KTT Glimp vs. Huano Grape Orange
An in-depth look at the KTT Glimp and the Huano Grape Orange switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, discerning between options can significantly impact your typing experience. The KTT Glimp is renowned for its medium-light actuation force, striking a perfect balance for users seeking a substantial feel without overwhelming resistance, all while offering a tactile feedback that greatly enhances the typing experience. Its clacky sound profile adds a satisfying auditory element, making each keystroke enjoyable. On the other hand, the Huano Grape Orange switch provides an incredibly light typing experience with an ultra-low actuation force of just 40 grams, designed for effortless use during extended typing sessions. While the Glimp switch caters to those who appreciate a balance of feedback and sound, the Grape Orange is ideal for users prioritizing speed and comfort. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
43g
Actuation force
40g
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
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
18mm spring
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The KTT Glimp and the Huano Grape Orange share a notable similarity in their housing materials, specifically the top housing composed of polycarbonate. This commonality gives rise to a consistent auditory experience between both switches, characterized by a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Polycarbonate is known for its stiffness, which contributes to this clarity and resonance, making each keystroke sound more pronounced and refined. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate enhances the aesthetic appeal of the switches, particularly for users who utilize RGB lighting, allowing the colors to shine through effectively. As a result, users can expect a similar sound signature when engaging with either switch due to the identical top housing material.
On the flip side, both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housing, which offers a contrasting acoustic effect. The nylon's softer composition absorbs sound more than the harder polycarbonate, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile that contrasts with the sharper upper tones. This combination of materials creates a unique interaction where the bottom housing significantly influences the bottoming-out sound and feel of the switches. Therefore, when typing on either switch, the experience will be a blend of a clear and crisp sound on the actuation (from the polycarbonate top) and a rounded, deeper sound during the release (from the nylon bottom).
Overall, while the KTT Glimp and Huano Grape Orange share common materials in both the top and bottom housings, the interplay of polycarbonate and nylon creates a well-rounded typing experience that combines the clarity of the upper tones with the warmth of the lower frequencies. Since both switches use the same housing materials, the expected auditory and tactile feedback will be comparably consistent, allowing users to enjoy a cohesive performance whether they choose the Glimp or the Grape Orange. This duality not only enhances the functionality of the switches but also caters to varying preferences among typists, offering a balanced yet rich keyboard experience.
Weight
The KTT Glimp linear switch and the Huano Grape Orange linear switch exhibit differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Glimp features an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, categorizing it as medium-light. In contrast, the Grape Orange has a slightly lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, placing it firmly in the light category. This means that the Grape Orange switch requires less effort to actuate, which could be advantageous for those who prefer extended typing sessions or gaming marathons without fatigue. Additionally, the Grape Orange's lower bottom out force reinforces its softer feel. Ultimately, those who favor a lighter touch would gravitate towards the Huano Grape Orange, while users looking for more resistance in their typing experience may prefer the KTT Glimp.
Travel distance
The KTT Glimp linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Huano Grape Orange linear switch features a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This difference indicates that the Grape Orange switch provides a more responsive feel, catering to gamers who favor quick key presses and rapid response times. On the other hand, the Glimp switch offers a more pronounced depth, which might appeal to users who prefer a more substantial key press experience. Therefore, if you prioritize responsiveness, the Grape Orange switch would be the better choice due to its shorter travel distance. Conversely, if you enjoy a deeper key press, the Glimp would be more suitable, showcasing their contrasting approaches to travel distance in switch design.
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 Huano Grape Orange has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Grape Orange for $2.79.
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 features a fairly clacky profile that adds a vibrant auditory element to your typing sessions. This switch produces a sharp, snappy sound when activated, characterized as crisp, bright, and percussive. Such a sound signature can be particularly enjoyable for those who appreciate an engaging acoustic experience while typing. In contrast, the Huano Grape Orange switch does not have a defined sound profile available, but because it is produced as a linear switch, it likely leans towards a more subdued, quieter operation. However, the actual sound experience will also depend on the keyboard build and the type of keycaps used, which can influence overall noise levels.
In terms of feel, the KTT Glimp switch offers a combination of creamy and mild characteristics, delivering a smooth and buttery typing experience that many users find satisfying. The creamy nature of the switch allows for effortless gliding across the keycaps, enhancing the typing experience with each keystroke. The Glimp's mild aspect ensures that it is approachable for various preferences without being too aggressive or unfamiliar. On the other hand, the tactile qualities of the Huano Grape Orange switch remain unknown, which makes it difficult to draw direct comparisons. However, considering its ultra-low actuation force of 40g, it is expected to provide an effortless typing experience, likely resulting in a lighter feel during use.
In conclusion, the KTT Glimp switch stands out with its engaging clacky sound profile and creamy, mild feel, making it a well-rounded option for typists who enjoy auditory feedback alongside a smooth typing experience. In contrast, while the Huano Grape Orange switch is not detailed in terms of sound and feel, its ultra-light actuation force suggests a distinctly effortless typing session. Though the two switches cater to slightly different preferences, users can expect enjoyable typing experiences from both, relying on sound and feel characteristics unique to each model. Those who prioritize sound might gravitate toward the Glimp, while those seeking a lighter touch could find the Grape Orange switch appealing.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the KTT Glimp linear switch and the Huano Grape Orange linear switch, consider your typing habits and preferences. If you appreciate a slightly heavier feel and enjoy the auditory feedback of a clacky sound profile, the Glimp switch may be the better choice for you. Its medium-light bottom-out force of 53 grams allows for satisfying tactile feedback, making it suitable for users who engage in varied typing tasks, whether for casual gaming or professional typing. On the other hand, if your priorities lie in achieving an effortless typing experience, particularly for extended sessions, the Grape Orange switch, with its lighter 50-gram bottom-out force, will serve you well. Its ultra-low actuation force promotes a smoother, more fluid typing experience, ideal for those who prefer a fast and light touch. Ultimately, the choice hinges on your comfort with switch resistance and the auditory experience you seek while typing; so consider your needs and preferences carefully to find your perfect match.
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