If you prefer a lighter switch with a distinctive and punchy sound, the Cheese switch is the way to go. On the other hand, if you are looking for a medium-light switch with a comfortable typing feel and a moderate sound profile, the Glimp switch would be a great choice. Ultimately, both switches provide a high-quality typing experience, and selecting between them will depend on individual preferences for sound and feel.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the HMX Cheese linear switch and the KTT Glimp linear switch, consider the following guidelines. If you prioritize a lighter actuation force and a unique typing experience with a smooth and satisfying feel, the HMX Cheese switch may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier actuation force with a balanced tactile feedback and a clacky sound profile that adds a pleasant auditory element to your typing sessions, the KTT Glimp switch might be more suitable for your needs. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your preferences for typing feel, sound, and actuation force, ensuring a tailored keyboard experience that aligns with your personal preferences.
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