KTT Glimp vs. Everglide Lightning Silver V3
An in-depth look at the KTT Glimp and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the KTT Glimp and Everglide Lightning Silver V3 stand out as top contenders within the linear switch category. The Glimp switch is known for its medium-light actuation force that provides a satisfying typing experience without overwhelming resistance. It offers tactile feedback and a fairly clacky sound profile, making typing sessions enjoyable and responsive. On the other hand, the Lightning Silver V3 made by Everglide boasts a clacky and high-pitched sound signature, as well as a silky, seamless typing experience. One unique feature of the Lightning Silver V3 is its light diffuser, enhancing RGB illumination for a vibrant keyboard setup. Both switches have their own strengths and characteristics that might appeal to different preferences, but diving deeper into their specifics will help you determine the best switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
43g
Actuation force
48g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
1.50 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
18mm spring
Spring
Lengthened gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The Glimp and the Lightning Silver V3 both feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate being a relatively stiffer plastic, resulting in a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. However, the Glimp's nylon bottom housing provides a deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound compared to the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Lightning Silver V3.
While both switches utilize polycarbonate in their top housings for similar sound characteristics, the difference lies in their bottom housings. The Glimp's nylon bottom housing offers a unique sound experience with a deeper and fuller sound profile, whereas the Lightning Silver V3's polycarbonate bottom housing complements the sharp and clear sound profile of its top housing. This contrast shows how housing materials can impact the overall sound and feel of a switch, with each material bringing its own qualities to the typing experience.
In terms of typing experience, the choice of housing materials in switches like the Glimp and the Lightning Silver V3 can influence the sound and feel when pressing down and releasing a key. The bottom housing plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing affects the sound when releasing a key. With the Glimp's combination of polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing, users can experience a mix of sharpness and depth in sound, whereas the Lightning Silver V3's consistent use of polycarbonate throughout provides a more uniform sound profile. Ultimately, the housing materials chosen for a switch can greatly impact the overall typing experience for users.
Weight
The KTT Glimp linear switch and Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch both offer smooth linear typing experiences, but there are some differences when it comes to actuation and bottom out forces. The Glimp has a lighter actuation force at 43 grams compared to the Lightning Silver V3's 48 grams, making it easier to trigger keystrokes. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Glimp requires 53 grams, while the Lightning Silver V3 needs 60 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience. Overall, the Glimp is lighter in both actuation and bottom out forces, making it ideal for those who prefer a lighter typing feel, while the Lightning Silver V3 offers a slightly heavier touch for those who prefer a more substantial typing experience. Both switches provide a different typing experience, allowing users to choose the option that best suits their typing preferences.
Travel distance
The KTT Glimp linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, making it slightly longer than the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch, which has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. While both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, the Glimp offers a bit more depth compared to the Lightning Silver V3. Gamers looking for faster response times may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Lightning Silver V3, while those who enjoy a more substantial keypress may gravitate towards the longer travel distance of the Glimp. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
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 Everglide Lightning Silver V3 has an MSRP of $5.55 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Lightning Silver V3 for $4.10.
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
In terms of sound, both the KTT Glimp and Everglide Lightning Silver V3 switches are described as having a clacky sound profile, providing a sharp and snappy sound when pressed. However, the Glimp switch is also noted to have a neutral sound profile, which makes it suitable for a wide range of users in various settings. The Lightning Silver V3, on the other hand, has a high-pitched sound signature, offering a sharp and crisp sound that may be preferred by those seeking a more vibrant auditory experience. Ultimately, your choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference for sound, as both can provide satisfying typing experiences depending on your desired sound profile.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the Glimp switch is described as offering a creamy and mild typing experience. The creamy sensation provides a smooth and buttery feel while typing, enhancing the overall typing experience with a silky sensation. The mild characteristic of the switch ensures a gentle typing experience that is approachable to most users. In contrast, the Lightning Silver V3 is specifically highlighted for its silky typing experience, offering an exceptionally smooth feel that minimizes resistance when pressing and releasing keys. If you prefer a smoother typing experience with minimal resistance, the Lightning Silver V3 may be the ideal choice for you.
In conclusion, both the KTT Glimp and Everglide Lightning Silver V3 switches offer unique experiences in terms of sound and feel. While the Glimp switch provides a balanced and comfortable typing experience with a clacky sound profile and creamy/mild feel, the Lightning Silver V3 offers a vibrant sound signature and exceptionally smooth feel with its silky typing experience. Depending on your preferences for sound and feel, either switch can provide a satisfying typing experience, ensuring that you'll get similar results in terms of performance and enjoyment regardless of your choice.
Conclusion
In summary, when choosing between the KTT Glimp linear switch and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch, you should consider your preferences in typing experience. If you prefer a medium-light switch with a tactile feedback and comfortable actuation force, along with a clacky sound profile, then the Glimp switch may be the better option for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a switch with a high-pitched and clacky sound signature, along with a silky and seamless typing experience, then the Lightning Silver V3 switch would be the ideal choice. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize the typing feel, sound profile, and overall experience that each switch offers. Consider your personal preferences and requirements to determine which switch aligns best with your needs.
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