KTT Glimp vs. HMX KD200
An in-depth look at the KTT Glimp and the HMX KD200 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the KTT Glimp and the HMX KD200 both offer appealing characteristics for enthusiasts looking for a premium typing experience. The Glimp is celebrated for its medium-light actuation force, providing a well-balanced typing feel that delivers tactile feedback without excessive resistance, making it ideal for those who enjoy a satisfying and responsive touch. Its clacky sound profile adds to the overall enjoyment of typing sessions, appealing to users who seek both performance and auditory feedback. On the other hand, the HMX KD200 stands out as the clackiest switch in the HMX Film line, making it a prime choice for those who prioritize sound and want a more pronounced auditory experience while typing. Both switches cater to different user preferences: the Glimp for a balanced and comfortable feel, and the KD200 for those who love a loud and vibrant sound. 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
50g
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
Ly
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
18mm spring
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The KTT Glimp and the HMX KD200 showcase distinct differences in their top housing materials, which significantly influence the acoustic profiles of each switch. The Glimp features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its stiffness and translucency, both of which contribute to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This not only enhances the clarity of the sound profile but also complements RGB lighting setups due to its ability to allow light to pass through. In contrast, the KD200 utilizes a nylon top housing, a material renowned for its softer composition, which absorbs sound and produces a deeper, fuller auditory experience. The nylon's inherent qualities create a more muted sound, leading to a rounder auditory profile that diverges from the more vibrant sound characteristic of polycarbonate housing.
On the other hand, both the KTT Glimp and HMX KD200 share similar material choices for their bottom housings, with both employing nylon. This uniformity in material means that both switches will impart a deeper and fuller sound profile during key presses, as nylon's softer nature helps in sound absorption. Consequently, when pressing down on either switch, the player will experience a consistent bottoming-out sound that is cohesive between the two models. This shared nylon bottom housing enhances the overall tactile feel, ensuring that users of both switches can expect a satisfying response during use.
Thus, while the top housing of each switch differs significantly—resulting in contrasting sound profiles—the bottom housings contribute similarly to the tactile and auditory experience. The distinct sound outputs during key release due to the top materials define each model's character; yet, the uniformity of nylon in the bottom housing serves to bridge the gap, ensuring that both the KTT Glimp and the HMX KD200 deliver a satisfying experience in terms of sound and feel when pressed. This careful balance of materials allows for individualized preferences based on sound profile while retaining a shared tactile response, making both switches appealing to various users.
Weight
When comparing the KTT Glimp linear switch and the HMX KD200 linear switch, we find several distinctions in their actuation and bottom out forces. The KTT Glimp has an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, categorizing it as medium-light. In contrast, the HMX KD200 features a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams, but a lighter bottom out force of 50 grams. This makes the KD200 overall a lighter switch, particularly in terms of bottoming out, which may appeal to users who favor ease of use during extended typing or gaming sessions. Meanwhile, the Glimp’s higher bottom out force of 53 grams provides a more substantial feel when fully pressed, appealing to those who prefer a stronger tactile experience. Therefore, while both switches are relatively light, the KD200 offers a lighter overall experience, especially at the point of bottoming out, while the Glimp provides a little more resistance at full depression.
Travel distance
When comparing the KTT Glimp linear switch and the HMX KD200 linear switch, the differences in travel distance are notable. The Glimp features a travel distance of 4 mm, which aligns with the more traditional and deeper feel that many users appreciate for its satisfying keypress experience. In contrast, the KD200 has a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm, catering to those who prefer a quicker and more responsive touch, often favored by gamers seeking faster operational speeds. Thus, if you prioritize a more pronounced keypress depth, the Glimp would be the advantageous choice, while the KD200 would be ideal for users who appreciate shorter distances for rapid responsiveness. Overall, the KTT Glimp offers a longer travel distance than the HMX KD200.
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 HMX KD200 has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the KD200 for $3.29.
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, both the KTT Glimp and HMX KD200 linear switches lean towards a more vibrant auditory profile, with the Glimp being specifically described as "fairly clacky." This suggests a sharp and snappy sound that can enhance the experience for those who appreciate auditory feedback while typing. The KD200, recognized as the clackiest member of the HMX Film switch family, implies that its sound profile also carries a pronounced level of audibility. While the Glimp's sound is characterized as crisp and bright, the KD200's description suggests an even greater emphasis on auditory feedback. Therefore, both switches are likely to produce a lively, engaging sound, making them suitable for users who enjoy a clacky experience.
In terms of feel, the Glimp switch is noted for its creamy and mild characteristics, offering a smooth and buttery typing experience alongside a balanced actuation force. This design features potentially factory-lubricated components that create a silky sensation during use, ensuring a pleasant tactile experience. On the other hand, the HMX KD200 linear switch does not have specific descriptors provided regarding its feel. This leaves some uncertainty about how it compares in tactile feedback. However, given that both switches are linear, one could expect that they might provide similar smoothness in actuation, although the KD200's exact feel is not clearly detailed.
In conclusion, the KTT Glimp and HMX KD200 linear switches present themselves as appealing options for those seeking engaging auditory and tactile experiences. The Glimp's notable clacky sound, creamy feel, and mild characteristics make it a balanced choice for various users. Conversely, while the KD200 reinforces the clacky sound profile, its feel remains undetermined, leading to some ambiguity. If you're prioritizing loud, responsive switches with enjoyable sound profiles, either option can offer a rewarding typing experience, yet the Glimp provides a more comprehensive overview of tactile attributes.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the KTT Glimp linear switch and the HMX KD200 linear switch ultimately depends on your typing preferences and use cases. If you appreciate a balance of satisfying feedback and comfort, the Glimp is an excellent choice. Its medium-light actuation force of 53 grams allows for a substantial typing experience without excessive resistance, making it suitable for both casual typing and long sessions at work. The clacky sound profile adds an enjoyable auditory experience, making it fun to type on, while the creamy feel ensures smooth keystrokes. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch with a more pronounced auditory feedback, the KD200, with its 50-gram actuation force and clackiest sound in the HMX family, might be the switch for you. Its lightweight nature makes for effortless typing, especially for those looking to maximize speed and response in their gaming or fast-paced typing tasks. Both switches cater to different aspects of the typing experience, so consider your own style — whether you prioritize tactile comfort and a moderate sound with the Glimp, or a lightweight and pronounced auditory feedback with the KD200 — to make the best choice for your mechanical keyboard.
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