KTT Cream Yellow vs. KTT Glimp
An in-depth look at the KTT Cream Yellow and the KTT Glimp switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, two popular choices that often come up are the KTT Cream Yellow and the KTT Glimp. The Cream Yellow switch is well-known for its distinctively clacky sound, thanks to its shortened bottom-out distance and long-pole stem, providing resonant audio feedback. Its lengthened spring also adds to a uniquely bouncy typing feel. On the other hand, the Glimp switch strikes a balance between a substantial typing experience and a comfortable actuation force. It offers tactile feedback and a satisfying typing feel, with the added bonus of a fairly clacky sound profile. The Cream Yellow switch falls under the categories of 'Bouncy' and 'Clacky,' while the Glimp switch is categorized as 'Clacky', 'Creamy', 'Mild', and 'Neutral'. These general pointers give you a glimpse of what each switch has to offer. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits you best.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
58g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
1.90 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
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
18mm spring
Spring
18mm spring
Housing materials
The KTT Cream Yellow and the KTT Glimp both feature polycarbonate top housings, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a relatively stiffer plastic, resulting in a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. In terms of aesthetics and sound, the Cream Yellow and the Glimp will provide similar results due to their shared polycarbonate top housing. When pressing down on either switch, the impact on the bottom-out sound and feel will primarily be influenced by the bottom housing.
However, the KTT Cream Yellow distinguishes itself with a nylon bottom housing. This classic switch housing material offers a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to harder plastics. Nylon is a relatively softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Thus, typing on the Cream Yellow will elicit a unique sound experience due to the combination of polycarbonate top and nylon bottom housings.
On the other hand, the KTT Glimp features a polycarbonate top housing like the Cream Yellow, ensuring a similar sharp, high-pitched, and crisp sound profile. However, its bottom housing is also made of nylon, providing a similar deeper and fuller sound profile as the Cream Yellow. The Glimp's nylon bottom housing also absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound when compared to harder plastics. Therefore, despite the differences in the top housing, the Glimp will produce a comparable sound experience to the Cream Yellow, with the bottom housing playing a significant role in the overall sound and feel of the switch.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Cream Yellow linear switch and the KTT Glimp linear switch, there are some notable differences. The Cream Yellow has an actuation force of 50 grams, while the Glimp has a slightly lighter actuation force of 43 grams. However, both switches fall within the medium range, providing a balanced typing experience.
In terms of bottom out force, the Cream Yellow requires 58 grams of force, whereas the Glimp is slightly lighter at 53 grams. This means that the Cream Yellow offers a slightly more substantial typing experience when fully pressed down.
Considering weight, some individuals may prefer a lighter switch like the Glimp, as it allows for longer periods of comfortable typing. This can be particularly beneficial for those who need to use a keyboard extensively for work or during long gaming sessions. On the other hand, individuals who enjoy a stronger push feel may opt for the Cream Yellow, as it provides a more substantial and tactile typing experience.
Overall, both the KTT Cream Yellow and the KTT Glimp offer similar results due to their medium actuation forces. However, if weight is a significant factor, the Glimp can be considered slightly lighter, while the Cream Yellow offers a slightly heavier bottom out force. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the KTT Cream Yellow linear switch and the KTT Glimp linear switch, a notable difference can be observed. The Cream Yellow has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Glimp has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. In terms of traditional standards, the 4.0 mm travel distance aligns with the more typical range, while the Cream Yellow's 3.5 mm is on the shallower side. However, with the increasing popularity of shorter travel distances, particularly among gamers seeking faster response times, the Cream Yellow becomes a favorable option. Its shorter travel distance allows for quicker key presses and improved responsiveness. On the other hand, those who appreciate a deeper key press may prefer the Glimp's longer travel distance. The 4 mm travel distance on the Glimp provides a more substantial feel when pressing the keys. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preferences regarding responsiveness and key depth.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Cream Yellow has an MSRP of $2.75 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Cream Yellow for $2.55.
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, both the KTT Cream Yellow and the KTT Glimp switches are described as clacky, producing a sharp and snappy sound when pressed. The Cream Yellow switch, with its shortened bottom-out distance and long-pole stem, delivers a distinctively clacky sound that can be described as crisp, bright, and percussive. On the other hand, the Glimp switch offers a fairly clacky sound profile, adding an enjoyable auditory element to your typing sessions. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the KTT Cream Yellow switch is known for its bouncy typing experience. With a shortened bottom-out distance and a lengthened spring, it provides a uniquely bouncy and spring-like feedback sensation. On the other hand, the KTT Glimp switch is described as creamy and mild. The creamy feel of the Glimp switch offers a smooth and buttery typing experience, akin to gliding your fingers effortlessly across the keys. It provides a silky sensation, as the keys effortlessly melt into each keystroke. The Glimp switch falls into the mild category, offering a more gentle typing experience compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. It stands in a safe, middle-ground zone, making it approachable to most users.
Considering the available information, it's clear that the Cream Yellow and Glimp switches have their own distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Cream Yellow switch stands out with its clacky sound and bouncy typing feel, thanks to its shortened bottom-out distance, long-pole stem, and lengthened spring. On the other hand, the Glimp switch strikes a balance between a substantial typing experience and comfortable actuation force. It offers a slightly clacky sound profile, a creamy and smooth typing feel, and falls into the mild category. While they may have their own unique characteristics, both switches provide a satisfying and responsive typing experience. If you are seeking a clacky sound with a bouncy feel, the Cream Yellow switch would be a great choice. Alternatively, if you prefer a medium-light switch with a creamy, smooth feel, the Glimp switch would be a suitable option. Ultimately, your choice may also depend on other factors such as personal preference, the keyboard board, and the keycaps used.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are someone who values a distinctively clacky sound and enjoys a bouncy typing feel, the KTT Cream Yellow linear switch would be an excellent choice for you. It offers a medium bottom-out force of 58 grams and delivers resonant audio feedback with its shortened bottom-out distance and long-pole stem. The Cream Yellow switch also has a lengthened spring that contributes to its uniquely bouncy typing feel. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-light switch that strikes a perfect balance between typing experience and resistance, the KTT Glimp linear switch is the way to go. With a bottom-out force of 53 grams, the Glimp switch offers tactile feedback and a comfortable actuation force while providing a satisfying and responsive typing feel. It also features a fairly clacky sound profile, adding an enjoyable auditory element to your typing sessions. Ultimately, the choice between the Cream Yellow and Glimp switch depends on whether you prioritize a clacky sound and bouncy feel, or a balanced typing experience with a mild and creamy sensation.
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