HC Studio Crabapple vs. KTT Glimp
An in-depth look at the HC Studio Crabapple and the KTT Glimp switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The HC Studio Crabapple and the KTT Glimp are both linear mechanical keyboard switches, but they offer distinct typing experiences. The Crabapple, crafted entirely from POM, provides an effortlessly frictionless journey with a dry smoothness and subtle texture felt with each downstroke. Its sound signature is mild and understated, making it an excellent choice for those who prefer a quieter typing experience. On the other hand, the Glimp switch offers a medium-light typing experience with tactile feedback and comfortable actuation force, giving a satisfying and responsive feel. Its fairly clacky sound profile adds an enjoyable auditory element to typing sessions. While the Crabapple is known for its frictionless and textured feel, the Glimp is praised for its balance between typing experience and resistance. 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
37g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Lengthened single-staged spring
Spring
18mm spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the HC Studio Crabapple and the KTT Glimp offer contrasting sound profiles and characteristics. The Crabapple's POM top housing provides a deeper and more muted sound, while the Glimp's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. The use of polycarbonate in the Glimp's top housing is also beneficial for those interested in RGB lighting due to its translucency. On the other hand, the Crabapple's POM bottom housing produces a similar deep and muted sound as its top housing, while the Glimp's nylon bottom housing gives a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon is softer and absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound compared to the crisper sound from polycarbonate.
Despite their differences, the housing materials of the Crabapple and the Glimp contribute to the overall sound and feel of the switches in unique ways. The split between the top and bottom housings allows each material to shine in different aspects of the typing experience. For example, the bottom housing has a bigger impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key. This distribution of qualities between the top and bottom housings provides a balanced and versatile typing experience that caters to different preferences.
Overall, the choice between POM and polycarbonate for the top housing and between POM and nylon for the bottom housing ultimately depends on personal preference and desired sound profile. Those looking for a deeper and more muted sound may prefer the Crabapple with its POM housing materials, while those seeking a sharper and crisper sound may lean towards the Glimp with its polycarbonate top housing. Similarly, the choice between nylon and POM for the bottom housing offers a contrast between a fuller, deeper sound and a rounder, duller sound. Both switches offer unique typing experiences based on the materials used in their housing construction.
Weight
The HC Studio Crabapple linear switch has a lower actuation force of 37 grams and a lighter bottom out force of 45 grams compared to the KTT Glimp linear switch, which has an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams. This makes the Crabapple switch lighter overall. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Crabapple switch, as it allows for longer typing sessions with less fatigue. On the other hand, the Glimp switch offers a slightly heavier typing experience, which some users may find more satisfying for a more substantial feel while typing. Both switches provide different levels of actuation and bottom out forces, catering to users with preferences for either lighter or slightly heavier switches. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on the user's personal preference for typing feel and force required for key presses.
Travel distance
The HC Studio Crabapple linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the KTT Glimp linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. The Crabapple falls on the shorter end of the spectrum, making it a popular choice for gamers looking for quick response times. On the other hand, the Glimp offers a bit more depth with its longer travel distance, which may be preferred by those looking for a more substantial feel when typing or gaming. Overall, both switches offer different experiences in terms of travel distance, catering to the preferences of different users.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HC Studio Crabapple has an MSRP of $5.90 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Crabapple for $4.70.
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 Crabapple linear switch offers a subdued experience, producing a dampened sound when pressed that is subtle and not overwhelming. In contrast, the Glimp linear switch provides a clacky sound profile, with a sharp and snappy sound that adds an enjoyable auditory element to typing sessions. Depending on personal preferences, the Crabapple switch would be preferred for those who prefer a more understated sound, while the Glimp switch would be a great choice for those who enjoy a more pronounced and tactile sound experience.
Moving on to the feel, the Crabapple linear switch is known for its frictionless typing experience, offering a smooth and effortless journey with minimal resistance or friction when pressing the keys. Additionally, it provides a mild and gentle typing feel that falls within a safe middle-ground zone. On the other hand, the Glimp linear switch offers a creamy and buttery typing experience, with a smooth and silky sensation that allows for effortless keystrokes. Similar to the Crabapple, the Glimp switch also falls within the mild typing experience range, making it approachable to most users. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would come down to personal preference for either a frictionless and mild typing feel or a creamy and smooth typing experience.
Overall, while the Crabapple linear switch and the Glimp linear switch offer different sound and feel characteristics, they both provide a satisfying typing experience in their own right. Whether opting for the subdued sound and frictionless feel of the Crabapple switch or the clacky sound and creamy feel of the Glimp switch, users can expect a quality typing experience that meets their specific preferences. Ultimately, both switches cater to those seeking a medium-light typing experience, each offering unique qualities to enhance the typing journey.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when choosing between the HC Studio Crabapple linear switch and the KTT Glimp linear switch, consider the following guidelines. If you prefer a lighter bottom out force and enjoy a frictionless typing experience with a subtle sound profile, the Crabapple switch is the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly higher bottom out force and enjoy a more tactile typing feel with a clacky sound profile, the Glimp switch would be the better option for you. Ultimately, your choice should be based on your personal preference for typing feel, sound profile, and bottom out force.
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