Durock Dolphin vs. KTT Glimp
An in-depth look at the Durock Dolphin and the KTT Glimp switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between two popular linear mechanical keyboard switches, the Durock Dolphin and the KTT Glimp, it all comes down to your personal preferences and needs. The Durock Dolphin is a silent switch, making it an ideal choice for quiet office environments or any workspace where noise levels are a concern. With a medium-heavy actuation force of 62g, it offers a balanced and substantial feel, perfect for those who prefer a switch with a bit more resistance. On the other hand, the KTT Glimp is a medium-light switch that provides a satisfying typing experience without overwhelming resistance. Its tactile feedback and comfortable actuation force make typing a breeze, while its clacky sound profile adds an enjoyable auditory element to your typing sessions. 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
N/A
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.80 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
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Spring
18mm spring
Housing materials
The Durock Dolphin and the KTT Glimp both utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate being a stiffer plastic, enhancing clarity and resonance. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. However, when it comes to the bottom housing, the Dolphin uses nylon while the Glimp also incorporates nylon. Nylon is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile, as it is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound.
Despite sharing the same housing material for their top housings, the Durock Dolphin and the KTT Glimp differentiate themselves with their choice of bottom housing. The use of nylon in the bottom housing of both switches affects the bottom-out sound and feel when typing, emphasizing a deeper and fuller sound profile. However, the impact of the top housing material is more noticeable when releasing a key, showcasing the differences between the two switches in terms of sound quality and tactile feedback. Overall, both switches offer a unique typing experience based on the combination of their housing materials.
In conclusion, while the Durock Dolphin and the KTT Glimp share similarities in their use of polycarbonate for the top housing, their choice of nylon for the bottom housing sets them apart in terms of sound profile and tactile feel. The Dolphin's stiffer polycarbonate top housing provides a clearer and more resonant sound, while the Glimp's nylon bottom housing enhances the deeper and fuller sound experience. Ultimately, the combination of housing materials in each switch contributes to a unique typing experience, catering to different preferences for sound and feel.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Dolphin linear switch and the KTT Glimp linear switch, it is evident that the Dolphin has a higher bottom out force at 62 grams compared to the Glimp's 53 grams. However, the Glimp has a lower actuation force of 43 grams compared to the Dolphin's unspecified force. This means that the Dolphin switch requires more force to fully press a key, providing a more substantial typing experience, while the Glimp switch is lighter and may be preferred for longer typing sessions. Both switches fall within the medium to medium-light range of actuation and bottom out forces, making them suitable for a variety of users depending on their preferences for typing feel. Ultimately, those looking for a heavier keystroke should opt for the Durock Dolphin, while those seeking a lighter touch may prefer the KTT Glimp.
Travel distance
The Durock Dolphin linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the KTT Glimp linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. The Dolphin offers a slightly shorter travel distance which may appeal to those looking for faster response times, such as gamers. On the other hand, the Glimp provides a slightly longer travel distance which may offer a more tactile and satisfying typing experience for those who prefer a deeper press. Overall, both switches fall within a similar range of traditional travel distances and will likely provide a similar feel, with the Dolphin being slightly shorter and the Glimp being slightly longer. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference for travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock Dolphin has an MSRP of $6.87 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Dolphin for $5.41.
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 Durock Dolphin linear switch is known for its muted and low-pitched profile, creating a softer and quieter typing experience compared to traditional mechanical switches. This makes it an ideal choice for noise-sensitive environments like offices. On the other hand, the KTT Glimp linear switch offers a clacky and neutral sound profile, adding a sharp and percussive element to your typing sessions. Depending on your preference for sound, the Dolphin provides a more subtle auditory experience, while the Glimp delivers a more pronounced and lively sound.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Durock Dolphin switch is described as polished, offering a smooth and refined typing experience. This is due to either the materials used or factory lubrication, resulting in reduced friction and a sleek key travel. In contrast, the KTT Glimp switch is described as creamy and mild, providing a buttery smooth typing sensation that feels effortless and gentle. Both switches offer a comfortable typing experience, but the Dolphin leans towards a more refined and polished feel, while the Glimp focuses on a creamy and gentle touch.
Overall, the Durock Dolphin linear switch and the KTT Glimp linear switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Dolphin excels in providing a quiet and refined typing experience with its muted sound and polished feel, ideal for office environments or users who prefer a bit of resistance in their keypress. On the other hand, the Glimp offers a more lively and clacky sound profile along with a creamy and mild typing feel, perfect for those who enjoy a smooth and gentle keypress. Depending on your preferences for sound and feel, both switches provide unique characteristics that cater to different typing styles and preferences. Whether you choose the Dolphin or the Glimp, you can expect a satisfying typing experience tailored to your personal preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Durock Dolphin linear switch and the KTT Glimp linear switch, consider your priorities in terms of typing experience. If you value a silent switch with a medium-heavy actuation force and a polished feel, the Durock Dolphin may be the right choice for you. This switch is ideal for office environments or for those who prefer a switch with a bit more resistance. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-light switch with tactile feedback, a clacky sound profile, and a creamy feel, the KTT Glimp might be more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on your personal typing preferences and the environment in which you'll be using them.
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