Huano Elf vs. KTT Glimp
An in-depth look at the Huano Elf and the KTT Glimp switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the Huano Elf and KTT Glimp present two intriguing linear options, each catering to distinct preferences. The Huano Elf is renowned for its POK top housing, designed to amplify acoustics, creating a deep sound profile that enhances the overall typing experience while maintaining a medium-light feel. This makes it an excellent choice for those who seek auditory enjoyment without the heaviness of a more rigid switch. On the other hand, the KTT Glimp offers a balance of comfort and responsiveness, thanks to its medium-light actuation force and tactile feedback, appealing to users who appreciate a satisfying typing sensation without excessive resistance. Moreover, the Glimp’s clacky sound profile provides an additional layer of auditory pleasure, making typing a more enjoyable activity. While both switches offer unique characteristics that can enhance your typing experience, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
42g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
N/A
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
POK
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel spring
Spring
18mm spring
Housing materials
The Huano Elf and KTT Glimp switches present a distinct juxtaposition in their top housing materials, with the Huano Elf employing polyketone (POK) and the KTT Glimp utilizing polycarbonate. The POK material is notable for its low coefficient of friction and exceptional durability, significantly enhancing the overall smoothness and longevity of the switch. This results in a typing experience characterized by a smooth, clacky sound profile due to POK's robustness, which offers wear resistance and superior shock absorption compared to other materials such as Nylon and POM. Conversely, the polycarbonate top housing of the Glimp generates a sharper, clearer sound profile, attributed to its stiffer nature that allows for a more resonant acoustics. While POK is geared towards durability and a slightly muted sound, polycarbonate emphasizes clarity and brightness, appealing to users who favor RGB lighting aesthetics due to its translucency.
Both switches share a common ground with their bottom housing material, nylon, which plays a critical role in their sound profile. Nylon’s characteristics contribute to producing a deeper and fuller sound, allowing for a pleasant typing experience marked by a duller, rounder acoustic signature. Given that both the Elf and Glimp utilize nylon for their lower housings, they are aligned in this regard, ensuring that users experience the warmth and richness associated with nylon switches. This pivotal role of the bottom housing is crucial since it significantly impacts the bottom-out sound and feel when the key is pressed down. Thus, regardless of the differences in top housing materials, both switches deliver harmonious sound qualities stemming from their identical bottom housing composition.
Ultimately, the combination of different top housing materials with a shared nylon bottom results in unique yet compatible acoustic profiles for both the Huano Elf and KTT Glimp switches. While the Elf leans towards providing a smooth and durable experience via its polyketone top, the Glimp excels in clarity and resonance with polycarbonate. However, due to their shared nylon bottom housing, both switches retain a rich and full acoustic quality, demonstrating how different top materials can lead to varying sound experiences while maintaining a foundational similarity in performance. Consequently, users can appreciate distinct auditory attributes while still enjoying the consistent warmth and depth that nylon provides as the mutual element in both switches.
Weight
When comparing the Huano Elf linear switch and the KTT Glimp linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Elf features an actuation force of 42 grams, making it slightly lighter than the Glimp, which has an actuation force of 43 grams. However, the Elf's bottom out force remains unknown, whereas the Glimp has a bottom out force of 53 grams, classified as medium-light. This means that while both switches require a similar amount of force to actuate, the Glimp offers a firmer bottom-out feel, which may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial typing experience. For users who favor lighter switches for prolonged use, the Elf would be the better choice based solely on its actuation force, while users who enjoy a heavier tactile feel might gravitate toward the Glimp due to its definitive bottom-out resistance.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Huano Elf linear switch and the KTT Glimp linear switch, we find that the Elf has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Glimp features a travel distance of 4 mm. This means the Huano Elf offers a shorter travel distance, making it potentially more appealing for gamers or users seeking quicker response times. In contrast, the KTT Glimp, with its longer 4 mm travel distance, may be preferable for those who appreciate a more substantial and deeper feel in their keystrokes. For individuals who enjoy the sensation of a pronounced switch, the Glimp would provide that hearty depth, while the Elf might feel too abrupt for their liking. Ultimately, the choice between these switches may depend on personal preference regarding the balance between responsiveness and tactile feedback.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Huano Elf has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Elf for $3.29.
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 Huano Elf linear switch offers a deep sound signature that is likely more muted compared to the KTT Glimp switch. The Elf's POK top housing enhances its acoustics, contributing to a richer auditory experience that is both rounded and less intrusive. In contrast, the KTT Glimp is known for its fairly clacky sound profile, which produces crisp, bright, and percussive sounds with each keystroke. This clackiness can be quite satisfying for typists looking for an engaging auditory feedback during their typing sessions. Overall, while the Elf has a more subdued and deeper quality, the Glimp brings a lively, high-frequency accent to your typing.
In terms of feel, the Elf linear switch is characterized by a medium-light actuation force, providing a satisfying typing experience that favors a smooth yet responsive engagement with each keypress. On the other hand, the KTT Glimp switch strikes a balance of its own. It features a creamy sensation, giving users a smooth and buttery experience that allows fingers to glide effortlessly across the keys. Additionally, the Glimp's mild characteristics make it approachable for most users, ensuring that typing is gentle without being overly firm or demanding. While both switches cater to a medium-light typing feel, the Elf may lean towards a more traditional linear experience, while the Glimp introduces a more luxurious, creamy element.
In summary, both the Huano Elf and KTT Glimp linear switches provide unique experiences, making them suitable for different preferences among typists. The Elf offers a deeper, more muted sound profile with a traditional feel, while the Glimp captivates with its clacky sounds and creamy, smooth typing sensation. Ultimately, the choice between them will depend on whether you prefer a more subdued auditory experience with a reliable response or a lively sound and luxurious touch that enhances your overall typing journey.
Conclusion
To conclude, selecting between the Huano Elf linear switch and the KTT Glimp linear switch depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you are drawn to a switch that enhances acoustics with a deep sound signature, the Elf is a fantastic choice. Its POK top housing offers a satisfying auditory experience, making it ideal for those who appreciate a more profound sound while typing. Additionally, if you're looking for a smooth typing experience that feels mild and gentle under your fingers, the Elf may be the more favorable option for you. On the other hand, if you want a balanced typing experience with a touch of tactility and a well-defined sound profile, the KTT Glimp is a strong contender. Its medium-light feel combined with a clacky auditory element can provide an engaging typing session, perfect for both casual users and those who appreciate a bit of feedback with every keystroke. Ultimately, consider the sound, feel, and actuation characteristics that best fit your typing habits and environment to make an informed decision between these two noteworthy switches.
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