KTT Glimp vs. Gateron Glory Yellow
An in-depth look at the KTT Glimp and the Gateron Glory Yellow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, both the KTT Glimp and the Gateron Glory Yellow present compelling options for enthusiasts seeking linear switches. The Glimp is celebrated for its medium-light actuation force, striking a harmonious balance between a substantial typing experience and comfortable responsiveness. Its tactile feedback, combined with a fairly clacky sound profile, creates an engaging auditory element that many users find enjoyable during those long typing sessions. On the other hand, the Glory Yellow excels with its heavier actuation, offering a smooth keystroke and a satisfying travel distance that caters to those who prefer a more substantial feel beneath their fingertips. While the Glimp might appeal to those who appreciate a lighter touch and auditory feedback, the Glory Yellow is tailored for individuals who favor a more solid and deliberate keystroke. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for your typing needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
43g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
18mm spring
Spring
15mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the KTT Glimp and the Gateron Glory Yellow, distinct differences in sound profiles can be observed. The Glimp features a polycarbonate top housing, known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness. This material's translucency is particularly advantageous for RGB lighting, enhancing visual aesthetics while generating a resonant acoustic experience. In contrast, the Glory Yellow utilizes a nylon top housing, characterized by a deeper and fuller sound created from its softer formulation. The nylon's ability to absorb sound lends a smoother, rounder auditory experience that contrasts sharply with the clarity provided by polycarbonate.
Both switches share a commonality in their bottom housings, as both the Glimp and the Glory Yellow utilize nylon materials. The nylon construction results in a deeper sound profile, dampening vibrations and producing a more robust auditory experience. Although the Gateron Glory Yellow's entire switch benefits from the nylon's sound-absorbent qualities, the KTT Glimp's sound will be influenced by the softer bottom housing and the sharper top housing. Consequently, while the bottom housing is crucial for the bottom-out sound and feel, the Glimp's polycarbonate top housing will lend a unique acoustic resonance that is absent in the purely nylon-based Glory Yellow.
Ultimately, the mix of materials in each switch results in a diverse range of sounds and tactile feedback. While the KTT Glimp's combination of polycarbonate top and nylon bottom provides a distinct auditory experience—where sharpness intermingles with depth—the Gateron Glory Yellow offers a homogeneous sound profile, driven entirely by the warm properties of nylon. If one were to utilize both switches in a keyboard, the distinct outputs would showcase the unique characteristics each housing material brings, thus allowing users to tailor their typing experience to their sonic preferences by leveraging the different profiles offered by the mix of materials.
Weight
The KTT Glimp linear switch and the Gateron Glory Yellow linear switch offer distinct experiences in terms of actuation force and bottom out force. The Glimp features a medium-light actuation force of 43 grams, requiring less effort to trigger a keystroke, which is advantageous for prolonged typing sessions or extended gaming. In contrast, the Glory Yellow has a heavier actuation force of 50 grams, appealing to users who prefer a more substantial typing feel. Regarding the bottom out force, the Glimp has a defined value of 53 grams, while the bottom out force for the Glory Yellow remains unknown. This ambiguity means that users might not have a complete understanding of how it performs when pressed all the way down. Overall, the Glimp is the lighter switch, making it potentially more suitable for those who type frequently or need a light touch, while the heavier Glory Yellow could be favored by users seeking a firmer keypress experience.
Travel distance
Both the KTT Glimp linear switch and the Gateron Glory Yellow linear switch feature an identical travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key, users can expect a similar experience in terms of key travel. The uniformity in travel distance suggests that both switches will provide comparable feedback and responsiveness, allowing for a consistent typing experience. Since the travel distances are equal, users can anticipate similar results regarding actuation and bottoming out, making either switch suitable for those who prefer a linear key feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
The Gateron Glory Yellow has an MSRP of $4.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Glory Yellow for $4.19.
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 KTT Glimp switch stands out with its fairly clacky sound profile. This means that when pressed, the Glimp produces a sharp and snappy sound, characterized as crisp and bright, which can enhance the overall typing experience, making it quite enjoyable, especially for users who appreciate auditory feedback. This clacky sound adds a lively element to typing sessions and may draw attention in shared spaces. In contrast, the Gateron Glory Yellow does not have a specifically described sound profile. Thus, while the Glimp creates a more vibrant auditory environment, the Glory Yellow’s sound characteristics remain uncertain, which could result in a more neutral experience depending on the board and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the KTT Glimp switch provides a creamy typing experience, often enhanced by lubricant application in the factory. This results in a smooth, buttery sensation that allows fingers to glide effortlessly across the keys, making for a pleasant and stress-free typing session. Additionally, the Glimp is noted for its mild characteristics, which make it approachable for all types of users. In comparison, the Gateron Glory Yellow switch is described as heavier, featuring a smooth keystroke with a pleasing travel distance that contributes to an enjoyable typing experience. However, without specific descriptors for the feel of the Glory Yellow, one can only infer that it might be less buttery in comparison to the creamy touch of the Glimp.
Overall, the KTT Glimp linear switch offers a well-rounded experience with its clacky sound and creamy, mild feel, ideal for users who appreciate nuanced auditory and tactile feedback. In contrast, while we know the Glory Yellow delivers smooth keystrokes, its sound and feel characteristics are not clearly defined, making it a less predictable choice for those seeking specific traits. Both switches cater to different preferences, but those who enjoy the auditory and tactile elements of typing may find the KTT Glimp to be the more compelling option, whereas the Glory Yellow may appeal to users who prefer straightforward, smooth operation.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the KTT Glimp and the Gateron Glory Yellow linear switches ultimately depends on your specific typing preferences and use cases. If you are looking for a switch that provides a balanced typing experience with a medium-light bottom-out force, the Glimp is an excellent choice. Its clacky sound profile and creamy feel make it suitable for both casual and work environments, offering satisfying auditory feedback alongside a smooth keystroke. This switch is ideal for typists who enjoy a bit of sound and tactile feedback, making typing feel more engaging without being overly taxing. On the other hand, if you prefer a heavier feeling switch that excels in delivering a fluid typing experience with longer travel distance, the Gateron Glory Yellow might be a better fit for you. While its exact bottom-out force is unknown, it is recognized for its smoothness and pleasant keystroke, making it perfect for gamers and fast typists who appreciate responsive key presses. In essence, your choice should align with your desired typing dynamics—whether you want the engaging sound and feel of the Glimp or the plush smoothness of the Glory Yellow.
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