KTT Glimp vs. TTC Gold Red
An in-depth look at the KTT Glimp and the TTC Gold Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the KTT Glimp and the TTC Gold Red. The Glimp switch is best known for its medium-light resistance and tactile feedback, providing a satisfying and responsive typing experience. With a fairly clacky sound profile, it adds an enjoyable auditory element to your keyboard sessions. On the other hand, the Gold Red switch offers a buttery smooth typing experience with a light-medium level of resistance. Its snappy sound profile adds a modest touch of personality without being too ostentatious. While these general descriptions provide a glimpse into what each switch has to offer, let's dive in a bit deeper to help you determine the best switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
43g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
50g
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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
18mm spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The KTT Glimp and the TTC Gold Red both feature polycarbonate top housings. This material lends itself to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile in both switches. Its stiffness allows for a more clear and resonant sound, enhancing the overall typing experience. Additionally, the translucent nature of polycarbonate in the top housing makes it especially suitable for those who plan to use RGB lighting. Therefore, users can expect similar results in terms of sound and aesthetic when using either switch.
In regards to their bottom housings, both the Glimp and the Gold Red utilize nylon. Nylon is a classic switch housing material known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile. The relatively softer nature of nylon allows it to absorb more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. This can be appreciated by users who prefer a softer and more muted typing experience. As with the top housing, users can expect similar sound characteristics and overall performance from both switches due to their shared nylon bottom housing.
While the qualities brought by the top and bottom housings differ, they both contribute to the overall sound and feel of the switch. The bottom housing has a more significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch, while the top housing influences the sound produced when releasing a key. Therefore, users can expect nuanced variations in sound and typing feel between the Glimp and the Gold Red, but the overall experience should be relatively similar due to the shared use of polycarbonate and nylon in their respective housings.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Glimp linear switch and the TTC Gold Red linear switch, we can see some similarities and differences. Both switches have an actuation force of 43 grams, meaning that the force required to trigger a keystroke is the same for both. This ensures that users will get similar results in terms of responsiveness. However, when it comes to the bottom out force, we see a distinction. The KTT Glimp has a bottom out force of 53 grams, which is slightly heavier than the actuation force. On the other hand, the TTC Gold Red has a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it lighter than the Glimp. This means that users who prefer a more substantial typing experience may lean towards the Glimp, as it offers a slightly stronger push feel. Alternatively, those who prefer a lighter switch for longer typing sessions might opt for the Gold Red. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The travel distance of a switch is an important factor to consider when comparing and contrasting different switches. In the case of the KTT Glimp linear switch and the TTC Gold Red linear switch, both have a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key using either of these switches, you will experience the same distance of travel. Therefore, in terms of travel distance, you can expect similar results from both the KTT Glimp and the TTC Gold Red switches.
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 TTC Gold Red has an MSRP of $5.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gold Red for $3.28.
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
In terms of sound, the KTT Glimp switch is best described as clacky. This means that when pressed, it produces a sharp and snappy sound that can be described as crisp, bright, and percussive. On the other hand, the TTC Gold Red switch has a thocky sound profile. This means that it produces a deep, rich, and satisfying sound when pressed and released, similar to a deep "thud" or a soft "knock." The Gold Red switch also has a low-pitched sound that features a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. Both switches are described as having a neutral sound profile, which means they have a moderate sound level that is suitable for most intents and purposes.
Moving on to feel, the KTT Glimp switch is known for its creamy and mild typing experience. It offers a smooth and buttery feel, as if gliding your fingers effortlessly across the keys. This can be attributed to the lubricant applied at the factory or specific materials used in the switch. Additionally, the Glimp switch falls into a safe middle-ground zone, providing a gentle typing experience that is approachable to most. On the other hand, the TTC Gold Red switch is also described as mild, offering a more gentle typing experience compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. It provides a silky smooth typing feel with minimal resistance when pressing and releasing keys. The Gold Red switch is also referred to as subtle, which means it has a gentle resistance and a sound signature that is not resonant, making it suitable for shared spaces. Both switches are polished, which means they have a smooth and refined finish that results in a sleek typing experience. This is due to the materials used and/or factory lubing, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel.
In conclusion, the KTT Glimp linear switch and the TTC Gold Red linear switch offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Glimp switch has a clacky sound profile, providing a sharp and snappy sound, while the Gold Red switch has a thocky sound profile, offering a deep and satisfying sound. Both switches have a mild and approachable typing experience, with the Glimp switch feeling creamy and the Gold Red switch feeling silky. They both fall into a safe middle-ground zone, providing a typing experience that is suitable for most users. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches would depend on personal preferences and the desired sound and feel for your mechanical keyboard setup.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you're looking for a medium-light switch with a substantial typing experience and tactile feedback, the KTT Glimp linear switch would be a great choice. Its comfortable actuation force and clacky sound profile add to the satisfying and responsive typing feel. On the other hand, if you prefer a light-medium level of resistance and a smooth typing experience, the TTC Gold Red linear switch would be ideal. Its buttery smooth feel and snappy sound profile offer a modest touch of personality without being too ostentatious. Ultimately, the decision between these switches would depend on your preference for typing experience and sound profile, with the Glimp offering more tactile feedback and clacky sound, and the Gold Red providing a smoother feel and thocky sound.
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