KTT Glimp vs. Gateron Luciola

Overview

The KTT Glimp and the Gateron Luciola are two mechanical keyboard switches that offer distinct features and advantages. The Glimp switch is best known for striking the perfect balance between a substantial typing experience and manageable resistance. With its tactile feedback and comfortable actuation force, the Glimp switch provides a satisfying and responsive typing feel. Additionally, its fairly clacky sound profile adds an enjoyable auditory element to your typing sessions. On the other hand, the Gateron Luciola switches are eye-catching, as they glow in the dark, making them visually appealing. These switches offer a smooth and bouncy typing feel, along with a unique hollow sound profile reminiscent of a can of spray paint being shaken. With its categorized features like 'Clacky', 'Creamy', 'Mild', 'Neutral' for the Glimp and 'Snappy', 'Clacky', 'Chirpy', 'Marbly', 'Buttery', 'High-pitched', 'Polished' for the Luciola, both switches have their own distinct characteristics to cater to individual preferences. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits you.

By the numbers

KTT Glimp Linear

Gateron Luciola Linear

$3.84

$3.45 per 10

$7.50

$6.50 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The housing materials of the KTT Glimp and the Gateron Luciola differ in terms of the top housing. The Glimp utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the relatively stiffer nature of polycarbonate, which allows for a clearer and resonant sound. On the other hand, the Luciola features a proprietary INK blend top housing. This creates a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound profile that is described as clacky, providing a satisfying thin sound. While both materials contribute to an enhanced sound experience, the Glimp's polycarbonate offers a more distinct and resonant tone compared to the Luciola's INK blend.

In terms of the bottom housing, the KTT Glimp adopts a nylon material, which elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the contrary, the Gateron Luciola employs a proprietary INK blend for its bottom housing. Similar to its top housing, this creates a higher-pitched sound profile that is described as clacky. While both materials influence the sound produced by the switches, the Glimp's nylon bottom housing offers a deeper and fuller tone, while the Luciola's INK blend contributes to a thinner and higher-pitched sound.

When it comes to the overall sound experience of these switches, the combination of the top and bottom housing materials plays a significant role. While the Glimp and the Luciola differ in their housing materials, both switches offer a satisfying sound profile. The Glimp's polycarbonate top housing, partnered with the nylon bottom housing, creates a clear and resonant sound with a deeper tone. On the other hand, the Luciola's proprietary INK blend housing for both the top and bottom results in a higher-pitched sound profile, lending a clacky and thin tone. Therefore, despite the variations in materials, both switches offer unique and desirable sound characteristics.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Glimp linear switch and the Gateron Luciola linear switch, there are noticeable differences. The Glimp has a lighter actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, making it a medium-light switch. On the other hand, the Luciola requires a heavier actuation force of 55 grams and has a bottom out force of 60 grams, categorizing it as a medium switch.

For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the KTT Glimp would be the ideal choice. With its lower actuation and bottom out force, it offers a more effortless and swift keystroke, making it suitable for extended periods of typing or long gaming sessions. On the contrary, the Gateron Luciola appeals to individuals who enjoy a stronger push feel. With its heavier forces, the Luciola provides a more substantial and tactile typing experience.

Although their actuation and bottom out forces may differ, both switches fall within the medium range. Therefore, if one desires similar results, either switch can deliver a satisfying typing experience. Ultimately, the decision between the KTT Glimp and Gateron Luciola depends on individual preferences regarding weight and typing feel.

Travel distance

The KTT Glimp linear switch has a travel distance of 4.0mm, while the Gateron Luciola linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6mm. The Glimp has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Luciola. The 4.0mm travel distance of the Glimp is closer to the traditional travel distance, while the 3.6mm travel distance of the Luciola is slightly shallower. However, with the increasing preference for shorter travel distances in gaming, the 3.6mm travel distance of the Luciola is advantageous for gamers seeking faster response times. On the other hand, those who prefer a more substantial feel while typing or gaming may opt for the Glimp with its 4.0mm travel distance. Overall, the choice between these switches depends on personal preference and the desired level of responsiveness or depth.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, both the KTT Glimp and the Gateron Luciola switches offer a clacky profile. A clacky keyboard switch produces a sharp and snappy sound when pressed, giving a crisp, bright, and percussive auditory experience. The Glimp switch, in particular, adds an enjoyable element to your typing sessions with its fairly clacky sound profile. On the other hand, the Luciola switch offers additional sound options such as being chirpy, marbly, or high-pitched. The specific sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors like the keyboard board and keycaps chosen. However, if you prefer a clacky sound, you can expect similar results from both switches.

In terms of feel, the KTT Glimp switch is known for its tactile feedback and comfortable actuation force, offering a satisfying and responsive typing feel. With a medium-light switch, it strikes the perfect balance for those seeking a substantial typing experience without overwhelming resistance. It is described as creamy and mild, providing a smooth and gentle typing experience that is approachable to most users. On the other hand, the Gateron Luciola switch offers a smooth and bouncy typing feel with a medium heft. It can be described as snappy, buttery, and polished, providing a super responsive and fluid keystroke experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.

Taking into consideration the available information, the KTT Glimp and Gateron Luciola switches have different sound profiles, with the Glimp being more clacky and the Luciola offering additional options. In terms of feel, the Glimp switch is described as creamy and mild, while the Luciola switch is described as snappy, buttery, and polished. Both switches offer a satisfying and responsive typing experience, but the specific qualities vary. Based on individual preferences, one switch may be preferred over the other.

Conclusion

To sum up, when choosing between the KTT Glimp linear switch and the Gateron Luciola linear switch, there are a few factors to consider. The Glimp switch is ideal for those who prefer a medium-light bottom out force and a tactile feedback that offers a satisfying typing experience. Its clacky sound profile adds an enjoyable auditory element to your typing sessions. On the other hand, the Luciola switch is best suited for those who appreciate a medium bottom out force and a smooth and bouncy typing feel. Its unique sound profiles, including a clacky, chirpy, marbly, and high-pitched option, adds variety to your typing experience.

In terms of the sound profile, both switches offer a clacky option, which produces a sharp and snappy sound when pressed. This can be ideal if you prefer a crisp and bright sound. However, if you're looking for more variety, the Luciola switch offers additional options such as chirpy, marbly, and high-pitched sounds, which can cater to different preferences.

When it comes to the typing feel, the Glimp switch provides a creamy and mild experience, offering a smooth and gentle typing sensation. This can make your typing sessions feel effortless and comfortable. On the other hand, the Luciola switch offers a snappy, buttery, and polished feel. This means that the typing experience is more responsive, seamless, and refined, providing smooth key travel and reduced friction.

Ultimately, the choice between the KTT Glimp linear switch and the Gateron Luciola linear switch depends on your personal preferences. If you value a medium-light bottom out force, tactile feedback, and a clacky sound profile, the Glimp switch could be the right choice for you. Alternatively, if you prefer a medium bottom out force, a smooth and bouncy typing feel, and a range of unique sound profiles, the Luciola switch might be more suitable. Consider your typing preferences and priorities to make the best decision for your mechanical keyboard setup.

Mentioned in this article

KTT Glimp Linear

$3.84

$3.45 per 10

Learn more

Gateron Luciola Linear

$7.50

$6.50 per 10

Learn more