KTT Glimp vs. TTC Gold Brown

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options that stand out are the KTT Glimp and the TTC Gold Brown. The Glimp switch, a linear switch, is best known for striking the right balance between typing experience and resistance. It offers tactile feedback and a comfortable actuation force, providing a satisfying and responsive typing feel. Furthermore, its clacky sound profile adds an enjoyable auditory element to your typing sessions. On the other hand, the Gold Brown, a tactile switch, is known for its balanced nature. With a slight but satisfying bump, these switches offer a moderate weightiness. They also produce a rounded sound profile that is generally softer than most switches, without being completely silent. Both switches have their own unique qualities, but let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can make an informed decision on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

KTT Glimp Linear

TTC Gold Brown Tactile

$3.84

$3.45 per 10

$5.00

$3.28 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The KTT Glimp and TTC Gold Brown both utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, resulting in similar qualities of a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Polycarbonate is known for its stiffness, which contributes to a clear and resonant sound. Aesthetically, both switches benefit from the translucency of polycarbonate, especially when paired with RGB lighting. This means that regardless of which switch you choose, you can expect a similar sound experience and visual appeal.

In terms of their bottom housing, the Glimp features nylon while the Gold Brown also utilizes nylon as its switch housing material. Nylon is renowned for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. Its relatively soft plastic absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Both switches benefit from this characteristic of nylon, ensuring that you will experience a satisfying sound when typing on either switch.

Despite the differences in their top and bottom housing materials, the impact of these materials is distributed between the top and bottom of the switch. The qualities brought by the polycarbonate top housing will be most noticeable when you let go of a key, influencing the sound at the release. On the other hand, the bottom housing, made of nylon, will have a greater impact on the sound and feel when you press down on a key and reach the bottom-out point. Therefore, while the materials differ, the overall typing experience on both switches will offer a distinct combination of the characteristics brought by the top and bottom housing materials.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Glimp linear switch and the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch, there are notable differences. The Glimp has a lighter actuation force of 43 grams compared to the Gold Brown's 55 grams, making the Glimp more responsive to lighter touches. However, when it comes to bottoming out, the Glimp requires a force of 53 grams, while the Gold Brown is slightly heavier at 63 grams. This means that the Gold Brown provides a more substantial typing experience, requiring a stronger push for each keystroke.

For those who prefer a lighter switch, the Glimp offers the advantage of being easier to type on for longer periods, making it suitable for work or extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, individuals who enjoy a more substantial feel while typing may prefer the Gold Brown, as its heavier actuation and bottom out forces provide a satisfying resistance.

It is worth noting that if one prefers a medium force for both actuation and bottom out, both switches offer similar results. However, for those who prioritize weight as a determining factor, the Glimp can be considered lighter, while the Gold Brown can be classified as heavier. Ultimately, the decision between the two hinges on personal preferences and the desired typing experience.

Travel distance

Both the KTT Glimp linear switch and the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch have a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key with either switch, you will experience the same distance of travel. In terms of travel distance, both switches offer a similar typing experience and feedback.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The sound profile of the KTT Glimp linear switch can be described as clacky, producing a sharp and snappy sound when pressed. It has a crisp, bright, and percussive sound that adds an enjoyable auditory element to typing sessions. On the other hand, the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch has a rounded sound profile that is generally much softer than most switches, without being completely silent. Both switches have a neutral sound profile, making them suitable for most intents and purposes.

When it comes to feel, the Glimp switch offers a creamy and mild typing experience. It has a smooth and buttery feel due to factory lubrication or specific materials used, providing a silky sensation as fingers effortlessly glide across the keys. It falls within the safe middle-ground zone of typing experiences. Similarly, the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch also provides a mild typing experience that is approachable to most users. It has a buttery feel, offering a seamless, effortless, and uniform typing sensation. Additionally, the Gold Brown switch is accented, meaning it provides a prominent amount of tactility without being overwhelming or subtle. It has a polished finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel.

Overall, both switches offer satisfying and responsive typing experiences. The Glimp linear switch strikes a balance between a substantial typing experience and moderate resistance, while the Gold Brown tactile switch embodies balance with a slight, satisfying bump and moderate weightiness. The Glimp switch is known for its clacky sound profile, while the Gold Brown switch has a rounded and softer sound profile. In terms of feel, both switches offer a creamy, mild, and buttery typing experience, with the Gold Brown switch also having an accented tactile feel and a polished finish. Based on these qualities, using either switch will result in a similar typing experience, although there may be some nuanced differences in sound and feel.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you are looking for a medium-light switch that offers a satisfying typing experience without overwhelming resistance, the KTT Glimp linear switch would be a great choice for you. With its tactile feedback and comfortable actuation force, the Glimp switch provides a responsive and enjoyable typing feel. Additionally, its clacky sound profile adds an auditory element to your typing sessions. On the other hand, if you prefer a balanced switch with a slight, satisfying bump and a moderate weightiness, the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch would be the better option. These switches have a rounded sound profile that is generally softer than most switches, without being completely silent. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to personal preference in terms of sound and feel. Choose the Glimp if you prefer a clacky and creamy typing experience, or go for the Gold Brown if you prefer a mild, buttery, accented, or polished typing experience.

Mentioned in this article

KTT Glimp Linear

$3.84

$3.45 per 10

Learn more

TTC Gold Brown Tactile

$5.00

$3.28 per 10

Learn more