KTT Glimp vs. Gateron Jupiter Red
An in-depth look at the KTT Glimp and the Gateron Jupiter Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the KTT Glimp and the Gateron Jupiter Red are both excellent options to consider. The Glimp switch is known for its medium-light feel, providing a balanced typing experience with tactile feedback and comfortable actuation force. On the other hand, the Jupiter Red offers a smooth and uninterrupted keystroke with a medium-heavy actuation and high-precision molds. While the Glimp switch offers a clacky sound profile for an enjoyable typing experience, the Jupiter Red provides softer backlight effects for a more subtle aesthetic. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
60g
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
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
Spring steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the KTT Glimp and the Gateron Jupiter Red, both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housings. This results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the stiffness of polycarbonate. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches intended for use with RGB lighting. However, while both switches share this feature, each switch may have its own unique design elements that set them apart visually.
On the other hand, when it comes to the bottom housing material, both the Glimp and the Jupiter Red use nylon. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to harder plastics, as it is softer and absorbs more sound. Therefore, typing on switches that use nylon bottom housings will produce a duller and rounder sound, providing a different typing experience compared to switches with different bottom housing materials. This commonality in bottom housing material may lead to similar typing experiences between the two switches.
Overall, the split between the top and bottom housings in a switch impacts the sound profile and feel differently. The bottom housing, whether it be nylon or another material, will have more influence on the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed. In contrast, the top housing material, such as polycarbonate, will have a greater impact on the sound when a key is released. This split in housing materials allows for a more customized typing experience, as the qualities of each housing material are highlighted in different aspects of keypresses.
Weight
The KTT Glimp linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 43 grams compared to the Gateron Jupiter Red linear switch which requires 45 grams to actuate. In terms of bottom out force, the Glimp also has a lighter touch with 53 grams compared to the Jupiter Red's heavier 60 grams. Both switches are considered to be in the medium range in terms of actuation and bottom out force. Users who prefer a light typing experience may lean towards the KTT Glimp switch, as it requires less force to actuate and bottom out. On the other hand, those who prefer a more substantial typing experience may opt for the Gateron Jupiter Red switch, which provides a slightly heavier touch for a more pronounced keystroke. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on the user's preference for actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
Both the KTT Glimp linear switch and the Gateron Jupiter Red linear switch have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. When comparing them, both switches offer the same tactile feedback when pressed down on a key, resulting in a similar typing experience. This means that users can expect consistent performance and feel when using either switch. Whether you choose the KTT Glimp or the Gateron Jupiter Red, you can be confident that the travel distance will be the same, providing a familiar typing sensation.
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 Jupiter Red comes in at $2.80 per 10 switches.
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, the KTT Glimp linear switch is described as having a clacky profile, which produces a sharp and snappy sound when pressed, adding a crisp and bright auditory element to your typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Jupiter Red linear switch is described as having a neutral sound profile, making it suitable for various environments and preferences. Both switches offer different sound experiences, with the Glimp being more distinctive and percussive, while the Jupiter Red provides a more moderate and versatile sound profile.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the KTT Glimp linear switch is known for its creamy typing experience, offering a smooth and buttery sensation as you type. This is due to potential factory lubrication or specific materials used, providing a luxurious feel where your fingers effortlessly glide across the keys. Conversely, the Gateron Jupiter Red linear switch is described as polished, offering a sleek and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Additionally, it is also described as creamy and silky, enhancing the smoothness of each keystroke. Both switches provide a different tactile experience, with the Glimp focusing on a creamy and mild feel, while the Jupiter Red leans towards a polished and silky sensation.
In conclusion, the KTT Glimp linear switch and the Gateron Jupiter Red linear switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Glimp provides a clacky sound profile and a creamy typing experience, while the Jupiter Red offers a neutral sound profile with a polished and silky feel. Depending on your preference for sound and tactile feedback, both switches can cater to different typing styles and environments. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will result in similar results in terms of performance and satisfaction, ensuring that your typing experience is tailored to your liking.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the KTT Glimp linear switch and the Gateron Jupiter Red linear switch, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and typing style. If you prefer a medium-light switch with tactile feedback and a clacky sound profile, the Glimp switch may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy switch with a smooth, uninterrupted keystroke and a neutral sound profile, the Jupiter Red switch may be more suitable. Consider your typing habits, desired typing experience, and sound preferences when choosing between these two switches to ensure a satisfying keyboarding experience.
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