KTT Glimp vs. PH Studio Jacaranda
An in-depth look at the KTT Glimp and the PH Studio Jacaranda switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the KTT Glimp and the PH Studio Jacaranda both offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Glimp switch is renowned for its medium-light feel, striking a balance between substantial typing feedback and comfortable actuation force. Its tactile feedback and clacky sound profile create an enjoyable typing experience for those who appreciate a bit of auditory feedback. On the other hand, the Jacaranda linear switch by PH Studio stands out with its gentle bottom-out force and extended 22mm spring, providing a bouncy sensation with each keystroke. This switch offers a fatigue-free typing experience with a crisp, clacky sound profile. Both switches have their own strengths and characteristics that make them appealing to different users. 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
39g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
45g
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
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
Single stage lengthened 22mm spring
Housing materials
The KTT Glimp and the PH Studio Jacaranda both feature polycarbonate top housing, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This material is known for its stiffness, leading to a more resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is ideal for switches that plan to utilize RGB lighting. However, while both switches share this top housing material, the Glimp's nylon bottom housing elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Jacaranda's nylon bottom housing, which absorbs more sound and creates a duller and rounder sound.
In terms of sound characteristics, the KTT Glimp and the PH Studio Jacaranda offer similar qualities due to their shared polycarbonate top housing. This results in a sharp, high-pitched, and clear sound profile that is ideal for users seeking a more resonant typing experience. However, where they differ is in their bottom housing material - the Glimp's nylon bottom housing provides a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Jacaranda's nylon bottom housing which creates a duller and rounder sound. This difference in bottom housing material can impact the overall sound feel of the switches when typing.
Overall, the choice between the KTT Glimp and the PH Studio Jacaranda may come down to personal preference in sound profile. Both switches offer the sharpness and clarity of polycarbonate top housing, but the Glimp's nylon bottom housing provides a deeper sound experience, while the Jacaranda's nylon bottom housing creates a rounder sound. It ultimately depends on whether you prefer a fuller sound or a duller sound when typing. Regardless, the impact of the housing materials on the overall typing experience is crucial to consider when choosing between these two switches.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Glimp linear switch and the PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch both play a crucial role in determining the typing experience. The Glimp has a slightly higher actuation force of 43 grams compared to the Jacaranda's 39 grams, making the Glimp a bit heavier in terms of initial keystroke pressure. However, when it comes to bottoming out, the Glimp requires 53 grams of force while the Jacaranda only needs 45 grams, making the Jacaranda the lighter option for a more gentle typing experience. Those who prefer a lighter touch may opt for the Jacaranda, as it allows for longer typing sessions without fatigue, while those who prefer a more substantial typing feel may lean towards the Glimp. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference and typing style, with the Glimp offering a slightly heavier feel and the Jacaranda providing a lighter touch.
Travel distance
The KTT Glimp linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. In this case, the Jacaranda has a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Glimp. A 0.5 mm may not seem like much, but it can make a difference depending on personal preference and typing style. Gamers might lean towards the Jacaranda for its slightly faster response time due to the shorter travel distance, while those who prefer a more traditional typing experience with a bit more depth may opt for the Glimp. Both switches offer a different feel and response, so choosing between the two ultimately comes down to individual preference.
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 PH Studio Jacaranda has an MSRP of $3.90 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Jacaranda for $3.30.
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 comparing the sound qualities of the KTT Glimp linear switch and the PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch, both switches are described as having a clacky sound profile. However, the Glimp switch is also noted to have a neutral sound profile, making it suitable for various environments and preferences. On the other hand, the Jacaranda switch is described as having a high-pitched and resonant sound, providing a sharp and immersive auditory experience. Ultimately, if you prefer a crisper and brighter sound, the Jacaranda switch may be more appealing, while the Glimp switch offers a more versatile sound profile for different users.
In terms of feel, the Glimp switch is characterized by a creamy and mild typing experience, providing a smooth and gentle sensation when typing. In contrast, the Jacaranda switch is described as offering a silky typing experience, enhancing the overall smoothness and minimizing resistance during keystrokes. Both switches aim to provide a comfortable typing feel, with the Glimp switch leaning towards a buttery and effortless typing experience, while the Jacaranda switch focuses on delivering a smooth and easy typing sensation. Whether you prefer a creamier or silkier feel, both switches offer pleasant typing experiences.
Considering all available information, the KTT Glimp linear switch and the PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch each bring unique qualities to the table. The Glimp switch excels in providing a tactile feedback and comfortable actuation force, paired with a fairly clacky sound profile for an enjoyable typing experience. On the other hand, the Jacaranda switch stands out with its gentle bottom-out force, extended spring, and a high-pitched, resonant sound profile, offering a bouncy typing sensation and crisp auditory feedback. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on your personal preferences for sound, feel, and overall typing experience. Regardless of your decision, both switches are designed to enhance your typing sessions with their distinct characteristics.
Conclusion
All in all, when choosing between the KTT Glimp linear switch and the PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch, you should consider your preference for typing experience and sound profile. If you value a medium-light typing feel with tactile feedback and a fairly clacky sound profile, the Glimp switch may be the better option for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom-out force, easy-on-the-fingers feel with an extended spring for a bouncy sensation, and a clacky sound profile, the Jacaranda switch could be the ideal choice. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference and typing style.
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