KTT Glimp vs. TKC Kiwi
An in-depth look at the KTT Glimp and the TKC Kiwi switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
If you're in the market for a new mechanical keyboard switch, you may be considering the KTT Glimp, a linear switch, or the TKC Kiwi, a tactile switch. The Glimp switch is best known for its medium-light weight, striking a perfect balance between substantial typing experience and comfortable actuation force. With its tactile feedback and satisfyingly clacky sound profile, the Glimp switch offers a responsive and enjoyable typing feel. On the other hand, the Kiwi switch is designed to enhance your typing experience with a medium to medium-strong bump at the top of each key press. Its snappy sound profile adds to the immersive typing experience. Additionally, the Kiwi switches are lightly factory lubed, ensuring a smooth and effortless typing experience right out of the box. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide which switch suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
43g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
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
UHWMPE
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
UHWMPE
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
18mm spring
Spring
Gold coated spring
Housing materials
The KTT Glimp and TKC Kiwi switches have different housing materials, resulting in distinct sound profiles and typing experiences. The Glimp features a polycarbonate top housing, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This material is known for its stiffness, creating a clear and resonant sound profile. Additionally, its translucency makes it ideal for RGB lighting. On the other hand, the Kiwi boasts a UHWMPE top housing, a newer material that provides a very bright sound signature. Typing on switches with UHWMPE housings produces resonant clacks, adding a unique auditory experience. While both materials enhance the sound profile, they differ in terms of pitch and overall tonality.
In terms of bottom housing, the Glimp utilizes nylon, a classic switch housing material. Nylon creates a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to harder plastics. Its softness allows it to absorb more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Similarly, the Kiwi incorporates UHWMPE for its bottom housing, which also contributes to a bright sound signature and resonant clacks. Both materials offer a distinct auditory feedback when typing on the switches. However, nylon provides a deeper and fuller sound, while UHWMPE enhances the brightness and resonance.
When comparing the top and bottom housings, it's important to note that each material brings its own qualities to the switch. The bottom housing has a more significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing the key. Therefore, the Glimp and Kiwi switches will deliver different typing experiences due to the different housing materials used in both the top and bottom sections. While the Glimp may provide a clearer and crisper sound due to its polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing, the Kiwi's UHWMPE top and bottom housing will contribute to a brighter and resonant sound. Overall, the choice between the two switches ultimately comes down to personal preference in terms of sound profile and typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Glimp linear switch and the TKC Kiwi tactile switch, the main difference lies in their bottom out forces. The Glimp has a medium-light actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, while the Kiwi also has a 43 gram actuation force but a heavier bottom out force of 67 grams, qualifying as medium-heavy. This disparity means that the Glimp provides a more consistent and lighter typing experience throughout, while the Kiwi offers a slightly heavier and more substantial feeling when keys are fully pressed. However, if one desires similar results in terms of actuation and bottom out forces, the two switches will indeed deliver comparable outcomes in their actuation force of 43 grams. The weight of the switch is an important consideration, as a lighter switch allows for prolonged typing sessions, making it suitable for work or extended gaming. Conversely, individuals seeking a more substantial typing experience may prefer switches with heavier forces.
Travel distance
The KTT Glimp linear switch and the TKC Kiwi tactile switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key with either switch, you will feel the same distance of travel. Both switches provide a consistent and satisfying experience for users. Whether you choose the Glimp or the Kiwi, you can expect similar results in terms of the tactile feedback and overall typing experience.
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 TKC Kiwi comes in at $8.00 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
The Glimp switch is best known for its tactile feedback and comfortable actuation force, providing a satisfying and responsive typing feel. It offers a fairly clacky sound profile, adding an enjoyable auditory element to typing sessions. On the other hand, the Kiwi switch is designed to enhance the typing experience with a medium to medium-strong bump at the top of each key press. It has a satisfyingly snappy sound profile, delivering a truly immersive typing experience. The Kiwi switches are lightly factory lubed, resulting in a smooth and effortless typing experience right out of the box.
In terms of sound, the Glimp switch is described as clacky, producing a sharp and snappy sound when pressed. This sound can be described as crisp, bright, and percussive. On the other hand, the Kiwi switch has a low-pitched sound profile, featuring a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. Both switches have a neutral sound profile overall, suitable for most intents and purposes.
When it comes to feel, the Glimp switch offers a creamy typing experience, thanks to lubrication applied at the factory or specific materials used. Typing on a Glimp switch feels smooth and buttery, with a silky sensation and effortless keystrokes. The Glimp switch is also described as having a mild feel, providing a gentle typing experience that is approachable to most users.
The Kiwi switch, on the other hand, is a stepped switch, meaning it feels like it has two stages with some pre-travel and/or post-travel. It is also described as accented, offering a medium level of tactility that is neither overwhelming nor subtle. Additionally, the Kiwi switch is polished, resulting in a smooth and refined finish that offers reduced friction and smooth key travel.
In conclusion, the Glimp and Kiwi switches differ in sound and feel. The Glimp switch has a clacky sound profile and offers a creamy and mild typing experience, while the Kiwi switch has a low-pitched sound profile and offers a stepped, accented, and polished typing experience. While the switches have different subjective qualities, if you prefer a medium to medium-strong bump with a smooth and effortless typing experience, the Kiwi switch would be a suitable choice. Similarly, if you prefer a medium-light switch with tactile feedback and a satisfying clacky sound, the Glimp switch would provide similar results. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and the typing experience you are looking for.
Conclusion
To wrap up, if you're looking for a medium-light switch with tactile feedback and a clacky sound profile, the KTT Glimp would be a great choice for you. It offers a substantial typing experience without overwhelming resistance and has a satisfying and responsive feel. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy switch with a snappy sound profile and a medium to medium-strong bump, the TKC Kiwi is the way to go. These switches provide a truly immersive typing experience with their satisfyingly snappy sound and smooth key travel. Ultimately, the decision between the KTT Glimp and TKC Kiwi depends on your preferences for bottom out force, sound, and feel. Whether you prioritize a clacky sound and creamy feel or a low-pitched sound and stepped or polished feel, both switches offer unique features that enhance your typing experience. Overall, it's all about finding the switch that suits your personal taste and typing style.
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