KTT Glimp vs. Gateron Ink Yellow
An in-depth look at the KTT Glimp and the Gateron Ink Yellow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the KTT Glimp and the Gateron Ink Yellow. The Glimp switch is known for striking the perfect balance between a substantial typing experience and manageable resistance. With tactile feedback and a comfortable actuation force, it offers a satisfying and responsive typing feel. In addition, its clacky sound profile adds an enjoyable auditory element to your typing sessions. On the other hand, the Ink Yellow switch stands out for its shorter travel distance, making it a great choice for those looking for a typing experience that falls between that of a laptop and a standard mechanical keyboard. This switch boasts a pleasant smoothness and clackiness. Both switches are categorized with qualities such as clacky and mild, but the Glimp is described as creamy while the Ink Yellow is described as polished. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
43g
Actuation force
60g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
1.50 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
18mm spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the KTT Glimp and the Gateron Ink Yellow differ in terms of their composition and resulting sound profiles. The Glimp features a polycarbonate top housing, which offers a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate's stiffer nature, which allows for a clear and resonant sound. In contrast, the Ink Yellow utilizes a proprietary INK blend top housing, resulting in a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound, without being overly sharp. Both materials produce a satisfying sound, but the Glimp's polycarbonate top housing may provide a slightly more defined and resonant tone compared to the Ink Yellow.
Moving on to the bottom housing, the Glimp employs a nylon material that elicits a deeper and fuller sound. Nylon is known for its softer nature, which absorbs more sound and creates a duller and rounder tone. Meanwhile, the Ink Yellow uses the same proprietary INK blend for its bottom housing. This translates to a similar pointed and high-pitched sound, adding to the overall clacky profile of the switch. In terms of sound, both switches provide a thinner and higher-pitched sound, with the Glimp's nylon bottom housing offering a slightly deeper and fuller tone compared to the Ink Yellow's INK blend bottom housing.
When it comes to the overall experience of typing on these switches, the contribution of the top and bottom housings is divided. The bottom housing has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing affects the sound when releasing a key. Therefore, while the Glimp's polycarbonate top housing may enhance the sound when letting go of a key, the Ink Yellow's proprietary INK blend top housing offers a similar effect. Similarly, the Glimp's nylon bottom housing lends a distinct deep sound during bottom-out, while the Ink Yellow's INK blend bottom housing provides a slightly different, but still clacky, experience. Overall, both switches offer unique sound profiles thanks to their different housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Glimp linear switch and the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch, there are notable differences. The Glimp features a lighter actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, making it a medium-light switch overall. On the other hand, the Ink Yellow switch has a heavier actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 67 grams, categorizing it as a medium-heavy switch.
The difference in actuation force between the two switches means that the Glimp requires a gentler press to trigger a keystroke compared to the Ink Yellow. This may appeal to those who prefer a lighter typing experience, allowing them to type for longer periods without fatigue. Additionally, the lower bottom out force of the Glimp can provide a more comfortable typing experience for those who tend to press the keys all the way down when typing.
In contrast, the Ink Yellow switch offers a stronger push feel due to its higher actuation and bottom out forces. This can be favored by individuals who desire a more substantial typing experience, providing a tactile feedback and a satisfying response with each keypress. However, it's worth noting that heavier forces may cause more strain during extended usage, which could be a consideration for those looking for a switch for prolonged work or gaming sessions.
In summary, the KTT Glimp linear switch and the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch differ in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Glimp is lighter, providing a gentler typing experience, while the Ink Yellow is heavier, offering a more substantial push feel. Choosing between the two switches depends on individual preferences and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The KTT Glimp linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances for keyboards. However, the Glimp is slightly longer, offering a more substantial depth when pressed down compared to the Ink Yellow. This can be beneficial for those who prefer a more hearty feel when typing. On the other hand, the Ink Yellow's shorter travel distance may appeal to gamers or individuals seeking faster response times, as it requires less effort to actuate the switch. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual preferences and typing style.
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 Gateron Ink Yellow has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ink Yellow for $7.35.
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, both the KTT Glimp and the Gateron Ink Yellow switches have a clacky sound profile. A clacky switch produces a sharp and snappy sound when pressed, giving a crisp, bright, and percussive auditory experience. This makes them a good choice for those who prefer a more satisfying and enjoyable typing sound. Additionally, both switches are also described as having a neutral sound profile, which means they have a moderate sound level that is suitable for most purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced user, and whether you are using them at home or in a work setting. It is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps chosen.
Moving on to feel, the KTT Glimp switch is described as creamy, offering a smooth and buttery typing experience. This can be attributed to either lubricant applied at the factory or specific materials used in the switch. Typing on the Glimp switch feels like gliding your fingers effortlessly across the keys, with each keystroke melting into a silky sensation. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Yellow switch provides a mild typing experience. This means it offers a more gentle and approachable feel compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. The Ink Yellow switch falls into a safe middle-ground zone in terms of sound and feel, making it suitable for a wide range of users.
Taking all the available information into account, the KTT Glimp and Gateron Ink Yellow switches both provide a satisfying typing experience with their respective sound profiles. They both have a clacky sound that adds an enjoyable auditory element to your typing sessions. In terms of feel, the Glimp switch offers a creamy and smooth typing experience, while the Ink Yellow switch provides a mild and approachable feel. Both switches strike a balance between comfort and responsiveness, ensuring a satisfying typing experience for users. It's important to consider personal preference and the specific use case when choosing between these switches, as individual preferences may vary.
Conclusion
In closing, if you are looking for a medium-light switch that offers a substantial typing experience without overwhelming resistance, the KTT Glimp linear switch would be an excellent choice for you. With its tactile feedback and comfortable actuation force, it provides a satisfying and responsive typing feel. Additionally, its clacky sound profile adds an enjoyable auditory element to your typing sessions. On the other hand, if you prefer a typing experience between that of a laptop and a standard mechanical keyboard, the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch is highly recommended. It features a shorter travel and showcases a pleasant smoothness and clackiness. Both switches have a moderate actuation force requirement and a moderate sound profile, making them suitable for most intents and purposes. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on your preference for typing experience and sound profile.
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