Gateron CJ vs. KTT Glimp
An in-depth look at the Gateron CJ 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 Gateron CJ and the KTT Glimp. The Gateron CJ is a linear switch known for its unique and enjoyable presentation. Typing on these switches produces higher-pitched clacks and an incredibly smooth push feel. Categorized as 'Chirpy', 'Neutral', 'Mild', 'Low-pitched', and 'Thocky', the Gateron CJ offers a distinct experience. On the other hand, the KTT Glimp is also a linear switch, but it strikes a different balance. With a medium-light weight and tactile feedback, the Glimp switch provides a satisfying and responsive typing experience. Categorized as 'Clacky', 'Creamy', 'Mild', and 'Neutral', it offers a pleasant auditory element to your typing sessions. Overall, both switches have their strengths and unique qualities. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities, so you can best decide on the perfect switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
60g
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
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
18mm spring
Housing materials
The Gateron CJ and the KTT Glimp differ in their housing materials. The CJ utilizes a proprietary INK blend for its top housing, while the Glimp utilizes polycarbonate. The INK blend creates a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound profile, which some describe as clacky. In contrast, polycarbonate in the Glimp's top housing produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate enhances clarity and resonance, making it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. Overall, the CJ's INK blend offers a satisfying thin and higher-pitched sound, while the Glimp's polycarbonate provides a more pronounced and vibrant sound.
Moving to the bottom housing, the CJ features a POM material, resulting in an incredibly pleasing and unique sound. This sound profile leans towards the deeper side and is relatively muted in comparison. In contrast, the Glimp adopts a nylon bottom housing, which is a classic switch housing material. Typing on switches with nylon bottom housing creates a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is due to nylon being a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. While the CJ's POM bottom housing delivers a deeper and more subtle sound, the Glimp's nylon bottom housing offers a richer and more resonant sound experience.
Overall, the CJ and the Glimp showcase distinct housing materials, leading to contrasting sound profiles. The CJ's INK blend top housing provides a clacky and higher-pitched sound, complemented by the deeper and more muted sound from the POM bottom housing. In comparison, the Glimp's polycarbonate top housing delivers a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound, while the nylon bottom housing contributes to a deeper and fuller sound. Though different, the unique qualities of each housing material enhance the overall sound experience for both switches.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron CJ linear switch and the KTT Glimp linear switch, there are some notable differences. The CJ has a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Glimp's 43 grams, making it require a touch more pressure to trigger a keystroke. Similarly, the CJ has a heavier bottom out force of 60 grams, while the Glimp has a lighter bottom out force of 53 grams. This means that the CJ switch provides a slightly more substantial typing experience, requiring a stronger push feel, while the Glimp switch offers a lighter touch.
Considering weight and force preferences, those who prefer a lighter typing experience may find the Glimp switch more suitable, as the lower actuation and bottom out forces allow for easier and smoother typing, particularly during longer periods of use like in work or gaming sessions. On the other hand, for those who prefer a more robust and substantial feel when typing, the CJ switch with its slightly heavier actuation and bottom out forces would be the better choice.
It is worth mentioning that while the forces of the CJ and Glimp switches differ slightly, they both fall within the medium range. Therefore, individuals who are looking for similar results in terms of actuation and bottom out forces can expect comparable experiences from both switches. Ultimately, the decision between the CJ and Glimp switches will depend on personal preference and desired typing experience - whether one prefers a lighter touch for extended typing durations or a stronger push feel for a more substantial typing experience.
Travel distance
Both the Gateron CJ linear switch and the KTT Glimp linear switch have a travel distance of 4 mm, meaning they both travel a distance of 4 mm from top to bottom when pressed. Therefore, you can expect similar results in terms of the distance you feel when pressing down on a key with either of these switches.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron CJ has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the CJ for $5.35.
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 Gateron CJ linear switch offers a unique and enjoyable experience. It is described as having higher-pitched clacks, which sets it apart from other switches. This adds a distinctive and somewhat chirpy acoustic signature to typing sessions. On the other hand, the KTT Glimp linear switch has a clacky sound profile. It produces a sharp and snappy sound, described as crisp, bright, and percussive. This adds a lively auditory element to your typing experience. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps, but based on the provided information, these are the subjective qualities of the two switches.
In terms of feel, the Gateron CJ switch is known for its impossibly smooth push feel. Typing on this switch provides a gentle and approachable experience, falling in the mild category. It offers a safe middle ground in terms of feedback and resistance, making it suitable for most users. On the other hand, the KTT Glimp switch is described as creamy. This suggests that it offers a smooth and buttery typing experience. It could be due to lubrication applied at the factory or specific materials used. The typing sensation on the Glimp switch can be compared to gliding your fingers effortlessly across the keys, with each keystroke feeling silky and seamless. Like with sound, it's important to consider that individual preferences can also be influenced by other factors such as typing technique and keyboard setup.
In conclusion, the Gateron CJ linear switch is best known for its higher-pitched clacks and impossibly smooth push feel. It provides a unique and enjoyable typing experience, and the sound can be described as chirpy. On the other hand, the KTT Glimp linear switch strikes a balance between substantial typing experience and resistance, offering tactile feedback and a comfortable actuation force. It has a clacky sound profile that adds a crisp and bright auditory element to typing sessions. While the CJ and Glimp switches have their own distinct qualities, they both fall within the neutral actuation force range, making them suitable for most users. It's important to keep in mind that personal preferences can vary, and other factors such as board choice and keycaps can also influence the overall typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Gateron CJ linear switch and the KTT Glimp linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you value a unique and enjoyable presentation of a linear switch with higher-pitched clacks and an impossibly smooth push feel, then the CJ switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-light switch that strikes the perfect balance between substantial typing experience and comfortable actuation force, with an enjoyable clacky sound profile, then the Glimp switch would be a better fit.
If sound is an important factor for you, the CJ switch offers a variety of sound profiles, including a chirpy and low-pitched tone, while the Glimp provides a crisp and bright clacky sound.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the CJ switch is described as mild, providing a gentle typing experience that falls within a safe middle-ground zone. Meanwhile, the Glimp switch offers a creamy and smooth typing sensation, as if your fingers effortlessly melt into each keystroke.
Considering all these factors and your personal preferences, you can confidently make a decision between the Gateron CJ and KTT Glimp switches that will enhance your typing experience and meet your specific needs. Ultimately, both switches have their unique qualities that can elevate your mechanical keyboard experience.
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