KTT Glimp vs. HMX Hibiscus
An in-depth look at the KTT Glimp and the HMX Hibiscus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, both the KTT Glimp and HMX Hibiscus offer distinct advantages that cater to different typing preferences. The Glimp is renowned for its medium-light actuation force, which strikes an ideal balance for users seeking a solid typing experience without excessive resistance. Its tactile feedback and mildly clacky sound profile create a satisfying auditory and tactile engagement that's perfect for those who appreciate a responsive feel. On the other hand, the HMX Hibiscus prioritizes ultra-light actuation, delivering an exceptionally smooth and effortless typing experience. With its even more pronounced clacky, poppy, and crispy sound signature, the Hibiscus brings forth a fun, feathery touch that glides under the fingers. While both switches have their charm, the Glimp excels in delivering a balanced typing experience, whereas the Hibiscus caters to those who prefer feather-light keystrokes. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
43g
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
T3
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
20mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The KTT Glimp and HMX Hibiscus exhibit notable differences in their top housing materials, which significantly affect their auditory profiles. The Glimp features a polycarbonate top housing, recognized for its ability to produce a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This characteristic can be attributed to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which enhances resonance and produces a clear sound. In contrast, the Hibiscus employs a nylon top housing, known for its softer properties that create a deeper and rounder sound profile. As nylon absorbs more sound compared to polycarbonate, the experiences of typing on these two switches diverge considerably in terms of upper tonal quality and overall auditory clarity.
When examining the bottom housings, both the KTT Glimp and HMX Hibiscus utilize nylon, leading to a consistent experience in terms of sound absorption and depth. The nylon bottom housing in the Glimp offers the same benefits as the Hibiscus, providing a fuller sound profile due to its capacity to absorb sound waves. This similarity in bottom housing material suggests that while the top housings lead to different auditory outcomes, the overall sonic experience when pressing the key may be more unified due to the nylon's impact on bottom-out sound and feel across both switches. Both switches will produce a deeper, rounder sound when depressed, thanks to the presence of nylon in the bottom housing.
Ultimately, the combination of materials in the KTT Glimp and HMX Hibiscus creates distinct yet complementary acoustics. The polycarbonate top housing of the Glimp highlights sharpness and clarity, while the nylon top housing of the Hibiscus offers a softer, more subdued auditory experience. Yet, with both switches employing nylon in their bottom housings, users can anticipate a deep and fuller sound profile upon key actuations across both models. Thus, while they are rooted in different sound profiles due to their top housing materials, the use of nylon at the bottom allows for similar sound quality in the overall pressing experience, underscoring the importance of housing materials in shaping the user experience with mechanical switches.
Weight
When comparing the KTT Glimp linear switch and the HMX Hibiscus linear switch, notable differences arise in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Glimp switch requires an actuation force of 43 grams and has a bottom out force of 53 grams, categorizing it as medium-light. In contrast, the Hibiscus switch features a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, making it distinctly lighter overall. This difference means that users seeking a more effortless typing experience may prefer the Hibiscus for extended use, while those who favor a firmer feedback during typing might lean towards the Glimp. While the actuation forces are relatively close, the Hibiscus offers a lighter, more delicate feel, whereas the Glimp provides slightly more resistance, delivering a more substantial keystroke experience. Both switches offer a clear choice depending on user preference, with the Hibiscus being the lighter option and the Glimp presenting a heavier touch.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the KTT Glimp linear switch and the HMX Hibiscus linear switch, the Glimp features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Hibiscus has a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This difference highlights the contrasting designs and intended user experiences of the two switches. The longer 4 mm travel distance of the Glimp provides a more traditional feel, which may appeal to users who prefer a substantial depth when pressing keys, enhancing the tactile feedback during typing or gaming. On the other hand, the Hibiscus's 3.5 mm travel distance caters to those who appreciate quicker key presses, ideal for faster response times, especially in gaming contexts. Thus, if you value a more responsive feel, the Hibiscus would be the preferable choice, while the Glimp would suit those who enjoy a more pronounced keystroke.
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 HMX Hibiscus has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Hibiscus for $2.99.
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, both the KTT Glimp and HMX Hibiscus linear switches share a clacky and engaging auditory profile. The Glimp switch produces a bright, percussive sound that is both crisp and sharp, making each keystroke feel dynamic. Its neutral sound characteristics also mean that it works well in various environments, whether at home or in an office setting. On the other hand, the Hibiscus switch presents a similarly crisp and bright clacky sound, ensuring an equally enjoyable typing experience. However, it’s essential to remember that sound perception can also be influenced by the choice of keyboard and keycaps, which might mean that while both switches can produce a lively auditory experience, the execution may vary depending on external factors.
In terms of feel, the KTT Glimp linear switch is known for its creamy and mild typing experience, delivering a smooth, buttery sensation that makes each keystroke effortless. This quality is beneficial for typists who appreciate a gentle touch without feeling overwhelmed by resistance. In contrast, the HMX Hibiscus offers a bouncy and feathery feel, with a spring-like responsiveness that adds a lively character to typing. Its ultra-light actuation force allows for quick and comfortable keystrokes, ideal for those who may spend extended periods typing or gaming. While the Glimp emphasizes a smooth glide, the Hibiscus provides a more dynamic and elastic feedback, catering to different preferences in tactile sensation.
In conclusion, both the KTT Glimp and HMX Hibiscus switches bring unique attributes to the table in their sound and feel. While they share a clacky auditory profile that enhances the typing experience, they diverge in their tactile characteristics—the Glimp offering a creamy and mild experience and the Hibiscus providing a playful bounciness. Choosing between them ultimately depends on personal preference in terms of both sound and typing feel; if you appreciate a smooth typing experience, the Glimp is likely to be more appealing, whereas if you favor a lively and lightweight touch, the Hibiscus could be the better option. Either way, you can expect an engaging and enjoyable typing experience with both switches.
Conclusion
To conclude, when choosing between the KTT Glimp linear switch and the HMX Hibiscus linear switch, your specific needs and preferences should guide your decision. If you seek a balance of smoothness and substantial feedback, the Glimp is an excellent choice with its medium-light actuation force of 53 grams, providing a satisfying typing feel that is both responsive and accessible for various tasks, whether at home or in the office. Its clacky sound profile also contributes to an enjoyable auditory experience during typing sessions. However, if you prioritize a lightweight feel and a unique, ultra-smooth typing experience, the HMX Hibiscus switch may be more suited to you. With a minimal actuation force of only 48 grams, this switch is perfect for long typing sessions where comfort and minimal finger fatigue are paramount, making it an excellent option for gamers or anyone typing for extended periods. The Hibiscus switch’s bouncy and feathery feedback adds to its appeal for those who enjoy a lively and effortless touch. Ultimately, your choice should reflect your typing style, sound preference, and comfort needs.
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