KTT Glimp vs. Durock Light Tactile

Overview

Introducing the KTT Glimp, a linear switch, and the Durock Light Tactile, a tactile switch - two mechanical keyboard switches that offer unique advantages to enhance your typing experience. The Glimp switch is best known for striking the perfect balance between a substantial typing experience and a comfortable actuation force. With its tactile feedback and satisfyingly responsive feel, the Glimp switch provides a medium-light typing experience without overwhelming resistance. Additionally, its fairly clacky sound profile adds an enjoyable auditory element to your typing sessions. On the other hand, the Durock Light Tactile switch stands out for its gentle tactility, offering a welcome contrast to the sharper tactile switches commonly found in the market. Typing on these switches provides an angelic tactility accompanied by a jelly-like sound signature. While both switches fall under the categories of 'Mild' and 'Neutral', the Glimp switch leans towards being 'Clacky' and 'Creamy', while the Light Tactile switch is 'Polished'. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.

By the numbers

KTT Glimp Linear

Durock Light Tactile Tactile

$3.84

$3.45 per 10

$5.50

$4.25 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The KTT Glimp and Durock Light Tactile both share a polycarbonate top housing, which brings similar characteristics to the switches. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The relatively stiffer plastic of polycarbonate leads to a more clear and resonant sound, making it ideal for users who prioritize a distinct sound experience. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for the utilization of RGB lighting, enhancing the visual appeal of the switches. Therefore, both the Glimp and Light Tactile will provide comparable results in terms of sound and lighting aesthetics due to their shared polycarbonate top housing.

However, when it comes to the bottom housing, the KTT Glimp features a nylon material while the Durock Light Tactile also utilizes nylon. The choice of nylon as a classic switch housing material brings different qualities to the switches. Typing on switches that use nylon elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is because nylon is a relatively softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Therefore, the bottom housing of the Glimp is likely to deliver a deeper and fuller sound when bottoming out keys compared to the Light Tactile.

In terms of overall experience, the difference in bottom housing materials between the Glimp and Light Tactile means that pressing down on the switches will provide different sensations. The qualities of the bottom housing, influenced by the softer nature of nylon, will have a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, the top housing, which is shared between the two switches, will play a more significant role in determining the sound when releasing a key. Users can choose between the Glimp and Light Tactile based on their preference for either a deeper and fuller sound (with the Glimp's nylon bottom housing) or a sharper and crisper sound (with the shared polycarbonate top housing).

Weight

When comparing the KTT Glimp linear switch and the Durock Light Tactile tactile switch, there is a clear distinction in their actuation force and bottom out force. The Glimp has a lighter actuation force of 43 grams, while the Light Tactile requires 52 grams. This means that the Glimp is easier to trigger with a keystroke. In terms of bottom out force, the Glimp has a lighter force of 53 grams, while the Light Tactile requires 67 grams, making it a heavier option.

Considering weight, those who prefer a lighter typing experience will find the Glimp more suitable. The lighter actuation and bottom out forces allow for longer periods of comfortable typing, making it ideal for work or extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, those who prefer a more substantial typing experience and enjoy a stronger push feel may gravitate towards the Light Tactile switch. The heavier actuation and bottom out forces provide a more pronounced tactile response, offering a satisfying and robust typing experience.

While the forces of the Glimp and Light Tactile switches are different, it's worth noting that both switches fall within the medium category. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference and the desired typing experience.

Travel distance

The travel distance of the KTT Glimp linear switch is 4 mm, while the Durock Light Tactile tactile switch also has a travel distance of 4 mm. Therefore, both switches have the same travel distance, providing a similar experience when pressing down on a key. This means that users can expect a consistent feel and feedback from both switches, making them suitable choices for those who prefer a specific travel distance. Whether it be gaming or typing, both the KTT Glimp linear switch and the Durock Light Tactile tactile switch will deliver a reliable and satisfying typing experience with their equal travel distances.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The KTT Glimp linear switch and the Durock Light Tactile tactile switch have different subjective qualities when it comes to sound and feel.

In terms of sound, the Glimp is best described as clacky, producing a sharp and snappy sound when pressed. This crisp and bright sound adds an enjoyable auditory element to your typing sessions. On the other hand, the Light Tactile switch has a more neutral sound profile. It does not have an overwhelming sound and is suitable for most intents and purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced user.

When it comes to feel, the Glimp switch offers a creamy and mild typing experience. It has a smooth and buttery feel, allowing your fingers to effortlessly glide across the keys with ease. The Glimp switch strikes a balance between a substantial typing experience and comfortable actuation force. In contrast, the Light Tactile switch provides a gentle tactility. It is less sharp compared to other tactile switches on the market, giving a more approachable and middle-ground typing experience. Additionally, the Light Tactile switch is polished, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel.

Overall, the Glimp switch is recommended for those who prefer a medium-light switch with tactile feedback and a clacky sound profile. It provides a satisfying and responsive typing feel. On the other hand, the Light Tactile switch is suitable for those seeking a gentle tactility and a neutral sound profile. It offers a more approachable typing experience. However, it's important to consider other factors such as the choice of keyboard board and keycaps, as they can also affect the sound and feel of the switches.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you're looking for a medium-light switch with a satisfying typing experience and tactile feedback, then the KTT Glimp linear switch would be an excellent choice for you. With its comfortable actuation force and clacky sound profile, you can enjoy a responsive and enjoyable typing session.

On the other hand, if you prefer a gentle tactile switch with a more subdued sound signature, the Durock Light Tactile tactile switch is the way to go. Its angelic tactility and jelly-like sound make for a unique and pleasant typing experience.

Both switches have a neutral sound profile, making them suitable for various purposes. They also offer different feels, with the Glimp providing a creamy and mild typing experience, while the Light Tactile offers a mild and polished feel with reduced friction.

Ultimately, your choice between these switches will depend on your personal preferences and typing style. Consider factors such as actuation force, sound profile, and typing experience to determine which switch will best meet your needs.

Mentioned in this article

KTT Glimp Linear

$3.84

$3.45 per 10

Learn more

Durock Light Tactile Tactile

$5.50

$4.25 per 10

Learn more