KTT Glimp vs. TTC Ice

Overview

When it comes to the world of mechanical keyboards, the choice of switches can profoundly influence your typing experience. The KTT Glimp and TTC Ice are both linear switches that cater to different preferences, yet each offers unique attributes worth considering. The Glimp is celebrated for its medium-light actuation force, providing a balance that allows for comfortable and responsive typing without feeling overly stiff. Its notable clacky sound profile adds a playful auditory dimension to your sessions, making it an appealing choice for those who enjoy a vibrant typing atmosphere. On the other hand, the TTC Ice stands out with its crystal-clear design and smooth feel, delivering a premium experience ideal for both gamers and daily typists. Its satisfying bottom-out sound complements its sleek aesthetics, making it a visually and aurally pleasing option. While both switches deliver effective performance in their own right, they cater to different priorities—whether you prefer the Glimp's tactile feedback or the Ice's polished smoothness. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that’s right for you.

By the numbers

KTT Glimp Linear

TTC Ice Linear

$3.84

$3.45 per 10

$7.50

$5.99 per 10

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Housing materials

The KTT Glimp and TTC Ice exhibit notable similarities in their top housing, both composed of polycarbonate, which significantly influences their acoustic characteristics. The polycarbonate material is recognized for its ability to produce a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is primarily due to its inherent stiffness, which allows for a clear and resonant sound. Furthermore, because polycarbonate is translucent, it is an excellent choice for keyboards that utilize RGB lighting, enhancing both the visual and auditory experience of the switches. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing for both switches ensures that gamers and typists alike can enjoy the same vibrant sound quality and aesthetic appeal when utilizing these switches.

Contrasting the bottom housing materials, the KTT Glimp employs nylon, whereas the TTC Ice opts for polycarbonate. Nylon has long been a classic choice for switch housing, renowned for producing a deeper, fuller sound profile due to its softer composition, which absorbs more sound compared to its harder plastic counterparts. This results in a rounder acoustic experience that is often favored for a more subdued typing experience. In juxtaposition, the Ice's polycarbonate bottom housing mirrors the characteristics found in its top housing, producing a similarly sharp and crisp sound profile. Thus, while the Glimp's sound is enriched by the softness of nylon for a deeper resonance, the Ice's all-polycarbonate construction leads to a uniform sound signature that also maintains clarity, albeit with a different tonal quality.

As a result of these differences in bottom housing materials, the overall auditory experience when pressing down on the switches varies between the two models. The KTT Glimp will provide a profound and resonant sound when bottoming out, thanks to the sound-absorbing qualities of nylon in the bottom housing. In contrast, the TTC Ice, with its polycarbonate bottom housing, will create a more consistent, higher-pitched sound that matches its top housing. The tactile experience will therefore be affected: users might find the Glimp to deliver a fuller sound upon keypress, while the Ice offers a crisper auditory feedback during both the upstroke and downstroke phases. In conclusion, while both switches share a polycarbonate top for a vibrant sound profile, the distinct materials used in their bottom housings yield different acoustic signatures that cater to varying personal preferences among users.

Weight

When comparing the KTT Glimp linear switch and the TTC Ice linear switch, there are notable 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, making it suitable for users who prefer lighter switches for extended typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the TTC Ice switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, placing it within the medium range. This difference means that the Ice switch may provide a more substantial feel during typing, appealing to those who favor a stronger push. Ultimately, the Glimp is the lighter option, while the Ice is heavier, aligning with their respective intended user experiences.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the KTT Glimp linear switch and the TTC Ice linear switch, a clear distinction emerges. The Glimp switch boasts a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Ice switch measures a shorter 3.6 mm. Therefore, those who favor a more traditional key feel with a deeper press will likely prefer the Glimp, as it offers a more substantial travel distance that can give a more tactile response. On the other hand, the Ice switch's shorter 3.6 mm travel may appeal to gamers or those seeking quicker response times, as it allows for faster key actuation. In summary, the Glimp's longer travel distance provides a more pronounced feel, making it suitable for users who appreciate depth, while the Ice switch's shorter travel distance caters to individuals looking for rapid typing or gaming efficiency.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The KTT Glimp switch is known for its fairly clacky sound profile, which produces a crisp and bright auditory experience that can enhance typing sessions. This characteristic makes the Glimp particularly enjoyable for users who appreciate a more pronounced sound with each keystroke, adding a layer of engagement to their typing or gaming activities. In contrast, the TTC Ice switch does not have a clearly defined sound profile available, so it's difficult to make a direct comparison in this regard. However, the Ice does feature a satisfying bottom-out sound, which suggests a pleasant auditory feedback element that may appeal to many users, albeit potentially in a different manner than the Glimp's clacky nature.

When considering the feel of these switches, the KTT Glimp offers a creamy texture, providing a smooth and buttery typing experience that many find delightful. The combination of its mild actuation force with a gentle feedback allows for comfortable and responsive keystrokes, making it accessible for both new users and seasoned typists. The Glimp's characteristics aim to deliver a satisfying typing experience without overwhelming resistance. Conversely, the feel of the TTC Ice switch isn't specified, leaving a gap in comparative analysis. However, the mention of a smooth and responsive feel suggests it may possess qualities that facilitate enjoyable typing mechanics, potentially aligning with the more neutral and approachable characteristics of the Glimp.

In summary, both the KTT Glimp and the TTC Ice switches aim to provide enjoyable typing experiences but excel in different areas. The Glimp is characterized by its clacky sound and creamy feel, appealing to those who prioritize auditory feedback and smoothness in their keystrokes. Meanwhile, while the TTC Ice's sound and feel specifics are less defined, its premium design and satisfying bottom-out may still offer a quality experience for gamers and typists alike. Depending on personal preference, users can expect enjoyable typing sessions from either switch, with the Glimp leaning towards a more vocal experience and the Ice likely providing something smoother but less specified.

Conclusion

To wrap up, choosing between the KTT Glimp linear switch and the TTC Ice linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a switch that provides a lighter actuation force with a more pronounced auditory feedback, the Glimp would likely suit you better, especially if you're focused on a typing experience that feels both satisfying and responsive. Its clacky sound profile adds an enjoyable element to typing, which may appeal to those who enjoy audible feedback. On the other hand, if you favor a slightly firmer feel during each keystroke and appreciate a premium, smooth experience, you might want to lean toward the TTC Ice switch. With its crystal-clear design and more balanced sound, the Ice is well-suited for both gaming and day-to-day typing, offering versatility without sacrificing comfort. Therefore, consider what aspects of the typing experience are most important to you—whether it’s the lightness and auditory satisfaction of the Glimp or the stronger resistance and luxurious smoothness of the Ice.

Mentioned in this article

KTT Glimp Linear

$3.84

$3.45 per 10

Learn more

TTC Ice Linear

$7.50

$5.99 per 10

Learn more