KTT Glimp vs. Bsun Kiki Red
An in-depth look at the KTT Glimp and the Bsun Kiki Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the KTT Glimp and the Bsun Kiki Red, both linear switches, offer unique characteristics to enhance your typing experience. The Glimp switch provides a satisfying tactile feedback and comfortable actuation force, resulting in a balanced typing experience with a fairly clacky sound profile. On the other hand, the Kiki Reds offer a finely-tuned typing experience with a high-pitched, clacky nuance and all-POM housings for a unique sound signature. While the Glimp switch is categorized as 'Clacky', 'Creamy', and 'Mild', the Kiki Reds are labeled as 'Clacky', 'Creamy', 'Frictionless', 'Polished', 'Silky', 'Snappy', and 'Easy-to-press'. Ultimately, each switch caters to different preferences and typing styles. 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
42g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
18mm spring
Spring
20.4mm single-stage nickel-plated spring
Housing materials
The KTT Glimp and the Bsun Kiki Red both offer unique housing materials that contribute to their distinct sound profiles. The Glimp features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for creating a sharper, crisper sound profile. In contrast, the Kiki Red utilizes a POM top housing, resulting in a deeper and more muted sound. While both materials are effective in creating pleasant typing experiences, their differences in sound characteristics offer users a variety of options to suit their preferences.
In terms of bottom housing, the Glimp's nylon material provides a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, absorbing more sound than harder plastics. Similarly, the Kiki Red's POM bottom housing also contributes to a deeper and more muted sound profile. Both switches offer a unique typing experience thanks to their choice of housing materials, showing that even slight variations in material can have a significant impact on the overall sound and feel of a switch.
Overall, the Glimp and the Kiki Red showcase how different housing materials can influence the sound profile of a switch. While the Glimp's polycarbonate top housing delivers a clearer and sharper sound compared to the Kiki Red's POM top housing, both switches offer a pleasing typing experience. Whether you prefer a sharper, higher-pitched sound or a deeper, more muted tone, these switches demonstrate the importance of housing materials in creating a unique typing experience. Ultimately, users can choose between the Glimp and the Kiki Red based on their preferences for sound profile and typing feel.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Glimp linear switch and the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch, it is clear that the KTT Glimp is slightly heavier compared to the Bsun Kiki Red. The Glimp has an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, while the Kiki Red has an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. This means that the KTT Glimp requires a bit more force to actuate and bottom out compared to the Bsun Kiki Red. Despite the slight difference, both switches provide a relatively light typing experience, making them suitable for those who prefer a lighter feel when typing. However, if someone prefers a slightly firmer keystroke, they may lean towards the KTT Glimp for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The KTT Glimp linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that the KTT Glimp has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Bsun Kiki Red. The difference may not be significant for some users, but those who prefer a bit more depth when typing may lean towards the KTT Glimp. On the other hand, the Bsun Kiki Red may appeal to those who prefer a slightly shorter travel distance for faster response times, especially gamers. Overall, both switches offer a similar experience in terms of travel distance, with the KTT Glimp being slightly longer than the Bsun Kiki Red.
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 Bsun Kiki Red has an MSRP of $4.70 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Kiki Red for $3.83.
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 Glimp and Kiki Red switches are described as 'clacky,' producing a sharp and snappy sound when pressed. This means that users can expect a similar auditory experience with either switch, enjoying a crisp, bright, and percussive sound profile. However, keep in mind that the overall sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Glimp offers a 'creamy' and 'mild' typing experience, characterized by a smooth and gentle tactile feedback. On the other hand, the Kiki Red provides a range of descriptions including 'creamy,' 'frictionless,' 'polished,' 'silky,' 'snappy,' and 'easy-to-press,' all pointing towards a smooth, refined, and effortless typing feel with minimal resistance. While each switch may offer slightly different nuances in feel, both promise a comfortable and enjoyable typing experience for users who appreciate subtlety in tactile feedback and finesse in performance.
In conclusion, both the KTT Glimp linear switch and the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch offer a delightful typing experience with their unique sound profiles and smooth tactile feedback. While there may be slight variations in feel between the two switches based on the descriptors provided, users can expect a similar level of satisfaction and performance from either option. Ultimately, the choice between the Glimp and Kiki Red switches will come down to personal preference in terms of sound and feel, with both switches catering to enthusiasts who value a balance of comfort, responsiveness, and auditory feedback in their mechanical keyboards.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the KTT Glimp linear switch or the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch, you should take into account your preferences for bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel. If you prefer a medium-light switch with tactile feedback and a clacky sound profile, the Glimp switch may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you desire a light switch with a comfortably high-pitched, clacky nuance and a smooth actuation, the Kiki Red switch could be the better option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing preferences and the overall typing experience you are seeking.
Mentioned in this article
