KTT Glimp vs. Dareu Holly
An in-depth look at the KTT Glimp and the Dareu Holly switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the KTT Glimp and the Dareu Holly are two popular options that cater to different typing preferences. The Glimp, a linear switch, is renowned for its medium-light actuation force and tactile feedback, providing a satisfying typing experience without overwhelming resistance. Its clacky sound profile adds an enjoyable auditory element to typing sessions, making it a great choice for those who appreciate a balanced and responsive feel. On the other hand, the Dareu Holly, a tactile switch, stands out with its unique sound signature that combines chirpy and clacky elements, offering a distinctive typing experience for users looking for something a bit different. Both switches have their strengths and appeal to different preferences; 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
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
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
Both the KTT Glimp and the Dareu Holly feature a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness. This material allows for a more resonant sound and is ideal for switches designed with RGB lighting in mind. However, the Glimp has a nylon bottom housing, while the Holly also features a nylon bottom housing. Nylon is known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to polycarbonate, as it is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound.
The use of different housing materials in the top and bottom of a switch can impact the overall sound and feel of typing. The qualities of the top housing, such as the sharper and crisper sound profile of polycarbonate, will be more noticeable when releasing a key. Conversely, the bottom housing, with its deeper and fuller sound profile of nylon, will have a greater impact on the sound and feel when bottoming out a key. This split between top and bottom housing materials allows for a unique typing experience that combines various sound qualities.
In terms of housing materials, both the KTT Glimp and the Dareu Holly offer a combination of polycarbonate and nylon in their top and bottom housings. While polycarbonate lends itself to a more resonant and clear sound profile for the top housing, giving a sharper sound when releasing a key, nylon provides a deeper and fuller sound profile for the bottom housing, affecting the sound and feel when bottoming out a key. Despite these differences, both switches utilize these materials to enhance the typing experience and offer a variety of sound profiles for users to enjoy.
Weight
The KTT Glimp linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 43 grams compared to the Dareu Holly tactile switch, which requires 50 grams of force to actuate. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Glimp requires 53 grams while the Holly's bottom out force is unknown. The Glimp is considered medium-light in terms of both actuation and bottom out force, while the Holly's bottom out force remains a mystery. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Glimp for longer typing sessions or gaming, while individuals who enjoy a more substantial typing feel may opt for the Holly with its heavier actuation force. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference for typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
Both the KTT Glimp linear switch and the Dareu Holly tactile switch have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. When comparing and contrasting the travel distance of these two switches, it is clear that users can expect a similar typing experience in terms of the distance traveled from the top to the bottom. This means that whether you choose the Glimp or the Holly, you can expect to feel the same amount of key travel when typing. This similarity in travel distance may appeal to users who are looking for consistency in their typing experience.
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 Dareu Holly has an MSRP of $6.59 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Holly for $3.76.
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 Glimp linear switch is described as having a clacky sound profile, which is sharp and snappy when pressed, providing a crisp and bright auditory experience. On the other hand, the Dareu Holly tactile switch offers a unique sound signature that combines chirpy and clacky elements, adding a distinct and balanced auditory component to typing sessions. Both switches have a neutral sound profile, making them suitable for various environments.
Moving on to feel, the Glimp linear switch is known for its creamy typing experience, offering a smooth and buttery sensation that feels like gliding your fingers effortlessly across the keys. Alternatively, the Dareu Holly tactile switch does not have a specific feel description provided, but with its medium 50g actuation force, users can expect a tactile feedback that is comfortable and responsive. The two switches provide different typing experiences in terms of feel, with the Glimp emphasizing smoothness and the Holly focusing on tactile feedback.
Overall, the KTT Glimp linear switch and the Dareu Holly tactile switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Glimp provides a clacky sound profile and a creamy typing experience, the Holly switch stands out with its chirpy and clacky sound elements and medium actuation force. Both switches offer a balanced typing experience, catering to users who seek a satisfying and distinctive key feel while typing. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and typing style.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the KTT Glimp linear switch and the Dareu Holly tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to your preferences. If you value a medium-light switch with tactile feedback, a clacky sound profile, and a smooth and buttery typing experience, then the Glimp switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium 50g actuation force switch with a unique sound signature that combines chirpy and clacky elements, then the Holly switch might be more suited to your preferences. Consider your typing style, preference for sound, and desired typing experience when making your decision. Ultimately, both switches offer distinct qualities that can enhance your typing experience based on what you prioritize.
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