KTT Glimp vs. Gateron Glory Red

Overview

When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the KTT Glimp and Gateron Glory Red stand out as two worthy contenders, both classified as linear switches but with distinct characteristics tailored to different preferences. The KTT Glimp is celebrated for its medium-light actuation force, striking an ideal balance between resistance and responsiveness, making it perfect for users who enjoy a substantial yet comfortable typing experience and appreciate a satisfying auditory element with its clacky sound profile. In contrast, the Gateron Glory Red shines with its ultra-smooth keystroke and pleasing travel distance, prioritizing a seamless typing experience without the distraction of noise, catering to those who prefer a quieter setup. While both switches provide unique benefits, including the Glimp’s tactile feedback and the Glory Red’s effortless keystrokes, your choice may ultimately depend on your specific typing style and sound preferences. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.

By the numbers

KTT Glimp Linear

Gateron Glory Red Linear

$3.84

$3.45 per 10

$4.50

$4.19 per 10

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Housing materials

The KTT Glimp and Gateron Glory Red switches exhibit distinct characteristics in their housing materials that significantly influence the auditory experience they provide. The Glimp utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, known for its stiffness and translucency, which cultivates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This meticulous design choice not only enhances the overall acoustics but also accommodates RGB lighting, allowing the illumination to shine through effectively. In contrast, the Glory Red features a nylon top housing which, being softer, contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. This particular material absorbs sound more effectively, yielding a softer acoustic experience that contrasts the clarity offered by polycarbonate.

Interestingly, both switches share nylon as the material for their bottom housing, which plays a crucial role in determining the feel and sound when the switch is bottomed out. Nylon is recognized for its ability to produce a muted, rounder sound due to its softer nature. This similarity ensures that, while the top housings provide differing sound profiles, the bottom housings create a cohesive auditory experience for both switches. Consequently, users can expect a deep and resonant bottom-out sound with either switch, underscoring the impact of the nylon material in this context.

The overall performance of these switches illustrates how the interaction between the two different top housing materials and similar bottom materials creates a unique typing experience. With the KTT Glimp's polycarbonate top creating a sharper sound when releasing keys and the Gateron Glory Red's nylon top cultivating a softer sound, both offer distinct auditory profiles when typing. Nonetheless, the shared nylon bottom housing allows for a consistent deeper sound feel upon bottoming out in both switches. As a result, users might gravitate towards a specific switch based on the desired sound characteristics, knowing that the fundamental experience will still be rooted in the qualities provided by the nylon used in both switches' bottom housings.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Glimp linear switch and the Gateron Glory Red linear switch, we see a notable difference in actuation force but an absence of data for the bottom out force of the Glory Red. The KTT Glimp features an actuation force of 43 grams, making it relatively lightweight, which can be beneficial for longer typing sessions or gaming marathons. In contrast, the Gateron Glory Red has a slightly higher actuation force of 45 grams, indicating a marginally heavier feel when typing. However, without available data for the bottom out force of the Glory Red, we cannot make a direct comparison in that regard. Thus, while the Glimp is the lighter option, providing a medium-light typing experience, the lack of information on the Glory Red's bottom out force leaves its overall resistance profile somewhat ambiguous.

Travel distance

The KTT Glimp linear switch features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Gateron Glory Red linear switch has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This difference of 0.4 mm signifies that the Glimp offers a more pronounced depth when pressed down, which some users might find more satisfying, particularly for those who appreciate a hearty feel to their keystrokes. Conversely, the Glory Red's shorter travel distance aligns with the preferences of gamers and users seeking faster response times, making it more suitable for rapid key presses. Therefore, if you prioritize responsiveness, the Gateron Glory Red is the better option, whereas the KTT Glimp would be ideal for those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When comparing the KTT Glimp and Gateron Glory Red linear switches in terms of sound, the Glimp switch is characterized by its fairly clacky sound profile, creating a crisp and bright auditory experience with each keystroke. This clackiness adds an enjoyable auditory element that can enhance the typing experience, making it feel more lively and engaging. On the other hand, while the sound profile of the Glory Red switches isn't explicitly detailed, it’s worth noting that its smooth keystroke typically leads to a more subdued sound, often favoring a quieter typing environment. As sound can also be influenced by the keyboard board and keycaps used, both switches have the potential to deliver satisfying auditory feedback, albeit in different ways.

In terms of feel, the KTT Glimp switch is designed to provide a creamy and mild typing experience. Its creamy nature allows for a smooth and buttery sensation, which can greatly enhance the feel of each keystroke, making the typing experience delightful and effortless. The mild characteristics further contribute to a gentle touch, making it approachable for a wide range of users. In contrast, the specifics regarding the feel of the Gateron Glory Red switch are not discussed, but linear switches typically provide a smooth feel without tactile bumps. Thus, while both switches might offer distinct sensations, the Glimp gives a more detailed and refined experience.

In summary, the KTT Glimp switch is ideal for those who enjoy a clacky sound and a creamy feel, making it a great choice for lively typing sessions. In contrast, while the Gateron Glory Red might provide a smooth keystroke, its auditory qualities remain less defined. Users of either switch can expect a satisfying linear experience, though the Glimp offers a more textured auditory and tactile profile, appealing to those who appreciate both sound and feel in their typing adventures.

Conclusion

To conclude, when deciding between the KTT Glimp linear switch and the Gateron Glory Red linear switch, consider your personal preferences and typing environment. The Glimp switch is ideal for those who enjoy a medium-light typing feel coupled with a satisfying tactile feedback and a clacky sound profile, making it well-suited for both casual and enthusiastic typists. If you value a substantial but not overly resistant keystroke and want an auditory element to enhance your typing experience, the Glimp will serve you well. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother, lighter keystroke and a more muted sound, the Gateron Glory Red is your best bet. Its smooth travel makes it excellent for rapid typing, gaming, or environments where quieter operation is desired. Ultimately, your choice should align with whether you prioritize a more pronounced tactile feedback and sound with the Glimp, or a lighter, quieter experience with the Glory Red.

Mentioned in this article

KTT Glimp Linear

$3.84

$3.45 per 10

Learn more

Gateron Glory Red Linear

$4.50

$4.19 per 10

Learn more